THOSE STRAWBERRIES ARE SO LAST SEASON: Why Eating Seasonally Is So Important

Nature is very intentional. Seasons and the beautiful produce that intertwine in rotation with it are not arbitrary patterns for our amusement. While we humans are clever little tricksters that found loopholes to evade the seasonal dictation of our nourishment, we think it’s ideal to adhere to mother nature’s way of doing things as best we can. After all, mother knows best.

Eating seasonally is more nourishing than eating produce manipulated into growth outside their season. This is because certain climates produce nutrient offerings in such a nuanced and complex fashion, we can’t possibly mimic every detail when forcibly growing an out of season crop. And, of course, seasonal food is fresher, tastier, and more nutritious than food consumed out of season, according to the Seasonal Food Guide.

Also, by eating seasonally, you are eating the appropriate nutrients for that time of year, for your body. Certain plants grow at certain times of the year so that we can be properly nourished and obtain the kind of gut diversity that nature has intended for us all along. Why would we want to deprive ourselves of that?

On top of eating fresher, tastier, more nutrient dense food closest to its harvest date, most preserved food is covered in waxes, pesticides, and chemical preservatives to maintain a look of freshness. While these fruits and veggies may have shelf appeal, the longer they sit on the truck, in the back refrigerator of the market, and on the shelf, the more antioxidants and phytonutrients are lost. This is especially true of “fresh”-cut produce, so try to save the chopping for at home whenever possible.

"Harvested at the peak of freshness, you offer yourself the highest form of self-love—beautifying nourishment."

More often than not, the freshest, most seasonal produce will be available locally. This is not only substantially more nutrient effective for our own health, but for the environment. Saving both time and resources in shipping the produce far and wide, it gets harvested, and ends up in your shopping cart or at your doorstep very shortly thereafter, saving time and freshness for all parties involved. We call that a win-win.

By choosing to eat seasonally, you are guaranteeing food that was meant to nourish you specifically in the now, maintaining a practice of presence inside and out. Harvested at the peak of freshness, you offer yourself the highest form of self-love—beautifying nourishment. You avoid unnatural and possibly toxic preservatives and do your part for sustainable farming methods in your community. Check to see if a farm near you has a CSA offering, and maybe try something new!