I’m always on the lookout for simple ways to boost my family’s health, and eating seasonally is one of my favorites. We don’t stress too much about it; instead, we have fun creating recipes based on what’s available at the farmer’s market or in our garden. It might seem daunting at first, but once you shift your mindset and connect with the origin of your food, seasonal eating becomes second nature.
Seasonal eating has numerous advantages. As a gardener, it’s something I naturally gravitate towards, but it’s also exciting to see what’s in season at the grocery store or farmer’s market and figure out new ways to use those ingredients.
Life can be hectic, especially for busy moms, so the idea of adding another task to the list might sound overwhelming. Fortunately, incorporating seasonal eating doesn’t have to be another chore. It can be a delightful part of a healthy lifestyle.
Here’s how you can get started:
Planning is key when it comes to using seasonal produce effectively. If you’re not already meal planning, now might be the perfect time to begin. I use a tool called Real Plans, which simplifies the process by automatically providing seasonal recipes, making meal planning much easier than doing it on my own.
To embrace seasonal eating, you’ll need to adjust your thinking a bit. Instead of having blueberries all year round, try to get creative with using them in the summer when they’re in season (or use frozen ones during other times).
When searching for seasonal recipes, especially for items you’re growing or buying locally, keep things simple at first. Don’t tackle complex dishes until you’re comfortable with various ingredients. Start with straightforward recipes and gradually build your cooking skills.
Once you begin buying produce seasonally, you’ll often find yourself with an abundance of a particular item at once.
Here’s how to handle a large haul of seasonal produce:
When I harvest a lot from my garden or the farmer’s market, I do a combination of strategies! This gives the kids something to look forward to, like indulging in all the strawberries they can eat in June, and adds a bit of routine to the year.
What’s in season will depend on your location. The best way to find out is by visiting a local farm or farmer’s market to see what’s available. You can also check out a state-by-state guide for seasonal food.
Local foods aren’t the only ones you can enjoy in season. Foods that come from different climates have their seasons too. For instance, while most Americans can’t find local citrus fruits, they’re at their best and most affordable in winter. Keep an eye out for these options in grocery stores and farmer’s markets year-round:
In January, most people are reflecting and resting while the gardens are bare. The season calls for hearty soups and stews made from starchy vegetables. Here’s what to look for in January:
February often brings chilly and dark days, making warm and colorful foods a great delight! Keep an eye out for root vegetables, cruciferous veggies, and citrus fruits, which are plentiful:
March marks the beginning of spring, with its delicate greens signaling the return of fresh produce!
Come April, more spring vegetables start appearing, and some fruits begin showing up in stores.
In May, with school winding down for many and summer unofficially starting, berries and other fruits start appearing.
As June ends, summer officially begins, bringing an ever-expanding variety of fresh fruits and veggies.
With summer in full swing, barbecues and backyard grilling become popular cooking methods. Check out what’s in season:
August can be the hottest month in many regions, perfect for beach picnics! Luckily, there are plenty of easy-to-pack fruits and veggies this month:
As the school year starts back up in September and summer vacations wrap up, families seek easy lunch solutions. Though technically still summer for a few weeks, there’s plenty to choose from:
With the crispness of October, heartier veggies come into season, many of which store well long-term:
As Thanksgiving approaches, people often crave flavors that evoke this American holiday. Root and cruciferous vegetables, along with some select fruits, are plentiful:
With December’s arrival and Christmas just weeks away, the season offers more of those robust vegetables perfect for pairing with roasts or soups.
If the thought of eating more seasonally seems overwhelming, remember it’s easier than it looks. You don’t need to commit totally to local or in-season produce. Gradually incorporate more seasonal items into your meals. It’s a fantastic way to ease into the mindset of seasonal eating, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying and serving as much seasonal produce as you like!
How do you incorporate seasonal eating into your routine? What tips do you have?
