5 Great Reasons to Eat Seasonal Fruit and Vegetables


It wasn’t so long ago that we had no other option but to buy fruit and veg that was in season. We only ate what was produced locally and could be transported quickly before the produce rotted.

Over the years improved infrastructure, meaning bigger storage and refrigeration units as well as transport capabilities, has meant produce from other countries and climates can be stored and transported to our door year round.

While this is convenient and great to be able to buy what we want when we want, the ol’ saying ‘It sounds too good to be true…’ is well, true.

It’s time to turn back the clock and remember why shopping for fruit and veg that is in season makes much more sense.

Here’s five great reasons to get you started.

  1. It’s cheaper
    When you buy food out of season you are paying for the extra effort and energy it takes to get the food to your plate. The food has to be either grown in a greenhouse, if it is not being produced in the correct climate, or it is flown in from warmer countries. It also needs to be stored, packaged and transported. This all costs the producers money and it is passed on to you, the consumer.
  2. It tastes better
    Produce that is transported over long distances has to be harvested early so it doesn’t rot during transit. Harvesting early doesn’t allow the taste or nutrients to fully develop which is why a tomato purchased in winter will be flavourless and lacking in nutrients.
  3. It’s good for the environment
    All that energy that has gone into early harvesting, storage and transportation adds up to more carbon emissions. If we buy what’s in season and also shop locally, less energy and resources have gone into getting the product to you.
  4. It supports local industry
    Only 18 cents of every dollar when buying from a large supermarket chain actually ends up in the growers pocket. The other 82 cents goes to various unnecessary middlemen (source: Local Harvest). Cut them out of the picture and buy your food directly from your local farmer and in turn strengthen your community.
  5. It’s more exciting!
    Just think how much you love Christmas because you wait all year for it. You could have that same feeling about strawberries in October. The first sign of normal sized, delicious tasting, bright red strawberries on shelves rather than the tasteless, ridiculously oversized ones always makes me excited for summer.

To help you determine what Seasonal Fruit and Veg are in season, I have developed a Seasonal Fruit and Veg Guide for you to reference next time you make a shopping list.

ALC-SeasonalF&V download-medium

Happy fruit and veg shopping!

What fruits or vegetables do you look forward to throughout the year?


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