We have likely all encountered the phrase 'seasonal eating', perhaps on the news, social media or when shopping. Seasonal eating is the buying and consumption of produce that is naturally harvested in the country you live in at that specific time of year. For example, in the UK, strawberries grow seasonally during the months of May-September. If you were to only eat strawberries during this period of the year, that would constitute as local, seasonal eating. 🍓But, why is seasonal eating beneficial and why should we try to eat seasonally?
1. Better for the Environment
Research has started to identify that 'Locavorism' or being a 'Localvore', a person who selects to eat locally and seasonally, has a reduced environmental impact in comparison to someone who relies on imported foods. Local seasonal eating reduces the demand for out of season produce that has to be grown and imported from other countries. This in turn reduces transportation emissions, refrigeration, costs and the use of artificial hot houses which drive up the carbon footprint. Therefore, for the majority of produce, selecting seasonal options may be better for the environment by reducing co2 emissions and other environmental impacts. It is important to emphasise that local eating and seasonal eating must go hand in hand to reduce the environmental impacts. Some produce requires very specific conditions to grow optimally and these conditions may not exist year-round in the local environment. While demand might exist, the pressure for a country to grow produce all year-round, regardless of optimal seasonality can have a high environmental and financial costs on the country . For example, in the UK, the climate is not conducive to growing produce like tomatoes and lettuce all year. Therefore, when out of season, additional mechanisms such as greenhouses are required which increase the carbon footprint and cost of the food, despite it being locally produced. In these cases, despite eating locally, the environmental impact is on par with food that as been imported from countries where the produce has been able to grow naturally with little intervention. Remember: Seasonality + Locality is key.
2. Supporting the Local Economy and Agriculture
Selecting to eat local and seasonal produce means that you are keeping finances within the local economy and also promoting local farmers and agriculture. This in turn supports local business and employment. Selecting to shop at farmers markets or local groceries and butchers can further support your local community and help you build connections with producers. However, these options can sometimes be more expensive so be sure to select the best financial option for you.
3. Improved Taste and Nutrition
Seasonal produce can taste better as it reaches the consumer fresh and shortly after harvesting. The produce has been grown and harvested during the correct season which also reduces the need for artificial intervention and long transportation times, helping it to remain fresh and ripe. Studies have shown that extended storage durations, freezing and unfreezing may affect the antioxidant levels in produce. Antioxidants in vegetables like broccoli and cabbage were found to have been reduced when stored for 1 week at colder temperatures [1,2].
4. Variety!
Eating seasonally can increase the variety of produce we consume throughout the year. This variety, especially of plant-based produce, is great for our gut biodiversity and allows our meals to be exciting while providing us with a range of minerals and nutrients.
With such incredible benefits, it begs the questions of 'are there any struggles to seasonal eating'? For individuals who experience fussy eating or have additional needs causing them to struggle with variety and textures, seasonal eating may not be a suitable option. Forcing seasonal eating on someone who wants specific produce all-year round may in fact reduce the variety they are eating. Furthermore, individuals may find the constant changing of produce intimidating and prefer to stick to a regular set of food. In these cases, do not feel pressured or pressure others to change their diet according to harvest calendars. Instead, stick to the usual consumed foods and if possible, occasionally experiment by trying local, seasonal produce alongside regular meals.
Seasonal produce often refers to fresh fruits and vegetables which can be a more expensive food option for people on a budget. Particularly, when purchased at small, local grocers or farmers markets. If budget is a restriction, do not feel that you need to immediately change your entire eating and shopping routine. Explore budget friendly options by trying to shop at larger supermarkets and looking at food labels to find seasonal, local produce within your budget. You may also find seasonal produce to be less expensive as it is more readily available during harvesting months. If you are able to plan ahead, you can use these months to support both budget shopping and seasonal eating.
Starting to eat seasonally can feel overwhelming and it will take some time getting used to the changing produce. To start eating seasonally, some of the best methods are to simply take a closer look at what you buy and where. When you are shopping, check the packaging to see where the food and ingredients have been grown and produced. You can also find some excellent online calendars, such as foodsavy.org, which can tell you the fruit and vegetables growing in your area each month. Farmers markets are also a great indication of local, seasonal produce as the products on sale will typically reflect what is being harvested at that time. Additionally, watch supermarket prices. When the prices of produce fall it tends to indicate there is ample produce available and that it is coming into season. Finally, do not feel like you need to change your diet all at once and only consume seasonal and local produce. If you are craving broccoli in July then by all means feel free to purchase and consume this. What matters most is starting to make small changes where possible as these can amount to big, positive impacts on the environment, your health and the economy.
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