Eating seasonally: What are the benefits?

In the past, fruit and vegetables were only available on our shelves when they were in season. Supermarkets in 21st century Ireland and the UK now serve up a variety all year round. The availability of imported and exotic fruit and vegetables has become the norm, meaning that we are eating less seasonally. However, in recent years, there is a greater consumer call for a movement and refocus towards eating seasonally and locally. We investigated why by looking at the benefits to be had to our health, the environment and the local community.

1. Nutritional benefits

Seasonal food is fresher, meaning it also retains a higher nutritional value. Out of season produce that has travelled around the world may have ‘aged’ in transportation, which can lead to a reduction in antioxidants, folic acid and vitamin C . A diet rich in fruit and vegetables lowers the risk of chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, heart disease and cancers.

2. Cost effective

Buying local and seasonal produce means a reduction in transportation and storage costs. Avoid paying a premium for food which is scarcer out of season. Tip: Check the country of origin on the packaging of fruit and vegetables, see how far some have travelled.

3. Support local

Locally grown food tends to be more flavourful as it is picked closer to the time it is ripe and may also have less pesticides and fertiliser added. Furthermore, eating locally means supporting and strengthening your local economy and regional cuisine.

4. Organic produce

Both organic and non-organic foods are nutritious and safe to eat when you’re making healthy food choices. Organic products do tend to be more expensive and when compared to conventional products the nutritional value is often the same.

Organic products may however:

• Offer positive environmental benefits as they are produced with very little chemicals

• They are often produced and bought locally, therefore helping to support local farmers

5. Natural and instinctive

Eating seasonal suits the taste palette. In winter you can enjoy a warm stew with root vegetables, whereas in the summer, a plate of berries can be a lot more appetising. By ‘eating with the seasons’, you increase the variety of your diet and meals, consistently introducing new produce and colours into your diet. Variety is the spice of life after all!

6. Improved flavour and taste, less preservatives

Non-seasonal produce must be harvested before it is ripe in order for exportation. Seasonal produce taste their best and are at their most nutritious when they are harvested ripe and fresh. Remember, the longer the shelf life of fruit/vegetables, the more preservatives that are added to keep it fresh.

Get involved!

You can grow your own!

Create your own mini allotment and share your home-grown recipes and food with friends and family. It’s easy to grow fresh parsley, coriander or other herbs in a pot, or even some tomato plants out on a sunny balcony. Food doesn’t get more local or seasonal than when you grow and harvest it yourself!

So then, what’s in season and when?

The good news is that there’s something to look forward to every month of the year! Click here to find out what fruits and vegetables are in season and when. Perhaps even look out for some of them next time you do your grocery shopping and see how you can make a difference and have some fun by eating seasonally.