Contents
- What is considered a fruit or vegetable in season?
- Why is it important to eat fruits and vegetables in season?
- Calendar of fruits and vegetables in season in the US
Families are increasingly understanding the importance of healthy eating. Especially with children, it is vital to make the right choices about what to eat. A balanced diet should include 5 pieces of fruit and vegetables a day. But to be perfect, they should be fruits and vegetables in season, which are tastier and retain all their properties.
Nowadays you can see in supermarkets all kinds of vegetables at any time of the year - strawberries in December, 🍓 oranges in August? They are just there all year round.
But for several reasons, it is much better to eat fruits and vegetables in season. And of proximity. In this article you’ll find the reasons why and the fruits and vegetables in season by month chart for the US. Keep reading!.jpg?width=848&name=fruits-and-vegetables-season%20(2).jpg)
What is considered a fruit or vegetable in season?
There are vegetables that grow and are available all year round. But it is clear that depending on the time of year, you can find some fruits and vegetables in season, which means it is the best time to consume them. 😋
Until not so long ago, you could only eat the fruits and vegetables that were in season. In a global world, where products are imported from one side of the world to the other, and with the proliferation of greenhouses, today you can eat any kind of fruits and vegetables at any time of the year. But the best thing to do is to consume everything at its best moment.
In any case, it is normal to find different fruits and vegetables in the supermarket, depending on the season. They are all delicious!
Why is it important to eat fruits and vegetables in season?
There are three major reasons why it is important to consume fruits and vegetables in season:
Health. If you eat fruits and vegetables in season, you are consuming the best, most flavorful and healthiest products. They are the ones that are at their perfect moment of ripeness and, therefore, with the best nutrients available.
In addition, your diet will be more varied. Nature is wise and offers us fresh fruits such as melons in summer and in winter, more consistent fruits, such as chestnuts.
2. Ecology. One of the best ways to try to save the planet is to consume fruits and vegetables in season. By eating something out of season and imported, you generate CO2 emissions that would be unnecessary. And, if they are greenhouse, more energy is used to grow them.
3. Economics. Seasonal produce needs less energy to grow and to be transported. One way or another, we all save some money.
Calendar of fruits and vegetables in season in the US
Spring fruits and vegetables
With the arrival of good weather and more hours of daylight we are craving lighter meals. The variety of fruits and vegetables is huge.
Fruits: Banana, blueberries, cherries, nectarine and rhubarb.
Vegetables: Artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, fennel, mushrooms, peas, bell pepper, spinach and spring onion.
Summer fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables in summer are fresh and juicy. They are foods full of water, which hydrate us.
Fruits: Blueberries, cherries, blackberries, watermelon, strawberries, peaches, raspberries, apricots, figs and so on!
Vegetables: Cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant, beans, carrot, chard, zucchini, kale, mushrooms, onion and tomato.
Autumn fruits and vegetables
This is the season for full-bodied foods. Autumn fruits are crunchy and flavorful. Time for dried fruits and mushrooms! 🍄
Fruits: Apple, banana, grapes, peach, pear and plum.
Vegetables: Eggplant, beets, butternut, carrot, cauliflower, chard, fennel, kale, mushroom, onion, bell pepper, potato, pumpkin, sweet potato and tomato.
Winter fruits and vegetables
With the cold weather fruits rich in vitamin C are in full bloom. Together with some leafy greens, you can prepare green smoothies that will help your immune system to get through the winter.
Fruits: Mainly apples and bananas are available during winter months.
Vegetables: Broccoli, butternut, corn, fennel, mushroom, onion and bell pepper.
With fruits and vegetables in season you can make exquisite recipes that you will associate with the seasons of the year. It is a good way to create special moments. In addition, your health and the planet will benefit from doing so.
Print out our fruits and vegetables in season by month chart to know what you should buy each season. You won’t regret it!
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