Eat Seasonal

EAT SEASONAL

Discover the health and environmental benefits of seasonal eating

In a world where supermarket shelves are constantly stocked with produce from all over the world, it is easy to forget that different foods grow at different times of the year. However, in recent years, we have seen a growing interest in the notion of eating ‘seasonal’ foods; produce that is grown to be eaten straightaway.

Eating seasonal has many benefits for both humans and the environment. Eating seasonal often means eating more locally sourced produce, which is also generally fresher as it is harvested at the peak of its quality and nutritional value, which can lead to a higher vitamin content in fruit and vegetables. In comparison, foods grown overseas are often picked as early as possible, to reduce damage in transit. This delay between harvest and consumption can lead to a loss in both taste and nutritional value.

In terms of the environment, many overseas countries have relaxed

laws regarding the chemicals that can be used in food production, which can lead to high levels of heavy metals and other toxic substances which causes soil contamination. As the fruit and veg needs to withstand prolonged periods of travel, they are often sprayed with even more chemicals after they have been harvested. Food transported long-haul requires more packaging, which produces vast amounts of waste that is unnecessary.

Buying seasonal produce also means less greenhouse gas emissions are released as a result of a shorter journey or less ‘food miles’. The term ‘food miles’ was first coined in the 1990s and represents the distance food has travelled from farm to plate, with the implication that the further the food has travelled, the greater the negative environmental impact. Currently, around 50% of veg and 95% of fruit consumed in the UK is imported from abroad. 1% of all food imported into the UK travels via air, however this accounts for 11% of all food related emissions.

Buying local, seasonal produce stimulates local economies as money is invested back into the local area. Relationships are also built between consumers and farmers, and consumers can learn exactly where their food has come from. Re-investing in your local economy is important for food security, as in the case of a crisis, the availability of locally produced food may be able to mitigate potential issues, especially when energy costs are rising, and the global supply-chain has been heavily disrupted in recent times.

So next time you are deciding what fruit and veg to buy, have a think about what would be in season and the benefits to both yourself and the environment if you choose local seasonal produce.