Tis' the season(al) eating

Why eat seasonal?

This post came about due to my extreme love for Persimmons.

As the seasons shifted and the leaves started to fall, I eagerly went to the farmers market every week looking for the first batch of Persimmons. Once they were finally there… I bought 10. I was so excited to finally take a bite! Why was this? I had a thought. “Man, I would looove to be able to eat Persimmons all year". Followed by another thought… “Hmm… maybe I like them so much, because I can only have them a few months of the year, over eat them like crazy, and then they are gone before I get sick of them.”

This is the time of year that fruits and avocados are on the outs and persimmons, squash and root vegetables are in! Although we can still get items like fruits all year, there is a benefit in leaving those for the summer months and eating only what is found locally and in season at the farmers market.

Benefits to seasonal eating :

• You get a wider variety of vitamins and minerals

• Eating with the seasons puts your body in tune with the seasons! Winter and summer foods provide different needs.

  • Winter: hot comfort foods, high in Vit. C to help prevent colds.

  • Summer : High in beta carotenes to help fight sun damage, higher sugar content to provide energy.

• Fruits and avocados will be exciting once summer rolls around

• Richer flavor and higher nutritional value

• Reduced pesticide consumption

• Cheaper!!

• Reduced carbon footprint. Ex: less gas use from items being shipped over seas

• Supporting local businesses

• An unreasonable love for Persimmons

My favorite is the Live Earth Farm CSA (community support agriculture) box!