Welcome to the season of sunshine! As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, summertime brings a cornucopia of fresh, vibrant produce straight from the garden to your plate. From juicy watermelons that burst with sweetness to cucumbers that cool you down with every bite, grab your reusable bag and explore the tantalizing world of sun-kissed fruits and garden-fresh veggies.
Fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season offer an array of benefits that go beyond satisfying your palate. Eating seasonally offers various perks, including fresher produce, better flavor, and higher nutritional value. Search the Seasonal Food Guide, to see what’s in season near you. Eating seasonally also reduces your food’s environmental impact by requiring less transportation and by supporting local farmers and economies.
Buying local and seasonal food can have several positive impacts on the environment. Local food doesn’t have to go a long distance to get to your table, which reduces the emissions associated with transporting it. Buying local also reduces waste by using less packaging, since the food isn’t shipped. Seasonal food is typically produced in conditions where it can grow naturally, requiring less energy for artificial heating, lighting, and irrigation compared to out-of-season produce grown in greenhouses or shipped from elsewhere.
Locally grown food often retains more nutrients since it’s typically harvested at peak ripeness and doesn’t need to travel long distances, reducing nutrient loss. Additionally, seasonal foods often align with our body’s nutritional needs for different times of the year. Plus, it tastes better! When crops are picked at their peak ripeness, you get the fullest flavor. Remember, once you bring your fresh fruits and veggies home, be sure to wash and store them properly to reduce food waste.
Farmers markets make fun outings where you can find fresh farm produce while supporting local businesses. They provide an opportunity to socialize, find new ingredients, and stay within your budget. There is also less waste, as much of the produce offered isn’t packaged. Plus, your money will remain in the local economy, supporting the farmers who worked to grow the food.
Having a list is important, especially if you’re planning or meal prepping, but while you’re browsing the produce, keep an open mind while selecting your seasonal goodies. Be adventurous!
Here is one of our favorite seasonal recipes: Fruit Crumble
Ingredients:
4 cups seasonal fruit (berries, plums, peaches, apples, cherries)
½ cup sweetener (honey or maple syrup)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup oats
½ cup flour
¼ cup brown sugar
Pinch of salt
1 tsp of vanilla
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup melted coconut oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees, grease the baking dish with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, chop the fruit, and add to the baking dish (be sure to remove any seeds). Drizzle sweetener over the fruit and toss.
In a separate bowl, combine the melted coconut oil with the oats, flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and baking powder. Mix well, preferably by hand. Sprinkle the oat topping on top of the fruit.
Bake until bubbly, about an hour. Cool before serving.
Find more seasonal recipes from the Texas Farmers Market.
From enhancing nutritional intake to reducing environmental impact and supporting local economies, seasonal produce can be key to better health and a more sustainable lifestyle.
