Eating Seasonally
Downloadable resource included
Nothing beats the sweet burst of a fresh raspberry at the peak of its ripeness, especially when that raspberry has been grown in season and harvested on a farm near you. It really doesn’t get any better.
The thing about eating in season is that we get to enjoy fresh produce when it’s at its most vibrant in terms of colour, flavour, texture and fragrance – the four qualities which you know we like to focus on when it comes to the joy of food. When we eat produce which is naturally harvested during specific times of the year it is, quite simply, at its most naturally beautiful. It’s one of the main reasons we’re encouraged to make the most of what grows around us as the seasons change.
Being brighter, sweeter and juicier isn’t the only benefit to that locally grown raspberry picked at the height of summer though – far from it. When fruits and vegetables grown in their natural season are freshly harvested they are nutrient dense and contain their highest levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The nutritional benefits decrease significantly in produce which has been force-grown out of season, genetically modified, stored for long periods or transported for long distances. Left alone to do what nature intended at the right time and in the right way (minus the addition of harmful pesticides and chemicals), fruits and vegetables are nutritional powerhouses.
The nutritional benefits are compounded by the diversity in our diet which happens naturally when we start to eat more seasonally. When we work with the seasons we start to look for produce which we might not normally include in our diet and this leads to a much more diverse and varied way of eating. As different fruits and vegetables come into season throughout the year, it prompts us to explore new foods and recipes (who among us hasn’t bought Jerusalem artichokes when they’re in season then wondered what you’re meant to do with them), leading to a more balanced, nutritious and satisfying diet. The more variety there is in our diet, the greater the benefits to our health and wellbeing.
The benefits to eating seasonally aren’t all about us though. When it comes to how we can reduce our environmental impact, every step counts. Buying locally and buying seasonally can help reduce our carbon footprint: locally sourced foods require less transportation and refrigeration, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. They also require less of the pesticides and chemicals which can damage eco-systems and decrease bio-diversity, both of which we need for a thriving, productive environment. By eating seasonally we support local farmers and the agricultural community by contributing to the sustainability and vitality of regional food systems. Embracing seasonal eating is a simple yet powerful way to improve the quality of our diet, support local communities and reduce the environmental impact of food production. The benefits for personal and planetary health are huge. To help you get started check out this handy guide to eating seasonally which lists some of the produce you can enjoy in each season.
*This article was first published in Ayrshire Magazine