As we enter into the first few weeks of Spring it’s only fitting that we shed light on why it is so important to eat seasonally. As a member of our farm box program, I am sure you already know the importance of eating in season, you’re crushing it!
1. Better for your health
- First off, seasonal food = fresher food. Plain and simple. Seasonal foods are coming from local farms (if you are getting a farm box or shopping at the farmers market) meaning it is getting to you quicker and being harvested within 1-2 days of it being packed in your farm box.
- Fresher food = more nutrient-rich food. The more nutrients in your food, the more nutrients going into your body.
- Seasonal foods offer nutrients we need for flu/cold season. All year long, nature is providing us with nutrients we need to combat sickness. Winter is the greatest example of Vitamin C available in citrus, cauliflower, and more.
2. Better for environment
- Seasonal food that is coming from your area requires less transportation and distribution. If you are a farm box member or farmers market go-er then the food on your plate is using far less fossil fuels than the food in the grocery store that came from all over the world by truck or plane, not to mention all the packaging it came in, and the warehouse it has been stored in for weeks/months.
- The grocery store isn’t a terrible place, but next time you are there, ask yourself, “Is this is season? Where was it grown? How far did it have to come to get here?”
- Eating local + seasonal preserves our environment.
3. Tastes better!!!!!!
- It’s no secret that a vine-ripened fresh tomato in the peak of summer, is greater than any tomato you’ll get at the grocery store mid-winter from who knows where.
- When food tastes better, it makes us want to eat it ALL THE TIME. Craving tasty veggies = healthy body.
- Eating seasonally, means eating delicious foods at specific times of year. If you aren’t already, when you start eating seasonally, you’ll notice how much better strawberries taste in the summer. It is so rewarding having the first strawberry of tomato of the season, it makes you savor it that much more!
4. Supports Your Local Food System
- When you eat in season, the produce is at its peak of supply and abundant for consumers.
- Abundance means better prices - so you’ll save money and support your local farmers.
- Support your local food system year-round, it will ensure that we don’t need to really on foreign markets - especially in a time like this! Our local farmers our vital to our community, health, and longevity.
How can I tell what is in season?
The easiest thing to do (like you already are, GO YOU!) is to sign up for your local CSA, or shop at the farmers market. You’ll get the hang of it real quick, when you start frequenting these options you won’t even think twice!
What’s in season right now?
Spring Lettuces
Avocados
Spring Onions
Citrus
Arugula
Celery
Cabbage
SO much MORE!
What’s coming in the next few months?
Tomatoes of all sorts
Zucchini
Strawberries
Cucumbers
Snap Peas
Peppers
Homemade Fire Cider