Walk into any big-brand supermarket, and you’ll likely find any food on your list. Even in the dead of winter, you’ll come across seasonal summer fruits like berries, cherries, and peaches. The same goes for summer — even during the hottest months of the year, winter squash and other cold-weather foods line the produce shelves.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to have easy, year-round access to a wide range of whole foods — like fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. But nature didn’t intend for it to be that way! Before genetically modified farming and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, seasonal eating was the norm. If it wasn’t in season, it wasn’t available!
Times have undoubtedly changed, but there’s something to be said about this way of eating. From benefiting the environment to bettering your health, there are so many reasons to consider eating with the season.
Ahead, I'm breaking down the basics of seasonal eating. Find out what’s in season, the benefits of seasonal eating, and how to get started!
What is Seasonal Eating?
Even if not intentional, you’re probably already eating with the season — at least to some extent! Our bodies naturally crave certain foods during different seasons.
So what is seasonal eating, anyway? The concept is simple — just like it sounds, seasonal eating is a way of eating that encourages you to eat in-season foods.
It’s not a diet at all. It’s simply a lifestyle that encourages you to be mindful of your food choices and, as best you can, fill your plate with local and seasonal foods. That said, with various regions and countries in mind, what’s in season will look different for everyone.
But why should you eat with the season in the first place? I'm so glad you asked!
The Benefits of Eating With the Season
It’s Better for the Environment
Without a doubt, eating with the season is better for the environment. Simply put, the food industry plays a significant role in environmental sustainability. If it’s not locally grown, the journey to get to your plate often involves a large carbon footprint. The further food is harvested, the more energy and resources it consumes to get to you. According to data, the average American meal travels over 1,500 miles before it gets to your kitchen. This means increased fossil fuels, carbon dioxide emissions, and waste from storage and packing.
By eating with the season and shopping for locally grown foods, you reduce the demand for out-of-season foods. The result? Less travel, fewer greenhouse emissions, and reduced waste and energy from storage and packaging. A win for sustainability!
In-Seasonal Foods Are More Nutrient-Dense
Out-of-season fruits and veggies are typically harvested well before peak freshness so they arrive ripe and ready to eat. By picking these fruits and veggies too early, you’re losing out on good-for-you nutrients. Studies suggest that when allowed to ripen on their own, fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients, giving us one more reason to consider eating with the season!
You’ll Get Superior Quality And Taste
Local and seasonal go hand in hand — i.e., seasonal foods are often grown locally. If you’re eating with the season, you’re likely to find foods that are fresher, tastier, and picked at their prime. Rather than eat a tomato that’s been harvested too early and then sprayed with chemicals or covered in wax to prolong its shelf life, you’ll get freshly picked, flavorful food.
What’s in Season
Here are the most common fruits and veggies by season! Remember: this may be different depending on your climate or location.
Spring Seasonal Produce
Fruits
Apples
Apricots
Bananas
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Pineapples
Strawberries
Vegetables
Asparagus
Avocados
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Celery
Collard Greens
Garlic
Kale
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Onions
Peas
Radishes
Rhubarb
Spinach
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Summer Seasonal Produce
Fruits
Apples
Apricots
Avocados
Bananas
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Cherries
Honeydew Melon
Lemons
Limes
Mangos
Peaches
Plums
Raspberries
Strawberries
Watermelon
Vegetables
Beets
Bell Peppers
Carrots
Celery
Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Garlic
Green Beans
Okra
Summer Squash
Tomatillos
Tomatoes
Zucchini
Fall Seasonal Produce
Fruit
Apples
Bananas
Beets
Cranberries
Grapes
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mangos
Pears
Pineapples
Raspberries
Vegetables
Bell Peppers
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Collard Greens
Garlic
Ginger
Green Beans
Herbs
Kale
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Peas
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Radishes
Rutabagas
Spinach
Sweet Potatoes & Yams
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Winter Squash
Winter Seasonal Produce
Fruit
Apples
Avocados
Bananas
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Lemons
Limes
Oranges
Pears
Pineapples
Vegetables
Beets
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Celery
Collard Greens
Herbs
Kale
Leeks
Onions
Parsnips
Potatoes
Pumpkin
Rutabagas
Sweet Potatoes & Yams
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Winter Squash
How to Get Started With Seasonal Eating
While it can be daunting to adjust your eating style, getting started with seasonal eating is easier than you think. You don’t need to uproot your lifestyle, and you don't need to avoid all of your favorite out-of-season foods until they’re in peak season!
Instead, use this seasonal eating guide as a starting point to help guide your food choices. It’s about mindfulness and effort, not perfection and restriction. Follow the above recommendations, further research the in-season foods in your area, and, as best you can, load up your plate with these nutrients!
There is a reason we crave lighter, cooler foods in the Summer, and more comforting, warming foods in the Winter. Listen to your body.
There are so many ways to get started. You could grow your own garden, hit up your local farmers market or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), or simply shop for seasonal goods at your local market! Find what works best for you.
Want some seasonal butternut squash recipes?
Get your free download here:
Comments