Have you heard chefs, dietitians, and farmers talk about seasonal eating? Or, have you come across it in a restaurant menu? It’s a common catch-all phrase. But if you have been wondering what it means, you need not worry anymore. This article will extensively help you understand in-depth what seasonal eating is.
In earlier days, before science was incorporated into agriculture, you could only find fresh fruit and vegetable produce during the season it grew best. That was the case since produce depended on the weather and other natural conditions for growth. However, with the current technological advancement and adaption in agriculture, you can easily find any fruit or vegetable you want regardless of the time of the year. Industrial agriculture has introduced greenhouses that have allowed the growing and production of fruits and vegetables year-round. The system has also adopted an approach where fruits are harvested before they ripen, stored for long periods, ripened through artificial methods, and distributed at any time of year.
Since different regions experience different climatic conditions, seasons vary from one area to another worldwide. As a result, a product that is out of season in one part may be in season in another region. With current refrigeration and transport technology, people can import the produce from one region to another mile away. This enables people to continue enjoying their favorite fruit or vegetable even when it is out of season in their local market.
However, there are still some of us who prefer seasonal eating. Seasonal eating involves adopting a lifestyle where you eat fruits and vegetables that are in season within your geographic area. It involves eating produce at its peak ripeness. The in-season fruits and vegetables grow under natural climatic conditions and depend on season-specific weather. Every crop grows under different temperature, light, and moisture requirements. The health benefits and positive effects of sustainability mainly trigger seasonal eating.
How to Eat Seasonally
When you adopt a seasonal eating lifestyle, you will focus on consuming locally-grown produce at its peak maturity. Check out some tips to help you eat seasonally;
- Seasonal food guide
To eat seasonally, you must start by picking up a seasonal food guide detailing when foods are in season within your geographic area.
- Shop mindfully
To enjoy seasonal eating, you must shop mindfully and know how to differentiate in-season and out-of-season produce. For instance, you can check the color, healthy skin, aroma, and the leaves and stems of the crop to check ripeness and freshness.
- Buy from your local market
Your local market will likely stock fresh in-season produce throughout the year.
- Taste food before buying
For example, you may taste-test before purchasing fruits to ensure they are the best in-season fruits. You can quickly tell a fruit when it’s in season based on the taste.
Lifestyle changes are not easy and can even be intimidating. Always remember that choosing seasonal eating is simple and presents healthy benefits and environmental preservation. Follow the recommended simple steps and get started on your journey today!
You may consult Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC, if you need further understanding about seasonal eating and how to approach it.
