Long ago, people grew their own food, so they ate fruits and vegetables in season. Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables means growing or buying fresh produce that is naturally grown in your area right now and eating it. Read on to learn about the benefits of consuming seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Benefits of seasonal fruit and vegetables
- Seasonal fruits and vegetables taste better – Seasonal fruits and vegetables taste better because when you eat them in their proper season, they can fully ripen on the plant. This makes them juicier, sweeter and more flavoursome.
- Freshness of produce – Produce harvested thousands of miles away is not fresh when it arrives at your table. Locally grown produce is nutrient-rich and does not travel long distances
- Food safety – Buying local enables you to know how and where your produce was grown, and it is easier to ensure food safety.
- Higher nutritional content – When plants mature in the sun and soil, they absorb the maximum amount of nutrients. Produce grown out of season or harvested too early loses many of its nutrients.
- Improves health – Eating seasonally means eating a variety of local foods that are in season. These foods provide your body with essential nutrients that support your immune system and protect your body.
- Seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper – When produce is grown in season, there is a large supply, so they are cheaper.
- Supports local farmers – When you choose seasonal produce, you are buying it from local farmers.
- Helps the environment – Seasonal produce is grown locally, which means that it is not airlifted or shipped far. This means less fuel and pollution.
- Supports your body’s nutritional needs – Every three months, our bodies adapt to the new season that is coming our way. Nature has a way of providing exactly what we need, when we need it. Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables provides our bodies with the nutrients we need according to the season.
Food grown out of season or transported long distances is often picked too early to avoid spoilage. This produce is forced to ripen during transport, which prevents it from developing its natural sugars and flavours. This produce does not fully absorb the nutrients from the soil. Studies have shown that fruits and vegetables picked when ripe contain more beneficial nutrients than those harvested too early. By choosing seasonal produce, we support our bodies, support local farmers, lower our carbon footprint, and help build a healthier and more sustainable food system.
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➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.