Niagara offers an array of beautiful fresh produce and fruit, which is a convenient way to start experimenting with new ways of eating. When you try new recipes, reworking your favourite dishes to contain more seasonal fruits and vegetables will not only give your palate something new to taste, but your health will also benefit too! Here are some of the great benefits of eating seasonally:
Tastes Better
In-season produce is fresher, sweeter, perfectly ripe, and better tasting than off-season produce. When fruits and vegetables are picked for consumption that have been naturally ripened on the vine or the tree and harvested at the right time, they will have much more flavor and nutrition.
Better Price Point
When farmers are harvesting a large abundance of produce due to the crop being in season, the cost of the produce will go down. When the produce is locally sourced because it’s in season in your area, then travelling expenses and storage are not required therefore reducing the production costs that are then passed onto the consumer.
Fresher with a Higher Nutritional Value
Produce that is purchased in season is more likely to be fresher, consumed closer to harvesting, higher in nutritional value, and less likely to lose nutritional value over time. Locally in-season sourced fruits and vegetables will also appear brighter and more vibrant.
Avoids Overseas Contaminates
When fruits and vegetables are sourced overseas you can’t be sure what their regulations for pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are. Many countries across the globe have very relaxed laws about chemicals being sprayed on fruits and vegetables that other countries have banned due to their known harmful effects. Overseas agriculture may not regulate soil contamination tests to ensure land and soil quality. Some agricultural areas have been shown to have very high heavy metal and other toxic contaminates due to industrial sites inhabiting the same area
Supports Your Body’s Natural Nutritional Need
In winter, nature provides us with all things citrus. Citrus fruits are particularly high in Vitamin C which is very important for preventing infections such as colds and flus. Winter vegetables offer comfort and are perfect for hot meals, healthy stews, soups, casseroles, and other warming meals. Summer foods such as stone fruits provide us with extra beta-carotenes and other carotenoids that help protect us against sun damage, as well as more sweetness for an energetic summer. Salad vegetables are also great for cold tasty summer salads!
More Environmentally-Friendly
Eating seasonally reduces the demand for out of season produce which further supports more local produce and local farming in your area which means less transportation, less refrigeration, less hot houses, and less irradiation of produce. It’s really important to note that it’s not always possible to eat locally and seasonally for everyone all of the time. It’s more about the importance of making decisions when possible that are better for you, your wallet, and your health whenever you can.
