I cannot believe it’s already November! To me, November is the time of the year when food becomes more about tradition and enjoyment that brings us closer together. One of my favorite ways to do that is by incorporating seasonal foods into our meals.
Eating seasonally is when we consume produce around its natural growing cycle. For example, tomatoes grow best during the summer months and apples around the autumn months. This cycle allows produce to become ripe naturally for a richer flavor and nutrition profile.
Sustainability is an important factor in eating seasonally to support the growth of both humans and nature. This can look like choosing produce without the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, prioritizing the wellness of animals, and purchasing from reputable sources that care for the land that grows the produce.
So, what are some ways we can eat more sustainably for our own health and the health of the land & farmers?
1. Shopping at your local farmers market is one of the best ways to learn about what is in season and what produce is to come! Not only will you be able to browse the seasonal selection, but you can also talk to the farmers about where the food was grown.
If the farmers market isn’t typically an option, the grocery store has in-season produce that is abundant and on sale since the produce is easy to come by.
2. The USDA’s Seasonal Produce Guide is a great place to look to stay up to date on what produce is in-season.
3. Growing your own food is a great way to eat seasonally and develop a better relationship with the food you are eating. For growing produce in small apartments or decks, consider planting tomatoes, microgreens, or peppers in small pots or planters. Herbs are also a great addition to windowsills or kitchen counters.
4. Cook in a simple way. Seasonal produce is already flavor-filled and nutrient-packed so they don’t take a whole lot to make them taste good. Here is a recipe for an Ultimate Satisfying Salad that is so quick and easy to make!
5. Learning how to preserve food to eat seasonally all-year-round by canning, freezing, or pickling. Freezing produce and ingredients is one of the best ways to preserve food long-term. Check out this helpful article on how to safely store frozen food items.
Eating seasonally is a great way to incorporate nutrient-dense foods into your routine, while also mixing up different flavors. It is such a great way to get out of our comfort zone and add variety to our diet too.
What are some of your favorite fall fruits and veggies?