Embrace the Freshness of Seasonal Eating This Spring

Seasonal eating for spring simply involves produce that is harvested during the current time of year in your region. Let's explore the benefits of seasonal eating, as well as the foods that are in season now in the northern hemisphere.

The Benefits of Seasonal Eating

There are numerous benefits to seasonal eating including health benefits for you, the environment, and even your wallet. The food is also tastier. So, let's break it down:

Better Nutrition

• Foods eaten in season are usually picked at peak ripeness, which means they contain more nutrients.

• Fruits and vegetables start losing nutrients once they’re harvested.

• Out-of-season produce is often picked early and shipped long distances.

• In-season foods tend to have higher vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant levels.

• For example, summer tomatoes and winter citrus often have better nutrient density when eaten during their natural harvest time.

Better Taste

• When produce ripens naturally flavors develop fully, texture improves, and natural sugars are higher. So seasonal foods taste better.

• This is why a fresh peach in summer tastes a lot sweeter than one in winter.

Farmer's Market

Supports Local Farmers

• Seasonal eating often encourages buying from local farms and markets.

• The benefits include:

  • It strengthens local economies,

  • It supports small farmers,

  • It preserves regional agriculture, and

  • It builds stronger community food systems.

• Shopping at farmers markets is a great way to practice seasonal eating, because the famers only sell what they've just harvested.

Lowers Environmental Impact

• Seasonal foods usually require:

  • Less transportation,

  • Less refrigeration and storage, and

  • Fewer artificial growing conditions (like heated greenhouses).

• This reduces carbon emissions and energy use.

Benefits to Your Wallet

• When foods are abundant during their natural harvest season, prices usually drop.

• Examples are 1) berries are cheaper in summer, 2) squash is cheaper in fall, and 3) citrus fruits are cheaper in winter.

• This makes eating seasonally an economical approach to healthier eating.

  
  

Seasonal Eating for Spring

Spring produce is often referred to as "cool-season" crops because they begin to germinate in cooler soil and can endure low temperatures well. In the northern hemisphere, here are some foods that are in season right now.

Apricots

Apricots are high in vitamin A and C as well as fiber and antioxidants; but they're low in calories and fat.

Artichokes

Artichokes are high in fiber and help lower blood sugar and possibly cholesterol. They're good for digestion because they stimulate peristalsis. As a natural diuretic, artichokes are good for edema.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a natural diuretic and a urinary tonic. It's an internal detoxicant and can help lower blood pressure. Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin K and micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and riboflavin.

Celery

Celery is a strong diuretic, vasodilator, and can help lower blood pressure.

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, and kale are high in vitamins A, C, E, and K that can help maintain healthy heart function and regulate blood pressure. They are also good sources of magnesium, selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and iron.

Fresh strawberries and rhubarb

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is an internal detoxicant, cholagogue, and laxative. It contains vitamins A, C, and K, folate, riboflavin, and niacin. Rhubarb is also high in fiber and antioxidants.

Spinach

Spinach is an anti-inflammatory food that is high in antioxidants. It's a bone tonic and may also help lower thyroid hormones, so it's good for someone with hyperthyroidism. Spinach also contains high amounts of carotenoids, vitamin C and K, folic acid, iron and calcium.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a refreshing, anti-inflammatory, immune calming, and anticarcinogenic fruit. They're high in vitamin C, manganese, folate and potassium. Strawberries can help aid digestion and are high in antioxidants to fight free-radicals.

If you live in the southern hemisphere, follow the guidelines for Seasonal Eating for Fall.