Benefits of Seasonal Produce
Hi friends, Megan K. here and I’m so pizzle-pumped to share why seasonal produce is my foundation.
Shopping seasonal produce is my way of doing my part when it comes to conscious food purchasing, supporting local farmers and minimizing my carbon footprint.
So many of us are curious about seasonal produce and with that great curiosity comes the question I’m always asked, what is seasonal produce? Seasonal produce refers to fruits and vegetables that are harvested and available for consumption during a specific time of the year. These are crops that grow naturally during certain seasons and have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Seasonal produce includes a wide variety of fruits and vegetables such as strawberries in the spring, watermelon in the summer, pumpkins in the fall, and citrus fruits in the winter. By consuming seasonal produce, you are eating foods that are freshest and most nutritious, and you are supporting local farmers and the environment.
What I love most about seasonal produce is the benefits it has to everyone and everything involved in the process. Eating seasonal produce is one of the best things you can do for your health, the environment, and your taste buds. Seasonal produce is fresher, more nutritious, and more flavorful than its off-season and frozen counterparts.
Top benefits for eating seasonal produce.
Nutrient-Dense
Seasonal produce is picked at its peak of ripeness, which means it is packed with nutrients. Studies have shown that seasonal produce can contain up to three times more nutrients than produce that is grown out of season. For example, tomatoes that are grown in the summer are higher in vitamin C and antioxidants than tomatoes grown in the winter.
More Flavorful
When produce is picked at its peak of ripeness, it is more flavorful. This is because the natural sugars in the produce have had time to develop fully. Fruits and vegetables that are picked out of season are often picked before they are fully ripe and then ripened artificially. This can result in produce that is less flavorful and less nutritious.
Better for the Environment
Eating seasonal produce is better for the environment because it reduces the need for transportation and storage. When produce is grown out of season, it often has to be transported long distances and stored in warehouses for long periods of time. This transportation and storage require a lot of energy and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Eating seasonal produce reduces the environmental impact of food production and helps to support local farmers.
Saves Money
Seasonal produce is often less expensive than produce that is grown out of season. This is because there is an abundance of produce when it is in season, and farmers are able to sell it at a lower price. When produce is out of season, there is less supply, and farmers have to charge more to make up for the extra costs of transportation and storage.
Supports Local Farmers
When you eat seasonal produce, you are supporting local farmers. This is because local farmers are more likely to grow seasonal produce than out-of-season produce. By supporting local farmers, you are helping to sustain local agriculture and preserve farmland.
So friends, there are many benefits to eating seasonal produce. It is more nutrient-dense, more flavorful, better for the environment, saves money, and supports local farmers. So, the next time you go grocery shopping, be sure to look for seasonal produce and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.
What seasonal produce is available in my region?
Are you wondering what is in season in your region? Now that we have subscribed to eating seasonal, how do we find what’s in season in our region? There are five agricultural regions in the United States, each region has its own climate and soil which results in each region having specific fruits and vegetables that are grown each season. Also, each state has its own climate and soil so if you're getting specific, based on where you live and what time of year it is, the fruits and vegetables that are in season vary. Does that sound confusing? It doesn’t have to be. You can always check my instagram @megankgoldman for a monthly list of seasonal produce for your region. If you want to get specific for your state, keep reading…
To find local seasonal produce in your state, you can start by checking out local farmer's markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and farm stands. Here are some resources to help you locate local seasonal produce in your state:
Seasonal Food Guide
This website and app is the most comprehensive national database of seasonal food available in the US! The Seasonal Food Guide is designed to help you find out what produce is in season in your state throughout the year. https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/
Local Harvest
This website allows you to search for local farms, farmer's markets, and CSA programs by state and zip code. You can also read reviews and find information about the farms and markets.
https://www.localharvest.org/csa/
USDA Farmers Market Directory
The USDA provides a directory of farmers markets across the United States, organized by state.
State Agricultural Departments
Many state agricultural departments maintain a directory of local farms and farmer's markets. You can find your state's agricultural department website by doing a quick online search.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs
Many local farms offer CSA programs, which allow you to purchase a share of the farm's produce for a season. This is a great way to get fresh, local produce delivered directly to you. To find a CSA program in your area, you can search on Local Harvest or check with your local farmer's market.
Top 3 Reasons to Eat & Purchase Local Seasonal Produce Now
So friends, now that we have a greater understanding about seasonal produce please remember these top 3 reasons to eat and purchase local seasonal produce now:
You are supporting your local farmers and your local economy
Reducing the environmental impact of food transportation
Getting the freshest, most flavorful produce available
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