Four Reasons to Pick Produce That’s Local and In Season

Why eat in-season, locally grown produce instead of what’s out of season or grown far away? Here are four great reasons:

One: It’s Freshness Overload

In-season, local produce ripens naturally and is harvested at the right time, which means it tastes better and has more nutritional value. A great example is the tomato. Have you ever compared a tomato from the grocery store with one grown locally? Even if both are technically in season, the difference is obvious in color, brightness, flavor and texture. This is, in part, because the locally grown tomato is full of antioxidants (which decline quickly in storage) and will provide more nourishment of our bodies.

Two: It Provides Better Nutrition

In the winter, eating seasonal foods like winter greens gives our bodies vitamins and nutrients that help prevent infections and provides us with comfort during long winter months. As the weather is warming up, it’s time to eat foods that will provide us with vitamins to prevent sun damage and give us energy for a more active season.

Three: It’s Better for the Environment

Seasonal eating likely means lower pesticide use, which is better for our bodies, our soil, and our water supply. It also supports local growers, which means less pollution due to transportation and refrigeration. A bonus of local in-season produce is that local growers tend to use fewer preservatives and pesticides!

Four: It’s Less Expensive

Since seasonal produce is more likely to be local, extensive travel and storage fees don’t get passed down to the consumer (you!), which can help bring the cost down. Organic food from the grocery store can be more expensive than locally grown food, in addition to being less fresh and lower in nutrients.

The bottom line: When you can, opt for local and in season!