Benefits of Eating Seasonal Produce

With such a wide variety of crops grown in Texas, it can be hard to remember which ones are currently in peak season.

Nutritionists often say there are several benefits to eating seasonally, including some at Baylor Scott White, who say it can make meals more affordable and introduce variety to one’s diet.

Buying fruits and vegetables when they’re naturally ripe can make them cheaper, since the abundant supply makes it necessary to move more of the perishable product and drop prices. Syncing purchasing with natural schedules can also improve the flavor of the product and extend its shelf life, the dieticians say.

Continuing to eat seasonally year-round can also provide essential variety to one’s diet, since each fruit and vegetable provides different vitamins and minerals to the body. It can also be good for the environment, since the food doesn’t have to travel as far to reach the shelf.

Why Eating Seasonal Matters

Eating seasonal produce is not only good for your health, but it’s also beneficial for the environment and your wallet. When you buy seasonal produce, you’re supporting local farmers and reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. Additionally, seasonal produce is often cheaper than out-of-season produce, which can help you save money on your grocery bills.

So, how can you make the most of seasonal produce? Start by visiting your local farmer’s market or checking out what’s in season at your grocery store. You can also try meal planning around seasonal produce to ensure you’re getting the most variety in your diet.

Summer Produce in Texas

So whether you’re thinking about a trip to the farmer’s market or just want to know which produce at the grocery will be most flavorful, here are some of Texas’ top summer offerings:

• Beans
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cabbage (green)
• Cantaloupe
• Carrots
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Green onions
• Honeydew
• Herbs
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Okra
• Onions
• Peaches
• Peas
• Plums
• Potatoes
• Hot Peppers
• Sweet Peppers
• Squash
• Tomatoes
• Turnips
• Watermelon
• Zucchini

Produce list sourced from the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Farmers Market.

Tips for Enjoying Summer Produce

Now that you know what’s in season, here are some tips for enjoying summer produce:

Try grilling or roasting summer vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a delicious and healthy side dish. You can also add fresh herbs like basil and cilantro to your favorite salads and sandwiches for a burst of flavor.

For a refreshing summer snack, try making a fruit salad with seasonal fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew. You can also freeze summer fruits like berries and peaches to enjoy them year-round.

Conclusion

Eating seasonal produce is a great way to add variety to your diet, support local farmers, and reduce your environmental impact. By incorporating summer produce into your meals and snacks, you can enjoy the freshest and most flavorful foods of the season. So next time you’re at the grocery store or farmer’s market, be sure to check out what’s in season and get creative with your meal planning!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the benefits of eating seasonal produce?

A: Eating seasonal produce can provide essential variety to one’s diet, since each fruit and vegetable provides different vitamins and minerals to the body. It can also be good for the environment, since the food doesn’t have to travel as far to reach the shelf.

Q: How can I find out what’s in season?

A: You can check out your local farmer’s market or grocery store to see what’s in season. You can also visit the Texas Department of Agriculture website for a list of seasonal produce.

Q: Can I freeze summer produce to enjoy it year-round?

A: Yes, you can freeze summer fruits like berries and peaches to enjoy them year-round. Simply wash and chop the fruit, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer.