Seasonal fruit and veg for a healthy, balanced, ethical diet.
Fruit and vegetables are essential foods for a healthy, balanced diet. However, it’s important to choose seasonal fruit and vegetables carefully to get the best out of their nutritional benefits and support local farmers. In this article, we will give you tips on how to properly choose your seasonal fruit and veg.
The health benefits of choosing seasonal fruit and vegetables
Seasonal fruit and vegetables have many health benefits. First of all, they’re richer in nutrients because they’re picked when ripe and haven’t been stored for long before they reach your plate. Indeed, picking when ripe gives you the full benefits of fruit and vegetables, such as vitamins and antioxidants.
Seasonal fruit and vegetables also have a stronger and more flavourful taste, which makes the dishes more enjoyable. Imported or out-of-season fruit and vegetables are often picked before they’re ripe to avoid rotting during transport, which has an impact on their flavour and texture.
Encourage short circuits by eating in-season produce
By choosing seasonal produce, you’re also helping to support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting produce imported from abroad. Indeed, imported produce requires long and costly transport, with a high carbon footprint, which can be avoided by choosing local fruit and vegetables.
Moreover, by buying directly from local producers, you help encourage short circuits and promote the local economy. Seasonal produce is often cheaper than imported produce, as it doesn’t require additional transport costs.
Seasonal fruit and vegetables to be favoured
Seasonal fruit and vegetables vary by region and season, but here are some examples of seasonal fruit and vegetables to choose from :
Spring fruit and vegetables:
Aspargus
Artichokes
Spinach
Turnips
New carrots
Radishes
Strawberries
Cherries
Apricots
Summer fruit and vegetables :
- Tomatoes
Courgette
Egg plants
Bell pepper
Cucumbers
Green beans
Melons
Watermelons
Plums
Peaches
Autumn fruit and vegetables :
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Mushrooms
- Cabbage
- Leeks
- Celery
- Pears
- Grapes
- Kiwis
- Nuts
Autumn fruit and vegetables :
Brussels sprouts- Turnips
- Carrots
- Endives
- Leeks
- Winter squash
- Potatoes
- Oranges
- Mandarin oranges
- Clementines
It’s important to favour local and seasonal produce to take advantage of its nutritional benefits and support local farmers. Seasonal fruit and vegetables taste better and have more flavour too. You will be able to easily make homemade purees or compotes with the Minipro or Maxipro blender.
To sum up, seasonal fruit and veg are essential for a healthy, balanced diet. By choosing seasonal produce, you can enjoy its nutritional benefits and help support local farmers.