Eating seasonally has many benefits. Most people understand that when you buy fruit out of season it’s not going to be as tasty and ripe as you’d like it. This is because fruit that’s been harvested, packed, and shipped distances obviously isn’t as fresh. This is where the beauty of the farmers markets comes in. There are even health benefits to shopping locally for produce. Some studies have shown that fruits and vegetables keep more of their nutrients when they naturally ripen. So, looking for fully flavored and fresh food to liven up your meals? Look no further than your local produce stands.

 

  1. Sustainability

There are over a dozen “growing zones” within the United States. That means depending on where you live some things will be in season and inevitably other things will not. Find out what grows when where you live by becoming a regular at your local farmers market. This will give you an idea of what’s in season. Once you know the best time of year to buy corn, you won’t want to go back to the grocery store. There’s nothing like having fresh, savory fruit and vegetables as they’re harvested. On top of that, it saves to buy locally from the source and creates less waste than when you shop at a major chain.

 

  1. Better Health Choices
    It’s not news that processed foods aren’t good for you. However, a lot of people don’t consider how easy of a shift it can be to begin a more natural diet. While eating seasonally and frequenting markets for your meals, it’s impossible to not wind up with healthier options. Most produce sold at markets is free of GMOs and much better for our health from the start. On top of that, buying things in season helps to remind us that there are many things out there we actually do enjoy eating that are also good for us. Beginning to buy fresh seasonal produce can truly hit refresh on your diet!

 

  1. Be Inspired!

Eating seasonally gives you the opportunity to slow down and decide what’d you’d like to eat while taking into consideration what the freshest, fastest options are. In a hurry? Maybe you’ve got some leftover chicken and aren’t in the mood for your usual meat and potatoes Monday. Head to market and see what looks good! You’ll find rows and rows of colorful fruits and vegetables to inspire and spark your creativity. A basket of green beans can cost as little as two dollars, can be seasoned all sorts of ways, and only takes a couple of minutes to make.

 

It’s the perfect time of year to start eating seasonally as Summer is in full swing across the country! If you’re not sure where to go, there are great sites such as, CSA that allow you to type in your location and provide you with local markets and farms.