Choosing seasonal foods benefits our health and supports the environment. This concept, increasingly present in daily life, promotes eating fruits, vegetables, and other products when harvested naturally, avoiding those that require extensive resources or long transportation to reach our table. Doing so reduces environmental impact and encourages more sustainable eating habits.
WHY EAT SEASONAL FOODS?
Eating seasonal foods is one of the most effective ways to reduce our ecological footprint. When we opt for foods grown and harvested naturally during a specific season, we are choosing products that require fewer resources to grow. For example, a summer fruit like melon needs less external intervention to develop during its season, as the climate and conditions are naturally favorable.
In addition, seasonal foods are often local, which means fewer miles traveled from their origin to our tables. This helps reduce CO₂ emissions and other greenhouse gases related to food transportation. By choosing local, seasonal products, we support nearby agriculture, benefiting local economies and promoting a more sustainable agricultural production model.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF EATING OUT OF SEASON
Eating foods out of season significantly increases environmental impact. To bring these products to our tables during times when they don’t grow naturally in our region, several environmentally harmful practices are often required. One of these is using greenhouses with heating systems, which consume large amounts of energy.
Another common practice is importing seasonal foods from other countries, often requiring long-distance transportation, typically by planes or trucks that emit substantial amounts of pollutants. This process significantly increases the product’s carbon footprint, along with resources needed to preserve freshness during transit, like plastic packaging and refrigeration.
Additionally, foods grown out of season generally require more pesticides and fertilizers to develop in non-ideal conditions, leading to greater use of chemicals that impact local soils and ecosystems.
HOW TO TELL IF A PRODUCT IS IN SEASON
One of the most common questions is how to know if food is at its peak season. It’s easier than it may seem! First, check the product’s origin. Seasonal foods are usually local, so looking at labels and choosing products from your region is a good first step.
Another clue is the price. Seasonal foods tend to be cheaper because there is more supply. If you see the price of a fruit or vegetable is unusually high, it’s probably out of season and has been imported or grown under artificial conditions.
It’s also helpful to consult seasonal food calendars, which show when products are at their peak based on the time of year. These calendars vary by region but are a helpful guide to identifying fruits, vegetables, and other items that grow naturally during each season.
TIPS FOR EATING MORE SEASONAL FOODS
- Plan meals around the season: Check which fruits and vegetables are in season and plan weekly menus based on those foods. This way, you’ll be eating fresher, tastier products while also contributing to the planet’s sustainability.
- Visit local markets: Farmers’ markets often offer fresh, seasonal products from nearby growers. Along with supporting the local economy, this is an excellent way to ensure that the foods you buy haven’t traveled long distances and are more eco-friendly.
- Freeze and preserve: If you can buy in bulk, freezing or preserving seasonal foods is a great way to enjoy them out of season without relying on products that have been transported long distances or intensively farmed.
- Learn to cook seasonally: There are many recipes you can adapt to the time of year. Experimenting with fresh, seasonal ingredients can make your meals more nutritious and sustainable.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF SEASONAL FOODS
Beyond the environmental impact, eating seasonal foods has other advantages. One of the main ones is that seasonal products are usually fresher, resulting in better taste and more nutrients. When foods are harvested at their peak, they retain their properties better, making them healthier.
They’re also often more economical, as they don’t require expensive preservation or transportation processes. With greater availability in the market, prices usually decrease, allowing us to care for both our budget and the environment.
THE ROLE OF SUPERMARKETS AND STORES
While supermarkets often offer a wide variety of products year-round, it’s important as consumers to learn how to identify seasonal foods. Often, supermarkets prioritize products from other parts of the world or those grown outside their natural season. As conscious consumers, we can ask about product origin and choose those that are local and seasonal.
More and more stores and supermarkets are starting to label their products to indicate if they’re in season or local, making our purchasing decisions easier. Using this information is an excellent way to make more sustainable choices.
CONCLUSION: CHOOSE SEASONAL FOODS TO HELP THE PLANET
Opting for seasonal foods is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce our environmental impact. By doing so, we avoid energy- and resource-intensive practices, support local farmers, and promote healthier, more affordable eating.
Making conscious decisions about what we eat has immense power. Incorporating more seasonal foods into our diets is a concrete action each of us can take to contribute to the fight against climate change and to help care for our environment.