5 Benefits of Seasonal Food

Seasonality of food refers to the times of year when a given type of food is at its peak, either in terms of harvest or its flavor. This is usually the time when the item is the cheapest and the freshest on the market. The food's peak time in terms of harvest usually coincides with when its flavor is at its best. There are some exceptions; an example being sweet potatoes which are best eaten quite a while after harvest.

In contrast, the summer diet consisted of green beans, radish, lettuces, chicories, aubergine, carrots, cucumber, gherkins, watercress, marrow, courgettes, and rice. The meat accompanied these vegetables consisted mainly of poultry, ostrich and beef products.

Fruity desserts included fruits such as lemon, lime quinces, nectarines, mulberry, cherries, plums, apricot, grapes, pomegranates, watermelon, pears, apple, and melon. Meanwhile, the drinks involved syrups and jams. Fruit pastels, lemon, rose, jasmine, ginger and fennel.

In Autumn, meals included cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, celery, gourd, wheat, barley, millet, turnips, parsnips, onions, acorns, peanuts, pulses, and olive oil. Drinks incorporated aromatic herbs and flower distillations of essential oils.

The following will talk about 5 main advantages of eating seasonal food.

More Environmentally-Friendly. Eating seasonally not only supports the local growers, but it also benefits the environment. It decreases the environmental damage which comes with shipping foods across large distances such as the energy used to refrigerate them. A fruit or vegetable is also easier to preserve in its own season as fewer chemicals are needed to fertilize it and less energy is used to create the temperature and surrounding environment it needs.
Save money. When farmers are harvesting a large abundance of produce due to the crop being in season, the cost of the produce will go down. When the produce is locally sourced because it’s in season in your area, then traveling expenses and storage are not required therefore reducing the production costs that are then passed onto the consumer. When we buy produce that is out of season, it’s normally sourced from out of area locations that have a different climate and it can also be stored for long periods of time to offer people a variety of produce all year round, these factors will push the price up.
Fresher with a Higher Nutritional Value. Produce that is purchased in the season is more likely to be fresher, consumed closer to harvesting and higher in nutritional value, some anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C, folate and carotenes will rapidly decline when stored for periods of time. Locally in-season sourced fruits and vegetables will also appear brighter and more vibrant rather than limp and dried up. Fruits and vegetables that are stored for long periods of time due to transportation or to be used at a later date have a reduction in phytonutrient content.
Tastes Better. In-season produce is fresher and tastes better, sweeter and perfectly ripe. When fruits and vegetables are picked for consumption that has been naturally ripened on the vine or the tree and harvested at the right time, it will have much more flavor and nutrition.
Avoids Overseas Contaminates. When fruits and vegetables are sourced overseas you can’t be sure what their regulations for pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are. Many countries across the globe have very relaxed laws about chemicals being sprayed on fruits and vegetables that other countries have banned due to their known harmful effects. Overseas agriculture may not regulate soil contamination tests to ensure land and soil quality. Some agricultural areas have been shown to have very high heavy metal and other toxic contaminates due to industrial sites inhabiting the same area. Health practices in some countries may leave a lot to be desired.

That's to say, as long as everyone changes a little bit their dietary habits, our economy and environment will take a big step forward.

References:

https://www.rebootwithjoe.com/benefits-of-eating-seasonally/

https://www.parenthub.com.au/food/seasonal-fruits-vegetables-benefits/