When it comes to food, there's a lot to be said for eating seasonally. Not only does it taste better, but it's also better for your health, the environment, and your wallet. Seasonal eating is all about eating foods that are naturally in season at a given time of year. By doing so, you're able to enjoy foods at their peak freshness and nutritional value.
Seasonal eating has a long history in India. In fact, many traditional Indian dishes are based on the availability of seasonal ingredients. For example, during the monsoon season, when fresh produce is abundant, dishes like bhutta and pakoras are popular. In the winter, when root vegetables are in season, dishes like aloo gobi and sarson ka saag are common.
In addition, Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine in India, emphasises the importance of eating foods that are in season. According to Ayurvedic principles, eating seasonally can help balance the body's natural rhythms and support overall health and well-being. For example, in the summertime, when the weather is hot and dry, Ayurvedic practitioners recommend eating cooling, hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and mint.
Here are 5 amazing reasons why you should be eating seasonally:
Better Taste
One of the most obvious benefits of eating seasonally is the taste. When you eat foods that are in season, they're at the peak of their flavour. Think about biting into a fresh, juicy peach in the summertime or savouring a crisp, sweet apple in the fall. Eating seasonally allows you to enjoy the natural sweetness and complexity of flavours that come with fresh, in-season produce.
Higher Nutritional Value
Not only do seasonal foods taste better, but they're also more nutritious. When foods are allowed to ripen naturally and picked at the right time, they're at their peak nutritional value. In-season produce is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help keep your body healthy and strong. For example, in the fall, squash and pumpkins are rich in vitamin A, which helps support healthy eyesight.
Supports Local Agriculture
When you eat seasonally, you're supporting local agriculture. By purchasing produce from local farmers, you're helping to support the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint. In addition, when you buy locally, you're more likely to get fresh, high-quality produce that hasn't been shipped halfway across the world.
It's Better for the Environment
Eating seasonally is also better for the environment. When you eat foods that are in season, you're reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and storage. In addition, seasonal produce is often grown using more sustainable practices that help preserve the soil and water. When you eat seasonally, you're helping to support a more sustainable food system.
Seasonal Eating Saves Money
Finally, eating seasonally can save you money. When produce is in season, it's often more abundant and less expensive. This means that you can get more bang for your buck when you shop for seasonal produce. In addition, because in-season produce is often grown locally, you can save money on transportation and storage costs.
There are many benefits to eating seasonally, from better taste and higher nutritional value to supporting local agriculture and reducing your carbon footprint. When you eat seasonally, you're able to enjoy fresh, delicious produce at its peak, while also supporting a more sustainable food system.