So, what is eating seasonal? Eating seasonal foods means eating fruits and vegetables that are in season for your geographic area. Many wonder why this is important? Generally, consuming foods in season are fresher, tastier, and contain more nutrients compared to those out of season.
Are you curious about the best produce to eat during the winter season?
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of eating fresh winter fruits and veggies!
For most people, the winter season generally runs December through February. However for farming purposes, winter actually begins on December 21st (Winter Solstice) and lasts all the way through March 20th (Spring Equinox).
I bet when you think of cooking in the winter, your mind probably drifts to warm dishes, soups, and baked goods like pies.
Soups are a great way to increase veggies, even if you don’t like veggies! If you make a soup adding leeks, onions, carrots, and celery is so tasty! Vegetables are low in sodium, saturated fat, high in fiber, and vital nutrients are preserved in the broth.
Apple pie is always a solid holiday choice. Or, you might consider making a chicken pot pie, packed with carrots, potatoes, and onions; or adding sweet potatoes as a side to complement your main dish.
As different ingredients have different nutrients, it’s always a good idea to rotate the foods you eat. While carrots and brussels sprout are both beneficial, they contain different nutrients that your body uses in different ways. So, try to experiment in the kitchen with different recipes!
Why? The Benefits of Eating in Season
The main benefit with in-season produce is it costs LESS. Seasonal foods tend to be cheaper because they are local and fresh! These fruits and veggies have optimal nutrients for you to consume right away.
Flavor is another amazing benefit. Produce grown and ripened at the optimal time will naturally test better. Meaning, winter produce will taste better when harvested and eaten in winter. Fruits and veggies grown out of season are produced with the intention of sitting on a shelf for a while and may be chemically ripened right before making it to the store shelf. This can greatly reduce taste.
It’s environmentally friendly! Local produce doesn’t have to be shipped long distances using gallons of fuel, increasing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses released into our air.
As an added bonus you’ll find seasonal produce is a chance to support local farmers! You can purchase produce from a local farmer’s market, ensuring seasonal produce, while also boosting the local economy and growing community!
Finally, some fruits and veggies can help us maintain nutrient status during different seasons. For example, spinach and collard greens assist in providing vitamin D, an important nutrient for many body functions, during winter months. This is awesome because vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in winter seasons with decreased outdoor activity and access to sunlight.
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. They are low saturated fat, provide much needed vitamins and minerals, and can assist with weight management by providing fiber to help you feel full. They are cheap, easy to store, and many transport easily, making them great snacks for those on the go!
Make an effort today to increase your fruits and veggies.
Want to give some winter fruits and veggies a try? Click here for some recipe ideas.
For more information on how a registered dietitian can help you improve your intake of fruits and veggies send me a message by clicking here.
Content contributed by Kieren Ritter. Kieren is an RD2B, studying nutrition at State University of New York, Plattsburgh. She is passionate about all things sports, outdoors and holistic health.
留言