We live in a world where you can get nearly any food your heart desires. Do you want some mangoes in August? Not a problem. Craving some pineapple during the middle of winter? You can surely get it.
We are lucky enough to live in a time where recent advances in science and technology allow our favorite foods to be grown and transported all over the world so we can enjoy our favorite foods whenever we want. While having this variety is an important part of a healthy diet, adding in-season produce to your plate comes with a variety of benefits, both for your health and for the planet.
Benefits of Eating In-Season Foods
Have you been wondering if it's worth it to eat produce that is in season? If so, the answer is yes! There are a variety of benefits that come with eating in-season produce. Let's take a closer look at a few.
Fresh and Full of Flavor
There is nothing better than biting into a crisp apple in October or a juicy peach in August. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are at their best—ripe and full of flavor. While out-of-season produce usually has to be transported quite a distance before it ends up on the grocery store shelves, that usually isn't the case for foods that are in season. This means that the fruits and veggies will have been picked at peak ripeness, so you won't have to worry about the flavor being compromised by tartness or fermentation.
The Price is Right
Foods that are in season tend to be more affordable because they don't cost as much to produce. Off-season products usually require GMOs and greenhouse agriculture to grow, which makes them more expensive to produce. Not to mention other hidden charges like import fees and transportation costs that increase the price you see at the grocery store.
Nutrient-Rich
When fruits and vegetables are picked at their prime, they pack a stronger nutritional punch. In-season produce is harvested at peak ripeness, which means it has plenty of time to develop a mature and properly concentrated nutritional profile. Because of this, eating in-season produce means you'll get to benefit from all those important vitamins, minerals, and fibers that are present in ripe fruits and vegetables.
Less Processing
It's no secret that produce has a limited shelf life, which presents a big challenge when it comes to importing out-of-season produce. How do they keep the produce from rotting before it reaches its final destination? The answer is post-harvest treatments. These treatments usually include the use of chemicals to prevent rotting or speed up the ripening process. When you opt for in-season produce, you can rest assured that you are getting something that has been through very little, if any, post-harvest processing.
Eco-Friendly
With fewer chemicals and less travel time, in-season produce is the most eco-friendly food option there is. This makes them a great choice for anyone who is looking to reduce their carbon footprint and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
A Chance To Mix It Up
It's easy to fall into the trap of rotating through the same dozen or so meals, especially when you just stock up on your favorite fruits and vegetables. But when you make the choice to eat with the season, it becomes a lot easier to mix things up. You'll be challenged to try new things and test new recipes as the year progresses. And who knows? Maybe you'll find a few new favorites.
Spring Foods To Try
Have we convinced you that eating with the season is worth it? Great! But you may be wondering where to begin. The first step is to find out what produce is currently in season so you can stock up during your next trip to the supermarket. Let us help you out! Here are a few fruits and vegetables that are in season during the spring months.
Carrots
These root vegetables are delicious and rich in Vitamin A and numerous antioxidants. Steamed carrots make a perfect side dish while raw carrots are a great addition to any salad or veggie platter.
Strawberries
They are one of our favorite spring fruits! These sweet treats are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which both have a number of health benefits. They make great additions to salads, smoothies, and yogurt bowls, but they're also perfect to have as an afternoon snack.
Pineapple
No matter where you stand in the pineapple on pizza debate, there's no doubt that pineapple is a wonderful spring fruit. It contains various nutrients that are known to help with digestion, immune support, and so much more. It can be eaten on its own or in salads or smoothies. You can even put it on your pizza if you're so inclined.
Beets or Beetroot
Another spring vegetable that makes a great addition to any salad or smoothie is beets. They are packed with nutrients and have very few calories. This means they are the perfect vegetable to include in your springtime meal plan.
Asparagus
Another springtime vegetable that packs a nutritional punch is asparagus. It's loaded with vitamin k, vitamin b, copper, and a variety of other nutrients. Need a quick and easy way to prepare asparagus? Saute it with a little garlic. Just be sure to keep your cooking time under 10 minutes to avoid overcooking it.
Kale, Spinach, and Lettuce
It is safe to say that these greens are appreciated by everyone. You will be able to find fresh, green, and juicy vegetables during the spring months. Before adding them to your shopping cart, Don't forget to check and make sure that they haven't welted or changed color. Between salads, smoothies, wraps, and sandwiches there are endless ways to use these delicious greens in your diet this spring.
Mint
Yes, this fan-favorite herb is a spring baby! Mint is used for a variety of different things because it contains rosmarinic acid, a worthy antioxidant. You can add it to salads or tea. It is best to have it uncooked due to its delicate nature.
Onions
All types of onions are in season during spring. If you are into scallions, green onions, or spring onions, you can have your pick. They are another vegetable that is rich in antioxidants. They can easily be added to your diet by cooking them into your meals or adding them to your favorite salads.
Add Some Spring To Your Plate
This spring, embrace what nature has to offer! Fill your plate and nourish your body with delicious and nutritious in-season produce. It's all part of what we call living the #NewEarthLife.