How to eat more seasonally
If you live in Northern Europe like I do and get your food from a normal supermarket, it is likely that most of the food you consume isn’t grown locally.
The next time you go to the supermarket, try to pay attention to where the food you are purchasing comes from and you’ll be surprised to find out that you are consuming food from all around the globe.
Now, of course having access to this wide variety of foods is incredible on many levels but eating pineapples in winter that have been imported from thousands of miles away also has it’s hidden price to pay.
Over the past century there has been a huge shift in how we produce, manufacture and process food disconnecting us more and more from our original cyclical nature of growing.
Eating less fresh and mostly imported foods has taken it’s toll on the environment and our health.
Consuming foods that are freshly harvested at the point of ripeness and transported onto our plates in the minimum amount of time optimises the concentration of micronutrients and phytonutrients contained within the food.
Eating more local and seasonally grown food also reduces the pollution caused from fruits and vegetables having to be transported thousands of miles by truck or airplane.
Additionally, fresher locally grown food simply tastes better because it isn’t selectively bred and grown to have a longer shelf life.
Now, I am aware that eating one hundred percent seasonally and locally is pretty much impossible for most people, unless you have your own farm and are proper self sustainable that is.
However that isn’t the goal here. It isn’t about being perfect at eating seasonally, but about being aware and making more conscious choices. This can simply mean to start educating yourself about what foods are seasonal at what time of year in the region you live and whether there are some local farms in your area where you can order from or pick up fresh produce directly.
Eating seasonally is a journey, but the benefits are definitely worth it.
If you are interested in eating more seasonally I have some ideas for you on how to do so.
Research what’s in season
Get acquainted with what grows in which season where you live. This may require a bit of research but finding out what the seasonal produce is in your region is easier than ever with the internet at your fingertips and numerous websites providing information on this such as seasonalfoodguide.org. I recommend making a little seasonal produce list for yourself and writing down what’s in season in what month on a piece of paper and sticking it onto your fridge so you can easily remember.
Farmers Markets
Finding seasonal fresh produce in a regular shop may be a bit challenging which is why going to local farmers markers to buy your fruits and veggies is a great way to start eating more seasonally. Find out about farmers markets near where you live and what days they take place. I personally am a big fan of farmers markets and really enjoy the whole market experience. When you shop at local farmers markets you connect more with where your food actually comes from and often get face-to face interactions with small local producers creating a more intimate experience.
Order Fresh Produce directly from local farms
Another great way to eat seasonal produce is to order fresh produce boxes from local farms. This has become more and more popular in recent years and there are many services such as farm drop and odd box which will deliver local seasonal produce directly to your doorstep. Research what farms and local produce delivery services are available in your area and make use of this super convenient way of buying local, seasonal fruits and veggies.
Alternatively, if you happen to live near a farm and they happen to have a farm shop you could always go by the farm in person and pick up some fresh fruits and veggies. I used to do this in the small town in Switzerland I grew up in, since there were several farms in the area where you could pick up fresh produce from directly, however I am aware this option isn’t available to everyone.
Grow your own
What easier way to eat more seasonally then growing your own food? Now I am aware that most of us don’t have the time to be gardening all day long, but even growing one or two veggies in your garden or in some planter boxes on your balcony is a small step towards eating more seasonally. Growing some of your own salad and a few fresh herbs really isn’t all too hard, so get yourself some seeds and happy planting!
Farm-to-table restaurants
Farm to table restaurants have become increasingly popular in recent years and the fresh food directly sourced from local farms tends to taste amazing. So if you do crave a seasonal dining experience this is a great way to go.
I hope some of these tips on how to eat more seasonally have inspired you and made you realise that eating local, seasonal food is less difficult than you think.
Remember that the goal doesn’t have to be eating 100% seasonally but simply to become more aware of where the food comes from that you eat and eating seasonally and locally as much as possible.
It’s about taking little steps towards a more sustainable, healthy way of living.
