Tips for Selecting Seasonal and Local Foods

Written by Kelly Hastings, a Mayo School of Health Sciences dietetic intern 

A way to keep “fueling for the future” (this year's theme for National Nutrition Month) is to eat sustainably. Sustainable eating has a lower environmental impact which will help preserve the environment for future generations. Eating seasonal and local food are a few ways to eat more sustainably. Here are some additional benefits:

Less gas consumption

When purchasing locally, the farmer did not need to drive as far to drop of the products. By using less gas to send the products to the stores, farmers don’t need to charge as much money. Seasonal foods can be bought locally, and you know exactly where it is coming from.

Tastier food

To get produce to you at its peak freshness, farmers need to pick them a few days early so that by the time they get to the grocery store they would be at their freshest. After the item is picked it gets refrigerated, so it stays fresher for longer during transportation, which in turn reduces the flavor. When purchasing fruits and vegetables locally, the produce will be fresher since they can be picked at the peak time and there is less refrigeration time before being purchased by you.

Higher in nutrients

Longer refrigeration time not only reduces the flavor, but it also reduces the amount of nutrients in the fruits and vegetables. Having longer storage time will reduce the amount of antioxidants such as Vitamin C and carotene.

Good for your wallet

Not only will you help the environment by purchasing local and seasonal foods, but you will save some money too, since in-season produce is usually less expensive than produce that is not in-season.

How do you know which produce are in-season? Depending on where you live, in-season produce will vary. The USDA has a great website on seasonal produce. You can check it out to find out fun food facts and some good recipes. Be sure to check out your local grocery store to see if they have a section on local produce. An enjoyable way to buy local during the warmer months is to head over to your local farmer’s market!

What are your favorite ways to eat local?