Seasonal fruits and vegetables are not only good for you, but they’re more affordable and better for the environment.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of seasonal produce, go over a list of 20 fall foods to include in your diet, and share one of our favorite recipes featuring cauliflower.
Get More Nutrients in Your Diet
Foods that grow within its season are more nutrient-dense. When foods are grown out of season, they don't follow their natural ripening cycle, thus potential limiting their nutrients.
In a study of the nutritional value of broccoli, it was found that, “the fall values for vitamin C were almost twice as high as those for spring.” It is important to note broccoli is seasonally grown in the fall, and the vitamin C value comparison in the study is significant.
Lower Carbon Footprint
By visiting your local farmer’s market, you can support the farmers in your community. When your food travels directly from a farm to your home, there’s a much lower toll on the environment than when it needs to be transported for thousands of miles.
If you’re feeling ambitious and are looking for a new hobby, consider growing your own seasonal foods. In this case, you’ll have your own farmer’s market in your backyard. Raised Bed Gardening for Beginners, from Tammy Wylie, is an excellent book to get started.
Save Money
It’s easier to grow foods in season, which tends to create more local supply and decrease transportation costs. In addition to lowering your carbon footprint, seasonal foods can also lower your grocery bills.
20 Seasonal Foods for 2020
- Apples
- Pears
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Collard greens
- Brussel sprouts
- Radishes
- Green beans
- Kale
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Sweet potatoes and yams
- Potatoes
- Grapes
- Pumpkin
- Turnips
- Parsnips
- Lettuce
- Cranberries
Having trouble choosing which one to start incorporating to your diet? Here’s a buffalo cauliflower recipe to try.
What You Can Do
We care about your health and want to help you achieve your health goals. Creating better lifestyle habits is a marathon, not a sprint. If you try to change too much too soon, it might be hard to stick to it. So here’s an idea. Pick three foods from the list above, and add them to your grocery list. Small, gradual changes over time can produce astounding results. You got this!
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Sources
Wunderlich SM, Feldman C, Kane S, Hazhin T. Nutritional quality of organic, conventional, and seasonally grown broccoli using vitamin C as a marker. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2008 Feb;59(1):34-45. doi: 10.1080/09637480701453637. PMID: 17852499.