The Impact of Seasonal Eating

Convenience and rapid accessibility have been at the forefront of America’s food landscape for decades. Generally, consumers and food producers alike have adopted a mindset that highlights quantity over quality. Producing the largest yield in the shortest time and for the lowest cost has become our agricultural system’s principal goal.

But what if there was a way that we could challenge the boundaries of what our food system has solidified in place while supporting our health, local economies and upholding the environment. Fortunately, we can!

Enter: Seasonal eating. Eating seasonally simply means purchasing and consuming food (typically produce) around the time of harvest. Its benefits are far reaching and help to create a robust systematic cycle of personal, economic, and environmental wellbeing.

Why is seasonal eating important?

1. It supports your local farmers. Purchasing locally seasonal and locally grown produce supports farms and helps them to stay in business. It also maintains farmland and important environmental space within the community. 
2. It strengthens your local economy. Purchasing produce and other products from local farmers helps circulate money within the community. This money is often reinvested in other small, local businesses. Additionally, food that is grown, processed and ultimately distributed throughout a community will create new, local jobs.
3. There is more transparency. Local farmers who grow seasonal produce tend to be more transparent about specific production and processing factors that are used when harvesting crops and raising animals.
4. Seasonal Foods are more nutrient dense. Eating seasonally means that food is picked at its peak of freshness! Food that is harvested during this time is abundant in nutrients and bright in flavor.

Seasonal Spring Produce in Massachusetts

• Asparagus 
• Radishes 
• Rhubarb 
• Bok Choy 
• Beets 
• Spinach 
• Snap Peas

Recipes to consider:

• Asparagus, Arugula and Pea Salad
• Lemon and Garlic Bok Choy
• Cooling Strawberry Rhubarb Ice Pops

Sources:

https://www.inspiredtaste.net/34160/lemon-garlic-bok-choy-recipe/

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/strawberry-rhubarb-ice-pops/