Enjoying Seasonal Foods

Now that spring is here, it is time to start enjoying locally grown, seasonal vegetables. When you consider that most of the fruits and vegetables that are available in the winter come from over
1000 miles away, how can eating fresh grown compare. Many times these foods have lost nutrients and flavor and are coated with waxes and chemical ripening agents. Eating locally grown goods not only has more flavors, but it packs the most nutrients. In the spring, look for the growth of the new season and select from spinach, Romaine or leaf lettuces, Swiss chard and early peas.
Look for fresh herbs such as basil, parsley and dill.

In the summer try looking for lighter fruits, such as strawberries, pears, apples, and plums. Broccoli, corn and cauliflower are great finds for this time of year and herbs to look for are mint and cilantro. The fall is a great time for a hearty harvest, so look for sweet potatoes, carrots, onions and garlic. Look for warmer spices and seasonings such as mustard seeds, ginger and peppercorns. Wintertime is best for root vegetables because they generally take longer to grow and are more sustainable. Vegetables in this category include carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic, corn and nuts.

Make an effort is year to focus on eating locally grown food and enjoy a diet that involves diversity. It’s one way to make your shopping and cooking more fun and you can even involve the kids. It will give them good shopping and eating habits that will follow them the rest of their lives.