Why Should We Eat Seasonally?

By Mallaidh Mleziva

Why Should We Eat Seasonally?

In our modern global world, the grocery store shelves are a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables all year round. It's become so routine that we often forget that not everything grows naturally in every season. 

With global trade, advanced transportation, and our unending quest for convenience, we can purchase strawberries in the dead of winter and winter squash in the heat of summer. 

So if this is possible, why would we ever choose to eat seasonally? 

The Environmental Advantage

One of the significant perks of eating seasonally is the positive impact on the environment. Purchasing and consuming out-of-season produce means it must be shipped from far-flung corners of the globe. 

While the transportation of food over long distances contributes to carbon emissions, trying to grow foods here out of season isn’t good for the environment, either! 

Plants naturally grow during a particular season because it has the best conditions for them, such as the ideal temperature fluctuations, optimal sunlight hours, the right level of humidity, etc. When we try to grow them out of their season, we need many more inputs! This means more structures to regulate the temperature, more energy for lights, and generally more equipment. 

By choosing locally grown, in-season produce, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint while supporting local farmers.

Nutritional Riches of the Seasons

There's a nutritional goldmine waiting for us in seasonal produce. Fruits and vegetables are at their nutritional peak when they're harvested at the right time. 

The longer produce sits on a shelf or travels across continents, the more its nutrient content deteriorates. Plus, produce like bananas and tomatoes are often picked while they are still green to make them more durable during travel and to last longer. They are later ripened artificially with ethylene gas and set on the grocery store shelves. 

Eating fruits and vegetables in-season ensures you're getting the maximum vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from your produce.

Taste the Difference

Anyone who has bitten into a sun-ripened tomato in the middle of summer knows there's no comparison to its pale, off-season counterpart. Likewise, January strawberries can never hold a candle to the ones you pick off the vine in June. 

In-season produce simple tastes better! The flavors are more vibrant, the textures are crisper, and the overall eating experience is heightened. 

When you eat with the seasons, you're treating your taste buds to a symphony of natural goodness. Nature truly knows best! 

Wisconsin's Seasonal Delights

We have four distinct seasons here in Wisconsin. Each offers a delightful array of produce. 

In spring we can enjoy the first crisp, fresh greens of the year. We also get asparagus popping out of the soil and growing faster than you can harvest it!

Spring (April to June): Asparagus, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries

Summer brings a full bounty of delicious and sweet options. Our backyard barbecues aren’t complete without fresh tomatoes on our burgers, sweet corn on the grill, and watermelon juice running down your chin. 

Summer (July to August): Watermelon, Blueberries, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes

The comfort flavors make their appearance in fall. We have copious amounts of apples to add on top of our pancakes, to cook down into applesauce, and to press into hot apple cider. We also have pumpkin and summer squashes for baking. 

Fall (September to November): Apples, Pumpkins, Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts

While only the leafy greens can survive through the harsh Wisconsin winters with the help of high tunnels and frost covers, we enjoy plenty of root vegetables that can be stored over the winter. Root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots are the perfect complement to beef roasts, soups, and all the other dishes that warm your bones while the snow flies. 

Winter (December to March): Potatoes, Carrots, Kale, Winter squash

The Joy of Eating Seasonally

As you can see, each season has its own distinct flavors! 

But eating seasonally isn't just a culinary choice; it's a lifestyle that connects us to the land, the farmers, and the natural cycles of our environment. It's a celebration of diversity, both in flavor and in the ecosystems that sustain us. 

The seasons bring variance to our lives, both in our daily activities and to our plates. 

So as you plan your meals, consider the bounty that each season brings and savor the rich tapestry of tastes and textures that come with embracing the gifts of nature. 

Happy eating!