Season's Eatings

Greetings everyone! As this holiday season has officially come to an end underway and we’ve all settled into the new year, it is essential to start looking into your eating habits. When you eat seasonally, you become in sync with the natural world as you strive towards a healthier, more nutritious lifestyle. Seasonal eating also leads to buying products that are fresh and local, which aid in living sustainably.

Did you know that the damage caused by industrial farming is $34.7 billion annually? Did you know it takes 4 to 17 times more fuel to produce and distribute conventional food compared to local and regional food? AND 5 to 17 times more CO2 is produced? If every American ate just one meal a week composed of locally and organically raised meats and produce, the U.S. would reduce oil consumption by more than 1.1 million barrels a WEEK. So eating fresh foods during season, and buying them all locally, can greatly contribute to environmental sustainability.

Check out which foods are best to eat and when, to plan a year full of fresh eats and sustainable feats!

(Seasonal eating does vary by location and fluctuates based on climate variations. Use this guide loosely, and get in touch with local markets for further information!)

Winter

(December-February)

Winter is the time to restore the body's essential nutrients. Now is when the body needs warmth and restoration from the years activities and adventures. Some salty essentials that provide the body with what it may need this winter include beef, mushrooms, rice and nuts. Become in sync with your environment this winter by shopping locally for these fresh foods:

• Apples

• Brussel Sprouts

• Cabbage

• Carrots

• Cauliflower

• Celery

• Citrus fruit (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit)

• Kale

• Kiwi

• Leeks

• Onions

• Parsnips

• Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes

• Pumpkin

• Pineapple

• Radishes

• Turnips

• Winter Squash

Spring

(March-May)

During spring we bring about the bitter flavors to regulate the liver and restore the body’s energy system. Incorporating greens as well as onions, mustard seed, and cilantro can invigorate the body this season and promote detoxification from the heavy winter foods. Dive into your local market to see what’s fresh this Spring and what to look forward to for Summer

• Apricots

• Asparagus

• Avocado

• Beets

• Blood orange

• Broccoli

• Celery

• Collard greens

• Cherries

• Fava beans

• Fennel

• Kale

• Peas

• Pineapple

• Radishes

• Rhubarb

• Spring onion

• Spinach

• Strawberries

• Turnips

Summer

(June-August)

Summer is the time to indulge! With the freshest fruits and vegetables of the year, summers sweet flavors keep the body cool and balanced. Shop locally this summer for the best fruits and vegetables to nourish the body and gain harmony with your environment. Reap the essential vitamins and minerals this year to energize you through that daily summer heat.

• Apricots

• Artichokes

• Arugula

• Avocados

• Bell Peppers

• Beans

• Blackberries

• Blueberries

• Cantaloupe

• Cherries

• Corn

• Cucumber

• Eggplant

• Garlic

• Honeydew

• Mangos

• Nectarines

• Passion fruit

• Peaches

• Pears

• Plums

• Raspberries

• Strawberries

• Spinach

• Summer Squash

• Tomatoes

• Zucchini

• Watermelon

Fall

(September-November)

We introduce flavors that are juicy and sour this fall as we want to lubricate our insides to counteract falls dryness. Fall into this season with healthy portions of protein and gain strength with those leafy greens. Gain nourishment off the land and purchase local goods to support sustainability.

• Almonds

• Apples

• Broccoli

• Broccolini

• Brussel Sprouts

• Butternut Squash

• Cabbage

• Carrots

• Cauliflower

• Chestnuts

• Cranberries

• Garlic

• Ginger

• Grapes

• Green Beans

• Kale

• Lettuce

• Mushrooms

• Onions

• Parsnips

• Pears

• Potatoes

• Pomegranate

• Plums

• Pumpkin

• Radishes

• Turnips

The farm-to-table movement is worldwide as we attempt to localize farming and reduce our carbon footprint as a whole. Seasonal produce is known to be more flavorful and less harmful both to yourself and to the environment. Although imported produce claimed to be in season year round is convenient, one can taste the difference between store bought vs. sun grown, and feel the difference when they actively reduce their carbon cost to the world. So find harmony with your environment and get to know mother nature a little better this year as you shop local, seasonally fresh foods!