How to Eat In Season This Winter

14 Nov How to Eat In Season This Winter

Eating “in season” refers to food that is grown, purchased, and consumed around the time of harvest.

In season produce varies greatly from season to season, state to state, and country to country, so it’s important to know what’s available in your area this winter season!

Why Eat Seasonally? 

• Food that does not require transportation uses less energy, emits less pollution, and uses less fuel.
• Produce that hasn’t spent days or weeks in transit doesn’t require nearly as many toxic sprays or other unpleasant chemicals to maintain its “freshness.”
• Local and seasonal eating benefits local farmers and the local economy! Farmers must sell their fruit when it is ripe in August, and they cannot keep it until December.
• It is significantly less expensive to eat things that are already plentiful rather than fruits and vegetables that have a premium price attached to them to cover travel costs. Seasonal foods are usually always significantly less expensive than out-of-season items.
• Simply put, it tastes better. Food that has recently been picked or harvested at its peak of ripeness is much more delicious than food that has been selected long before it has reached its peak ripeness.
• In terms of nutrients, you’ll receive more bang for your buck. Fruits and vegetables that are allowed to develop longer before being harvested and then made it to the market and then to your kitchen in a short amount of time retain substantially more nutrients than those harvested before their prime.

What Is in Season in the Winter?

So now that you have reasons to eat seasonally, what’s typically in season in the winter? Check out www.seasonalfoodguide.org to see what’s in season in your area!

Winter produce typically includes:

• Apples
• Beets
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Pears
• Pumpkins
• Turnips
• Winter squash/ Butternut squash
• Lemons
• Limes
• Carrots
• Grapefruit

Remember…

None of us are perfect at this. Take this winter season as an opportunity to buy seasonal produce and experiment with ways to cook and prepare them! You may discover a new favorite dish that your whole family will love.