Why are Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables More Beneficial?

Fruits and vegetables are known to be the best foods for a healthy life. It is also important to note that seasonal fruits and vegetables are more beneficial than the fruits and vegetables which are not grown in their respective season. As the weather changes all over the world, so does the fresh produce that is available. Each season offers an array of amazing fresh produce which include the seasonal fruits and vegetables. This is the time when you get chance to try out various recipes with the seasonal vegetables and fruits. They are not only delicious but also healthy enough.

There are several reasons why seasonal fruits and vegetables are more beneficial:

1. Optimal Flavour of the Fruits and Vegetables in Season:

   Seasonal fruits and vegetables have optimal flavour when grown and consumed during their season, they are crispy, fragrant, juicy and colourful. They are naturally ripened on the tree and thus are great in taste, or flavour and also rich in healthy nutrients. Artificially ripening the non seasonal fruits and vegetables have reduced level of flavour and taste.

2. Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables are Better in Nutrition:

   Seasonal fruits and vegetables get their nourishment from the sun and the soil and as they had more exposure to the sun they are loaded with a higher level of antioxidants like folate, carotenes, Vitamin C etc. These seasonal fruits and vegetables are also loaded with rich nutrients and provide better nutrition. Fruits and vegetables which are stored for a long time and are sold out-of-season time carry reduced phyto-nutrient content in them.

3. They Offer More Room For Home Cooking:

   Eating seasonally also compels you to cook more and this is absolutely a great benefit for your health. You are consciously making better choices for your health when you start cooking with fresh season foods; like which oil should you use to cook, how much sugar you need to add to your food etc.

4. Seasonal Fruits And Vegetables Support Your Seasonal Needs:

   It must also be noted that the natural cycle of seasonal fruits and vegetables is perfectly designed to support your health. Apples are grown during fall and they are the perfect transition food which aid the body get rid of excess heat and cool down before winter. Similarly in the spring season, there are an abundance of leafy green vegetables which help us alkalize, detox as well as lose some extra pounds after a long winter of heavier foods. In summer season, our body requires cooling down and remain hydrated by eating more fruits, cucumber, water melon, berries etc. These summer foods like stone fruits provide our body with additional beta-carotenes and other carotenoids that aid us in protecting our body against sun damage. They also provide more energy and the salad vegetables also offer us have tasty cool summer salads.

   It is very much true that developing a lifestyle around seasonal food facilitates the body’s natural healing process.

5. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are organic and free of pesticides:

   Seasonal fruits and vegetables are mostly natural and free of pesticides. These seasonal produce are grown by healthy and natural growing practices and thus are free from chemicals, pesticides, waxes and preservatives which may be required for the fruits and vegetables not grown in season.

6. They are More Environment Friendly:

   Seasonal fruits and vegetables can grow without excess of human assistance, i.e. pesticides and genetic modification which can contaminate the soil and the water and also affect our health adversely. Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables reduces the demand for out of season produce which further supports more local produce and also supports local farming in your area; which means less transportation, less refrigeration, less hot houses, and also less irradiation of produce. Thus, season fruits and vegetables reduce the load on environment and are thus known to be more environment friendly.

7. Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables are Cheaper:

   When farmers are harvesting a large abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables due to the crop being in season, the cost of the produce will do down. This is the reason why seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper in their season.

• In spring season; choose leafy vegetables as they represent the fresh new growth of this season. Some of the vegetables include spinach, fresh parsley, basil, romaine lettuce, Swiss card, Kale, Dandelion etc.
• In summer season, go for light and cooling foods which include fruits like apples, strawberries, plums and pears and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, corn, Zucchini etc.
• In fall season, prefer eating vegetables like carrots, onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, warming spices like ginger, mustard seeds, peppercorns etc.
• During winter season, turn to more warming foods and foods which are rich in dense and rich in nutrient and antioxidants; like turnips, carrots, potatoes, squash, garlic and onions. These foods keep you warm and also protect against illnesses.

Now that we are aware of how seasonal fruits and vegetables are more beneficial for us and our environment; it is time to join hands and stand up for consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables and keep our body at good health and our environment at its best.