Celebrate the Season with Spring Vegetables

Blog originally posted through WellCats Newsletter

Eating foods seasonally, meaning, incorporating foods into your diet that are grown the same time of year as you eat them, can be a wonderful way to save money, help the planet, and benefit your health.

Foods that are out of season mean they have to be shipped from various countries or regions around the world and are usually picked before the peak of their flavor to remain unspoiled for the long trip to various grocery stores. Often, that can result in much more expensive produce due to the time, distance, and people involved in getting those food items to you.

One of the best concrete benefits of eating seasonally is saving money on food. When you buy what's in season, you buy food that’s in abundant supply, which costs less for farmers to harvest and distribute to your grocery store. As a result, those savings are passed on to consumers. Therefore, eating seasonally will save you money and frequently will also ensure higher quality food as well, given that what you eat is picked at its freshest. Since seasonal food is grown closer to where you live, it typically doesn't spoil prior to delivery and is harvested at the peak of its season. This provides fruits and vegetables without compromised flavor or nutritive benefits that can result from the transportation/delivery process.

Another benefit of eating in season is the diversity and variety of foods that can enrich your eating. Seasonal foods can broaden your palate and expose you to dishes as well as ingredients you may not have experienced. This will often lead to a healthier, more balanced eating pattern. Therefore, eating seasonally can help to make eating healthfully fun and full of flavor!

How Do I Buy Seasonally?

Remember that when you buy locally you also are typically buying seasonally. If you’ve never focused on buying locally it is easier than it may seem. Try shopping at your local farmer’s market or food co-op. Also some companies, such as Farmhouse Delivery, will even source from several local farmers and deliver produce directly to your door. Many of these markets and businesses are also likely to offer organic or sustainable options if you're looking for them.

In our upcoming cooking classes this Tuesday, March 21st from 5:30-6:30 and Friday, March 24th from 12:00-1:00, we will explore spring seasonal vegetables. Come join us and experience the fun of the seasons!

What’s In Season This Spring?

Strawberries Cauliflower Sweet Corn Blackberries Cabbage Green Beans Beets Carrots Specialty Potatoes Turnips Baby Arugula Sweet Potatoes Broccoli Greens Radishes

Leeks Lettuces Fennel

Cilantro Parsley