Did you know that on average produce travels 1500 miles to reach the shelves in your grocery store? 1500 miles will take you from Miami to Boston – certainly not a quick trip! The terms “seasonal eating” and “locally-grown” are popular amongst health fanatics and eco-warriors… but what’s all of the hype about? What are the true benefits? Why should we eat seasonally and locally throughout the year?
Keep reading to learn all about the benefits and how it can change your food buying habits.
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What Does It Mean To Eat Seasonal and Local Food?
With the changing of the seasons, comes a change in available produce – it’s the way nature intended!
In the age of supermarkets and global food transport, it’s common to find anything and everything in the grocery store. These fruits and vegetables can sometimes travel half-way around the world just to end up on your grocery shelves. While this is certainly an amazing way to increase the availability of certain foods, eating what is locally grown and in season has its benefits too!
Eating seasonally is a connection back to nature.
The ancient practice of Ayurveda actually has a special name for seasonal eating: Ritucharya. [1] Ayurveda shows us that we are very connected to the natural world, including the food grown in different seasons. Not only does produce taste better when it’s recently been picked off the vine, but it can provide great health benefits.
Why Should We Eat Seasonally And Locally?
1) Reduce your intake of preservatives, pesticides & contaminants.
When foods aren’t grown in their peak season, they can’t follow their natural ripening patterns. Chemicals, heat processes, and preservatives are all used to protect the food for longer-term storage & transport. These preservatives are used to protect the produce from bacteria until it can reach grocery stores.
Just think about what’s in these chemicals to stop food from rotting (yuck!) – definitely not “natural” by any terms. Eating locally organic produce is one of the best ways to avoid unnecessary pesticides and preservatives.
2) Higher quality produce.
Fruits and veggies that are picked straight from the tree are packed with more nutrients than those that are picked ahead of their prime and stored for long periods of time. In fact, a 2008 study showed that broccoli grown during its peak season (in the Fall) had a higher Vitamin C level than when grown in other seasons. [2] It was also shown in a 2019 study that ripening agents can cause the food to be less nutritious. [3]
3) Better flavor.
Do you know the feeling of munching on a fresh apple straight from the tree? It’s juicy and oh-so flavorful! In reality, the average apple in the grocery store is over a YEAR old! These apples are treated with chemicals and waxes in order to last for well over 14 months, on average… pretty crazy and you can certainly taste the difference! Without a doubt, fresh produce = better tasting produce.
The average apple in the grocery store is over one year old.
4) Reduce your carbon footprint.
It’s simple: the more local your food is, the fewer emissions used for transport. The food supply chain greatly impacts our environment’s health. A healthier planet promotes healthier people & ecosystems. Without it, we’re in big trouble!
5) Align with nature.
Eating seasonally helps us regain our touch with nature. As “hippie” as it sounds, we are an extension of nature… the more we’re tuned in, the more mindful we can be.
6) More affordable.
Since seasonal produce is in abundance, the prices go down! You can save a pretty penny by eating seasonally, rather than eating produce from halfway around the world. It’s a major win for your wallet.
7) Support your local economy.
It’s important to remember that we are conscious consumers and we vote with our dollars. This is why it’s essential to support the hard-working farmers that are providing us with all of the food we need. Support those who are local, especially those who farm organically. By supporting your local economy, you’re helping your community prosper.
Eating seasonally and locally is a great way to support your local economy.
So How Do You Eat Seasonal & Local?
- Keep in mind that what is in season for you may not be seasonal for someone else – it all depends on your location! Southern California has a very different climate than the freezing fields of Maine.
- If you go shopping at your local farmers market, you are automatically eating locally AND seasonally! It’s a win-win. Farmers markets are a great way to support your community, buy fresh nutritious produce, and meet the people growing your food! Check to see if your farmers markets move indoors in the winter – many of them do!
- Join a local CSA (“Community-Supported Agriculture”)! In a CSA, consumers subscribe to a membership and share the risk of harvest with the farmer. In return, the consumers receive a big box of nutritious, fresh, seasonal and local produce every couple of weeks.
- Opt for locally-grown produce within your grocery store. Many stores, including Whole Foods, mark food that is local. This is a great way to easily support your local farmers.
- Start your own organic, seasonal garden! If you have the outdoor space (or even indoor vertical space) start a little garden. This is a great way to get exceptionally fresh food right from your backyard.
- Buy in bulk, then freeze and can your local produce for future use! If you plan ahead and properly store them, those summer strawberries can last you all throughout the winter!
- The Seasonal Food Guide is an excellent tool to get a better understanding of what is local and seasonal to your specific state. Local Harvest is another great resource to find local farms, community-supported agriculture (CSAs), farmers’ markets, and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Click the below FAQs to learn more about if we should eat seasonally and locally!
What does it mean to eat seasonally?
Seasonal eating, as the name states, means that you are eating with the changing seasons and eating the foods that are grown/harvested during that specific season. With the changing of the seasons, comes a change in available produce – it’s the way nature intended!
Why eat locally?
Eating locally is one of the best ways to support your local farmers and the local economy. By supporting your local economy, you’re helping your community prosper!
What are the health benefits of seasonal eating?
By eating seasonally, you are eating higher-quality produce with lower levels of preservatives, pesticides & contaminants. Eating seasonal foods is also more flavorful!
What is the healthiest way to eat?
One of the healthiest ways to eat is to eat seasonally and locally. This is the best way to align with nature and eat the freshest produce.
What are your thoughts on eating seasonally and locally?
Do you attend local farmer’s markets?
While it can certainly be difficult to strictly eat seasonally and locally, I challenge you all to be more mindful of where the food on your plate is coming from. The next time you go through the grocery store, take note of what you buy and where it came from. Think about how you can begin incorporating some more locally-grown produce into your diet. It’s better for your health, your community, and the planet!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Information on “Should We Eat Seasonally And Locally” from Mind Body Green, Deliciously Plated, CUESA, The Well Essentials, Sustainable Baby Steps, Delish
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