Do you notice that when you eat food from a farmers market or a farm-to-table restaurant, it tastes amazing, like it was picked and put right on your plate? That’s because it probably was.
There are many reasons we should eat locally and in season. Fruits and vegetables begin to lose nutrients as soon as they’re picked. Locally grown produce means a shorter time between the harvest and your table, making it more beneficial for our bodies. The higher the nutrient value, the more essential vitamins and minerals you’ll consume for a healthy metabolism, immune system, gut function, and overall health.
Seasonal foods are also more sustainable and economical. It takes less energy to transport food short distances, thereby reducing your carbon footprint. And they are often less expensive because there is a greater supply at a given time. A win for everyone!
Tips for seasonal eating:
• Stick with recipes that contain seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Chinese Medicine states if we eat foods that are similar to the external environment, we remain in harmony with the environment. So it helps our body to eat cold foods, like salad and smoothies, in spring and summer, and warmer dishes in the fall and winter.
• Grow your food!
• Get fresh produce delivered to home.
If you're new to this, make small changes. You'll be surprised at how satisfying it is to eat seasonally!
Easy 1-Pot Apple Butternut Squash Soup (serves 6)
2 onions, chopped
4 cups butternut squash, chopped
4 cups gala apples, chopped
1 tbsp butter
4 cups vegetable stock
¼ tsp garlic
½ tsp salt for taste
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cinnamon
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Sauté chopped vegetables with butter until soft
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Add vegetable stock and bring to a boil
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Simmer 20 minutes
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Blend until chunky
Michele Zipper is a Holistic Health Coach and Co-Founder of The Well Center in Armonk. thewellcenter.com