Benefits of Eating Seasonal Produce
Seasonal produce is fresh, tastes great, and is very nutritious. Getting produce from local growers and farmers is the easiest way to ensure that it is in its natural season. The nutritional value of most produce starts to deplete as soon as it is separated from the plant.
When fruit and vegetables are transported from other parts of the country it may sit in a warehouse, and then put on a truck, then finally makes it to the grocery store. It may take weeks to make it to your shopping cart. That same produce is usually picked before it has ripened on the plant, which sets it up with even fewer nutrients than a ripe freshly picked fruit or vegetable.
Apples, as an example, are picked before they ripen, covered in chemicals to keep the apple from rotting and can be stored for many months to a year. This is all done so consumers can eat non-seasonal produce all year round. Do we need to eat apples all year around? Or are there other seasonal produce that is fresher, more nutritious and available in our local communities? The answer is, no we do not need to eat apples all year around, and yes there is other produce that can be consumed in the place of apples when they are not in season. For more information about the chemicals used to preserve apples and other food the USDA website is a good resource.
Is there a solution?
A solution to this concern is to buy produce that are in season, and even better from local farmers in your area. You can find Lee’s Summit’s farmers market at the corner of 2nd and Douglas street. It is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays for a large portion of the year starting in April and ending in November.
Another option to buy local seasonal produce directly from a farmer is to join a community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm. Many CSA’s have fresh produce available to their members all year. As a consumer, you get to know exactly where your food is coming from. With a membership in a CSA, you can visit the farm and some even let you help. This is great for kids to learn and understand where food comes from and also gets them excited about vegetables. You can find farmers markets and community-supported agriculture in your area at local harvest.
This harvest calendar is a great resource to find seasonal produce in Missouri. Here is a small list of produce that are in season right now!
- Apples
- Pears
- Red Raspberries
- Winter Squash
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Beets
Most of these are rich in vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. Spinach and winter squash are a good source of B vitamins and phytonutrients. These vitamins and minerals are vital for healthy bones, eyes, and metabolism. Phytonutrients provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which support cardiovascular health, the immune system, and other systems in the body.
Before your next trip to the market look up what’s in Season. Find healthy recipes and enjoy eating your meals knowing that you are eating the best available nutritious food.
Winter Squash Recipe
Winter squash is full of color, warmth, and taste delicious. Roasting is a great way to prepare winter squash, as the flesh becomes slightly sweet and tender. It also fills your house with a wonderful aroma. Use acorn, butternut, or heart of gold squash for this preparation.
- Preheat the oven to 35O degrees
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise (use a sharp knife and cutting board as the skin of the squash is very tough)
- Place in a baking pan cut side up
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- Simply brush olive oil over the tops and season with salt and pepper
- For a sweeter taste, mix 1 tablespoon of real maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream with a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Spoon evenly into the cavity of each half.
- Be creative and explore herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme. Herbs have very distinctive flavors and add many health benefits.Now it’s time to season. Here are some options.
- Bake for 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the squash until tender. Need to easily pierce the flesh with a fork.
This can be the main course or a side dish. Enjoy!