There is a fair amount of research that suggests eating foods that are in season not only taste better but are actually better for you nutritionally. Produce is at its peak nutritional value when it is ripe. Unfortunately most produce is picked before it’s ripe so it can make the journey to various grocery stores. And while along their trip the produce might gain color and softness, it loses nutrients. Once harvested, a vegetable is as nutritious as it’s going to get and for every day past harvest, the food’s nutritional value continues to decrease.
By purchasing local foods in-season, you eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles, your food dollar goes directly to the farmer, and your family will be able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Buying seasonal produce also provides an exciting opportunity to try new foods and to experiment with seasonal recipes. And it simply tastes better!
If great taste and better nutrition weren’t enough, eating seasonally is also cheaper most of the time. When a certain food is in season there is an abundance of it; and following the whole supply and demand model, the more there is of a particular item the cheaper it will be.
