What if we told you that the strawberries that you are munching on in December have actually covered more distances than you had on your last vacation? These delicious berries have added thousands of miles to get to your grocery cart after emitting carbon footprints along the way.
It just so happens that eating seasonally isn't just a saving grace for your guilt trip; it's also a win for the mouth, for health, and for the wallet. But if you say, "Sounds like too much effort," stay tuned because we are about to spill the tea.
Let us dive into the reasons why eating seasonally would be the best life hack both for you and the planet.
What Does It Mean to Eat Seasonally?
Eating seasonally means essentially aligning your plate with Mother Nature's schedule. Enjoy fruits and vegetables when they're ripe and tasting the best of themselves. For instance, the apples are great during fall when they are fresh, tomatoes at the peak ripeness during summer, and so are the squashes during winter.
When we eat seasonally, we are eating what's grown near us, perhaps even a few miles away. We don't have to think about foods that were flown in from another hemisphere.
It's fresh, flavorful, and the ultimate expression of eco-chic. Plus, it breaks up the monotony of the same five foods being served year-round.
Health Benefits of Eating Seasonally
Think about biting into a just-ripened strawberry on the sun-warmed vine—bursting with vitamins, antioxidants, and flavor. Now contrast that with the pale, watered-down berry that has spent days on the truck. A little different in the ‘feel-good department’, right?
Seasonal fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrition because they are harvested while at their best. You're not just eating food, but sunshine, rain, and everything else nature intended. It is a great natural way to vary your diet as well-fall brings pumpkins, and spring brings melons!
Head to your local farmers' market to find what's in season. You'll get the freshest produce you can find and meet some veggie-loving new friends.
Environmental Impact of Seasonal Eating
Here's the thing: Seasonal eating reduces your carbon footprint. Why? It doesn't need to fly in on a plane, cargo ship, or truck just to reach you.
Just think about it- those out-of-season avocados and blueberries are logging more air miles than your favorite frequent flyer. With locally sourced in-season foods, there is a whole elimination of the need for high-energy storage and transport. Guess what? Lesser fossil fuels= Happier planet.
Not to forget the farming practices, of course. Out-of-season crops often require more chemicals, pesticides, and energy for growth. Seasonal eating cuts down on those harmful methods and is sustainable for everyone involved.
Economic Advantages of Seasonal Eating
Here's a bonus surprise: seasonal eating. When farmers can't give peaches or zucchini away, prices drop. That's supply and demand for ya!
And as you buy, your dollars hit the pockets of community farmers—no big corp paying for hauling it in here. It tastes great to shore up your economy while getting some fresher produce at a higher quality for often less money than you pay outside of town, and everyone lives happily ever after.
How Seasonal Eating Supports Sustainable Agriculture
It's good for you, but seasonal eating is also a game-changer for sustainable farming. If crops are planted and harvested with nature's rhythm, farmers are not required to rely as much on artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Healthy soil, happy environment.
Hydroponic farms such as Planted Detroit take it one step further on their way to future-proofing fresh greens through innovative methods that are growing that produce year-round with no environmental impact. Thus, you could have fresh kale or basil when it's snowing outside without harming the planet.
Seasonal Eating Through the Year: What’s on Your Plate?
Now let's break it down season by season.
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Spring: Peas, radishes, and leafy greens, which go on theme with the "fresh start” season.
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Fall: Crisp apples and pumpkins with other hearty root vegetables for warm-meal comfort.
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Winter: Oranges, pumpkins, and dark green leaves are ready to keep nourishing you during these cooler months.
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Summer: It brings nature’s candy right to your plate with its fresh tomatoes, berries, and cucumbers.
Meal planning by seasonal availability isn't just fun, but also by being creative and looking into new recipes.
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Consider signing up for a subscription service. You’re at the right place if you are looking for the best- Planted Detroit sources its local and seasonal produce straight from Michigan’s Largest Vertical Farm and delivers it right to your doorstep every Wednesday!
Tips for Transitioning to Seasonal Eating Like a Pro
Transitioning into seasonal eating is not a task. It's an adventure for the taste buds and a gift for the planet-loving soul. So, here's how to do it without breaking a sweat, or your budget.
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Farmers' markets are your best friend
Consider a farmer's market to be Mother Nature's cafeteria. Fresh-picked, locally available in-season foods abound with flavors and great value. A side benefit is the chance to speak directly to farmers for guidance on what to pick, along with any suggestions on how to cook them.
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Grow Your Own (Yes, You Can!)
No yard? No sweat. Even a tiny balcony or sun-drenched windowsill will do the trick. Prepare a tray with soil and your favorite seeds or grab a mason jar from your shelf and soak a few seeds in it. You will have a miniature garden and trust us, there is no better feeling than snipping fresh greens and garnishing your meal.
How to Grow Greens Indoors All Year Long
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Get Recipe-Savvy
The perfect excuse for trying new recipes is eating in season. Think hearty soups come fall, tangy salads during spring, and fruity desserts throughout the summer months. Not knowing where to start? Begin with our list of favorite recipes that can spark endless inspiration.
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Join a Produce Subscription Box
Get seasonal produce delivered right to your doorstep. It is convenient, fun, and a simple way to try new veggies in your meals. Try Planted Detroit's subscription and get ready to unlock a box full of fresh possibilities every Wednesday.
Let’s get the biggest myth out of the way: "Seasonal eating is too limiting."-It will never be a deprivation-fest with the options available year-round thanks to local farms and hydroponics.
Out of the other myths that come up, this one has to be the one made up by people who still live under a rock!
They say, "It's only for the country landers" WRONG AGAIN! Urban farms like Planted Detroit bring fresh, local produce right into your home, in the heart of the city.
A Small Change with Big Benefits
Eating seasonally isn’t just a trend; rather, it's a lifestyle beneficial for your health, community, and the planet. In choosing fresh, local produce, you're demonstrating you do care about what you eat and where it comes from.
Why not start today? Try stopping by your neighborhood market, thinking about a seasonal meal, or becoming a subscriber through a service like Planted Detroit.
A healthier you and a healthier planet are just a seasonal bite away!
Explore how Planted Detroit can bring seasonal, hydroponic greens to your table. Shop Now!