Do you ever walk into the produce section of the grocery store on autopilot, buying the same items every week? I admit I do this. I know exactly where everything is. It’s easy.
But instead of shopping on autopilot, take the challenge to eat seasonally. What does it mean to eat seasonally, and why should we do it?
What does it mean to eat seasonally?
It means to eat produce during its natural growing season. The produce may be seasonal, but not always locally grown.
Choosing locally grown produce is ideal, but may be difficult in some areas of the country, especially in the winter. For example, in the U.S. cranberries grow primarily in Wisconsin and Massachusetts and are harvested in the fall. Therefore, they are in season during the fall, but not necessarily local unless you live in those states.
Reasons to eat seasonally
- God created our bodies to be in sync with the seasons. Your metabolism changes with the seasons, as does the need for specific nutrients. For example, in the summer, we crave cool and juicy foods like salads, watermelon and cucumbers. In the winter, heavier foods like soups and stews with root vegetables warm us. Check out this article for more information.
- Food in season and picked at the peak of ripeness, tastes better and contains more nutrients. Imagine the difference between a locally grown tomato in July and one grown in Mexico in February.
- Seasonal and local produce cost less so you can save money. Frozen fruits and vegetables are great options when seasonal is not available.
- Reduce impact on the environment. Food not in season travels thousands of miles by truck or air. We decrease transportation costs and the carbon footprint of our food supply.
How do I start?
I will take one step at a time by slowing down during my shopping trip to seek more seasonal, local and organic produce. You can do it too! Remember, food is medicine.
Here are some steps to get started.
- Consider your choices while grocery shopping. Where was this grown and how far did it travel?
- Read signs and labels. The USDA requires country of origin labeling. (I like how Whole Foods Market displays the country of origin on their signs.)
- Before your shopping trip, search in-season produce by state and month for detailed information.
- Shop at farmers markets, or join a CSA or food co-op.
- Patronize farm to table restaurants in your area.
I would like to add. You can also check produce cost and location on goggle. Some of us can’t keep up or realize if a cost is a good deal or not. A little time researching can help you understand how to save money. By going to more than one store may help you save. Also pay attention to store fliers and coupons. The extra research effort is worth your time.
Thank you for the advice Tom. A little extra time reviewing ads and coupons can save us money. I am compiling a list of seasonal foods for a reference and will send it out to all my subscribers. I hope it is a useful tool.
Susan, Joe and I are always amazed at how we crave fresh fruits and vegetables in the summer. Thank you for talking about how the Lord God syncs our systems! NO OTHER CREATOR!
Thank you Jackie! Yes, our amazing God created all the wonderful plants for us to eat at the right times of the year for our nourishment and wellness.