Thanks to an abundance of processed foods, superstores and an international food supply chain to close seasonal gaps, we may have forgotten why seasons matter when it comes to eating. That lack of connection may start with how and where we source our food.
Grocery Store
Most grocery stores today have a good selection of vegetables and fruits, both frozen and fresh, from which to choose, any time of year.
Frozen fruits and veggies without any sauce can be a great choice, picked when ripe and flash frozen to retain so much of the flavor and nutrition.
Fresh fruits and veggies can be in or out of season.
- Those in season can be bountiful, more affordable, and delicious.
- Those out of season and available year-round may have come from far-away places, and at a cost. They may have been shipped before ripe and gassed to ripen just before putting on the shelf, may adhere to different pesticide standards and cost a lot more than when in season.
I also remember as a kid how different fresh seasonal foods tasted. It was worth the wait for oranges to arrive from Florida in March or certain apples from upstate NY or Washington state in the fall.
What other choices do we have that better connect us to the seasonal nature of our foods?
Grow Your Own
Maybe you are one of the lucky ones who have the space and sunlight needed to try your hand at gardening. When conditions are right, I love the ease of a Square Foot Garden in a sunny corner of a yard and/or movable self-watering containers to allow for changing sunlight conditions throughout the year.
Even when a yard may not be ideally suited for gardening, I love to grow some fresh herbs in small pots, especially since I am really bad at storing fresh basil.
Community gardens are another great way to garden together with others to share expertise and the seasonal fruits (and veggies) of your labor with others.
Farmers’ Market
You may be lucky enough have a farmers’ market in your community and enjoy locally grown seasonal foods, many times even organic. You can pick whatever ones are your favorites and mix/match with other grocery options.
Community Supported Agriculture
For me, it was when I first ordered an organic seasonal CSA box subscription, and shared the farmer’s risk to get whatever grew that week that I really appreciated seasonal foods. Too much rain or not enough may have meant a change in produce for the week unexpectantly. Getting a box with strawberries and rhubarb or zucchini and tomatoes in the same week helped me better understand how so many favorite dishes originated with foods in season at the same time.
Tis the Season
As the seasons change and other foods start to appear in CSA boxes, at the farmers market or on grocery shelves, here is what you may look forward to enjoying next. Enjoy!
