There are many pleasures of eating and one of my favorites is eating with the seasons.
So, when my husband came home from work with a large baggie of fresh, local asparagus last week, I got super excited. I prepped and roasted the asparagus with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. When I ate it, my taste buds did a happy dance!
Grocery stores sell a huge assortment of fruits and vegetables all year round with good flavors. And, to be fair, sometimes these fresh items are remarkably tasty considering that they traveled thousands of miles from far away lands. Yes, I encourage everyone to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in January and February as well as June, July, November and December. So, learning what’s most seasonal in your local area month-to-month is the key.
Try these fresh fruits and vegetables for seasonal eating in the Northern Hemisphere
Please note to adjust for southern versus northern climates. Please also note that these are brief lists and even more varieties are likely available in your local area.
January/February: Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Lemons, Oranges Parsnips, Pears, Rosemary, Sweet Potatoes
March/April: Asparagus, Cabbage, Kale, Oregano, Mint, Pea shoots, Peas, Radishes, Spinach Swiss chard, Rhubarb
May/June: Broccoli, Dill, Leafy greens, Fennel, Green beans, Strawberries, Cucumbers, Green peppers, Potatoes
July/August: Blueberries, Basil, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Corn, Eggplant, Okra, Peaches, Summer squash, Tomatoes, Zucchini squash, Watermelon
September/October: Apples, Cauliflower, Figs, Grapes, Pears, Pumpkin, Sweet Potatoes, Winter Squash
November/December: Grapefruit, Oranges, Pomegranates, Apples, Pears, Rutabagas, Turnips
Seasonal Eating is Healthful Eating
Finding and enjoying seasonal produce is truly a route to better food flavors. Why does it matter? Better, richer flavors can encourage even reluctant fruit and veggie eaters to take a bite. When the first bite tastes great then another bite follows and another bite follows that. Eating delicious fruits and vegetables every day and every meal gets quality nutrition into all of us for a healthier life. That’s why it matters! What seasonal fruits and vegetables are on your meal table this week?
Start the process for yourself by grabbing my free Easy Mediterranean Menus. Or take a look at my Tasty Vegetarian Menus & Shopping Lists ebook, too.