Seasonal eating involves adjusting our diets to reflect the natural cycle of the year, and consuming fruits, vegetables, and other produce at the time they are naturally harvested. Local eating, on the other hand, involves purchasing and consuming foods grown within a certain radius of where you live, often within 100 miles.
Let's delve deeper into why this might be a change you'll want to make in your life.
**1. Fresher, Tastier Foods**
Seasonal foods are picked at the peak of their freshness when they have the most flavor. They haven't been shipped halfway around the world in a refrigerated container but are consumed where they were grown. The taste of a ripe, locally grown tomato or strawberry in its season can be extraordinary compared to its out-of-season counterparts.
**2. Rich in Nutrients**
Locally grown foods are generally harvested closer to their peak ripeness, a time when they are packed full of vitamins and minerals. In contrast, foods transported over long distances are often picked before they are fully ripe, which can result in a lesser nutritional profile.
**3. Supports Local Farmers and Economy**
Buying locally grown foods directly supports your local farmers and, in turn, strengthens your local economy. You're investing money back into your community, supporting small and medium-sized businesses, and helping to preserve local landscapes.
**4. Environmental Sustainability**
Local and seasonal eating is more environmentally friendly. The shorter the distance that food travels, the lower the greenhouse gas emissions. Plus, seasonal foods do not require artificial light or heat to grow, which further decreases their environmental impact.
**5. Encourages a Balanced Diet**
Eating a seasonal diet ensures that you get a wide variety of foods in your meals throughout the year. Different fruits and vegetables provide different types and amounts of key nutrients necessary for health and wellbeing.
Transitioning to a diet of seasonal, locally sourced foods can be a delightful exploration of the foods your region produces and the people who grow them. Why not give it a try?
