What is Trending this Season? - Seasonal Eating: Benefits and Recipes

What is Trending this Season?- Seasonal Eating: Benefits and Recipes

Written By - Rijak Kaur Sarla

What if I told you that I had a secret tip to keep a little extra cash in your pocket as well as benefit healthily from it? Well, eating seasonally and locally covers that all! Seasonal eating is not just good for one’s health but also helps support local farmers and the environment. Also, one cannot ignore that when fruits and vegetables are in season, they are more abundant and often less expensive- a brilliant strategy to save money!

What is Seasonal Eating?

Seasonal eating is a lifestyle that encourages relishing on fruits and vegetables when they are naturally at their best! Poetically, it is a way of reconnecting with the natural rhythms of the Earth. Nowadays, we have access to anything and everything just anytime- be it oranges available all year round or corn on the cob in the middle of February! In contrast, seasonal eating is about eating foods that are grown locally and picked at the right time. In this manner, we are able to enjoy a variety of foods and encash the maximum nutrition and freshness out of the eatable.

Why Should One Turn To Seasonal Eating?- Benefits Explained

"'Tis the gift to be simple,

'tis the gift to be free,

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight."

Just as this beautiful hymn rightfully captures the essence of going with nature’s cadence, sometimes all that one needs is a sync to enjoy a season’s gifts! Undoubtedly, aligning one’s eating habits with each season, establishes a natural rhythm that makes one feel at one’s healthy best!

A Stride Towards Green Living

Produce that does not belong to a season requires a humongous input of chemicals and resources for growth. Additionally, their transport to different locations implies an emission of tonnes of greenhouse gases. Thus, developing the habit of seasonal eating lets one play a significant role in conserving the environment.

Enhanced Nutrition Intake

Since out of season produce has to be shipped, it is often inevitably prematurely picked. According to research, immature yield is deficit in nutrients compared to harvest grown naturally. It has been found that foods specific to a particular season bear vitamins, minerals and nutrients that our body needs specifically in that season. A key case study that is cited to explain this is citrus fruits. In the winter season, our body is prone to illnesses and requires Vitamin C to boost the immune system. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, which are in season in the winter, are extremely high in Vitamin C and antioxidants that keep your immune system strong!

Additionally, no one can deny that a mango tastes juicier in summer than one that you would find in any other season. Thus, you will not have to compromise on both nutrition and taste if you turn to seasonal eating.

Save Your Money- Reduced Price

In today’s expensive era, it cannot be highlighted enough that saving every penny takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Since in season produce is abundant and local, it turns out to be cheaper and is why turns out to be my most favourite eating habit!

Recipes For You To Borrow!

Winter Recipe:

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

- Ingredients: Butternut squash, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, coconut milk, olive oil, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg).

- Method: Roast squash, onion, and garlic. Blend with broth, coconut milk, and spices. Heat and serve.

Spring Recipe:

Asparagus and Lemon Risotto

- Ingredients: Arborio rice, asparagus, vegetable broth, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

- Method: Cook risotto while stirring in steamed asparagus and lemon zest. Finish with Parmesan.

Summer Recipe:

Grilled Vegetable Skewers

- Ingredients: Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.

- Method: Skewer vegetables, brush with seasoned olive oil, and grill until tender.

Autumn Recipe:

Harvest Bowl dressing.

- Ingredients: Roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, kale, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and tahini

- Method: Combine ingredients and drizzle with tahini dressing.