Walk into any big-brand supermarket, and you’ll likely find any food on your list. Even in the dead of winter, you’ll come across seasonal summer fruits like berries, cherries, and peaches. The same goes for summer — even during the hottest months of the year, winter squash and other cold-weather foods line the produce shelves. Don’t get us wrong, it’s great to have easy, year-round access to a wide range of whole foods — like fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds. But nature didn’t intend for it to be that way! Before genetically modified farming and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, seasonal eating was the norm. If it wasn’t in season, it wasn’t available! Times have undoubtedly changed, but there’s something to be said about this way of eating. From benefiting the environment to bettering your health, there are so many reasons to consider eating with the season.
Ahead, we’re breaking down the basics of seasonal eating. Find out what’s in season, the benefits of seasonal eating, and how to get started!
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What is Seasonal Eating?
Even if not intentional, you’re probably already eating with the season — at least to some extent! So what is seasonal eating, anyway? The concept is simple — just like it sounds, seasonal eating is a way of eating that encourages you to eat in-season foods! And you should know, there’s no hard-and-fast rules around this diet. In fact, it’s not a diet at all. It’s simply a lifestyle that encourages you to be mindful of your food choices and, as best you can, fill your plate with local and seasonal foods. That said, with various regions and countries in mind, what’s in season will look different for everyone.
But why should you eat with the season in the first place? We’re so glad you asked!
The Benefits of Eating With the Season
It’s Better for the Environment
Without a doubt, eating with the season is better for the environment. Simply put, the food industry plays a significant role in environmental sustainability. If it’s not locally grown, the journey to get to your plate often involves a large carbon footprint. The further food is harvested, the more energy and resources it consumes to get to you. According to data, the average American meal travels over 1,500 miles before it gets to your kitchen. This means increased fossil fuels, carbon dioxide emissions, and waste from storage and packing. By eating with the season and shopping for locally grown foods, you reduce the demand for out-of-season foods. The result? Less travel, fewer greenhouse emissions, and reduced waste and energy from storage and packaging. A win for sustainability!
In-Seasonal Foods Are More Nutrient-Dense
Out-of-season fruits and veggies are typically harvested well before peak freshness so they arrive ripe and ready to eat. But the thing is, by picking these fruits and veggies too early, you’re losing out on good-for-you nutrients. Studies suggest that when allowed to ripen on their own, fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients, giving us one more reason to consider eating with the season!
You’ll Get Superior Quality And Taste
Local and seasonal go hand in hand — i.e., seasonal foods are often grown locally. If you’re eating with the season, you’re likely to find foods that are fresher, tastier, and picked at their prime. Rather than eat a tomato that’s been harvested too early and then sprayed with chemicals or covered in wax to prolong its shelf life, you’ll get freshly picked, flavorful food.
What’s in Season When
Here are the most common fruits and veggies by season! Remember: this may be different depending on your climate or location. Wondering what’s in peak season near you? Use this comprehensive Seasonal Food Guide to help you get started.
Spring Seasonal Produce
Fruits
- Apples
- Apricots
- Bananas
- Kiwifruit
- Lemons
- Limes
- Pineapples
- Strawberries
Vegetables
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Celery
- Collard Greens
- Garlic
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Peas
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Spinach
- Swiss Chard
- Turnips
Summer Seasonal Produce
Fruits
- Apples
- Apricots
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Cherries
- Honeydew Melon
- Lemons
- Limes
- Mangos
- Peaches
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Watermelon
Vegetables
- Beets
- Bell PeppersCarrots
- Celery
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Garlic
- Green Beans
- Okra
- Summer Squash
- Tomatillos
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
Fall Seasonal Produce
Fruit
- Apples
- Bananas
-
Beets
- Cranberries
-
Grapes
-
Kiwifruit
- Lemons
- Limes
- Mangos
- Pears
- Pineapples
- Raspberries
Vegetables
- Bell Peppers
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Collard Greens
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Green Beans
- Herbs
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Radishes
- Rutabagas
- Spinach
- Sweet Potatoes & Yams
- Swiss Chard
- Turnips
- Winter Squash
Winter Seasonal Produce
Fruit
- Apples
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Lemons
- Limes
- Oranges
- Pears
- Pineapples
Vegetables
- Beets
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Celery
- Collard Greens
- Herbs
- Kale
- Leeks
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Rutabagas
- Sweet Potatoes & Yams
- Swiss Chard
- Turnips
- Winter Squash
How to Get Started With Seasonal Eating
While it can be daunting to adjust your eating style, getting started with seasonal eating is easier than you think. You don’t need to uproot your lifestyle, and we’re not saying you need to avoid your favorite out-of-season foods until they’re in peak season! Instead, use this seasonal eating guide as a starting point to help guide your food choices. It’s about mindfulness and effort, not perfection and restriction. Follow the above recommendations, further research the in-season foods in your area, and, as best you can, load up your plate with these nutrients!
There are so many ways to get started. You could grow your own garden, hit up your local farmers market or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), or simply shop for seasonal goods at your local market! Find what works best for you.
