Eating In-Season



Photo Credit: Liz West

Spring is on our heels and with it a new season of fruits and veggies! We are blessed with a variety of produce each season but do you know which produce is associated with each season? You may know some (some are popular due to marketing) like pumpkins in the fall and watermelon in the summer. Now, what about the unsung produce, like turnips that grow in the winter or spring peas? Eating locally and in-season has more benefits than just having fun facts for trivia night. We can save money, receive more nutritious benefits and enjoy our food much more by knowing when and where our food is grown.


Health Benefits of Eating Seasonally 

Fruits and vegetables are originally grown in specific weather conditions. These conditions are part of what gives them the best potential to provide us with nutritional benefits for those upcoming seasons. For example, many cooling fruits and vegetables are grown in the summer like cucumbers and watermelon. This is the season where we lose hydration the most due to the heated weather. In the fall, we see a lot of beta-carotene containing produce. This can help boost our immune system and prepare us for those colder months. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is associated with the liver. We see many dark leafy greens growing during this time such as dandelion, arugula, and spinach that support liver function. [1,2]
Eating seasonally gives us the benefit of eating a variety of foods. Ever hear the phrase "Eat the rainbow"? Different foods have different health properties that you can gain from eating a diverse diet. It also helps remove the threat of developing food allergies and nutritional deficiencies. [3] 


Grow better, Tastes better

Not only does in-season food do better for our bodies, it tastes better! Fruits and vegetables consumed at their harvesting peek contain their best potential of natural nutrients from the soil influences the taste of our food. The health of the soil is very important and has natural helpers to maintain it like earthworms. They filter it, help break down organic matter and fertilize it; giving more nutrients to the soil.  In the winter, earthworms either borrow deep or are killed by the cold weather. The species survive by the laying of their eggs in sacs that protect them.[4] Their life begins anew in the springtime and the process of treating the soil begins again. 
I tell you this lifecycle to make the point that our soil is less nutritious in the winter (not only due to the lack of earthworms but lack of organic decomposing matter and other factors) and only certain produce can survive with less of it. Out of season fruits and vegetables are given alternative nutrition to survive. Although there are natural substitutes, most companies and farmers will go the cheaper route which is the usage of artificial fertilizer and chemicals to nourish and protect the growing food. The best way to enjoy out of season produce is by home preservation techniques such as jarring or freezing. 

Easier on your Wallet

Seasonal produce are usually lower in price because they are in surplus and farmers need to sell them. When you shop locally, the price can be even lower as shipping and handling is not a huge factor. On your next shopping trip, take a look at the prices of imported fruits and local fruits. The price difference can be quite dramatic!

How Do I know What's in Season?

Unfortunately, we live in a world where demand proceeds quality thus making this task quite difficult. Our stores look very much the same all year long instead flourishing with what is in-season. 
There are, however, tools available to help make it easier for us.  Seasonal Food Guide is a website and a downloadable app that provides information of what fruits and veggies are available in your area and within the season! I fell in love with this and am very grateful for this database. Click Here to download the Seasonal Food Guide App!

Aside from tools like this, education is the best approach. Learn about your area and your farmers. You may be surprised at what you discover!

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