What is Seasonal Eating?
Seasonal eating is simply eating the food that was recently harvested by the farmers. By rotating your diet to eat the vegetables and fruits in season throughout the year, you gain variety in both taste and nutrition.
Why is it important? Studies have shown that the fresher the produce, the healthier it is to eat. Fruits and vegetables that are allowed to ripen naturally and are consumed shortly after harvesting contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which protect against cancer and other serious diseases, than produce that has traveled long distances and has to sit on grocery store shelves for long periods of time. Fresh fruits and vegetables usually have a fuller flavor than food allowed to sit on shelves or in freezers at the supermarket.
Seasonal Eating Helps the Economy
To get the freshest seasonal produce, buying from local farmers markets and community supported agriculture groups will provide great tasting food as well as help the local economy. When you purchase food from local farmers, the money stays in your community and creates more jobs for local people.
Buying locally grown, seasonal food is often cheaper because every local farmer is harvesting similar crops. That means when an abundance of produce is available, grocery stores that support local farmers will often put items on sale.
Seasonal Eating Helps the Planet
To stock fresh fruits and vegetables that are out of season, grocery stores pay to transport food by truck, boat or plane from other cities, states or countries. That transportation is factored into the price you pay—but money isn’t the only cost. The gas and oil to power these big cargo vehicles create carbon dioxide, contributing to the greenhouse gasses largely responsible for climate change. By buying locally grown food, you help reduce emissions and help the earth in the process.
What’s in Season Now?
The easiest way to see what produce is in season now is by shopping at the local farmers market. Because farmers markets sell recently harvested food, buying produce there ensures you’re eating in season so you know you’re getting the freshest fruits and vegetables with the most flavor and nutrition. Some crop harvests extend into the next season while other crops are grown and harvested throughout spring, summer and into fall. Here’s a look at seasonal produce available in Maryland:
Spring
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Green onions
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Strawberries
Summer
- Apricots
- Artichokes
- Beets
- Bell Peppers
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Carrots
- Cherries
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Garlic
- Grapes
- Green beans
- Lima beans
- Melons
- Okra
- Peas (green)
- Peaches
- Plums
- Potatoes
- Raspberries
- Rhubarb
- Summer squash
- Tomatillos
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
Autumn
- Apples
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Collard greens
- Eggplant
- Kale
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Pears
- Pumpkin
- Rutabagas
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Turnips
Winter
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Leeks
- Parsnips
- Sweet potatoes and yams
- Winter squash
Fun Seasonal Eating Ideas
The season’s produce is available for a flavorful meal with friends, family or a quiet night by yourself. A quick search online for recipes is an easy way to get started. There are many fun dishes and desserts to try using fruits and veggies picked at the peak of perfection!
More to Read
- 5 Reasons Why Farmers Markets are Good for You
- Healthy Eating on a Budget
- Healthy Eating on a Dime
- Change Up Your Meals With These 5 Easy Food Swaps
- Learn more about keeping up healthy habits.
