Why go for seasonal produce?

Seasonal products are those that are fully ripe and harvested at a particular time of the year. Choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables has many advantages, both for our health and our wallets. First, they are richer in nutrients because they are harvested in their natural time. This means they have more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are essential for our bodies.

Second, using local, seasonal produce supports local farms and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting food. In addition, the seasonality of products affects their prices. At harvest time, fruits and vegetables are cheaper, making them more accessible to everyone.

Where to find seasonal produce?

Seasonal produce can be found in a variety of places. The best source is local markets, where farmers sell fresh fruits and vegetables. It's worth joining such markets at least once a week to learn about the latest offerings and local specialties. Another place is organic produce stores, which often offer seasonal and locally grown vegetables and fruits.

Also, don't forget about your garden, even if it's small. Growing your own vegetables or herbs is not only a way to access fresh produce, but also a great form of relaxation in your free time. Thoughtful planning of your crops allows you to enjoy a fresh harvest for most of the year.

How do you use seasonal produce in your daily diet?

Incorporating seasonal produce into your daily diet is easier than you think. First, you can create seasonal salads that are full of fresh vegetables. For example, in summer, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and fresh herbs are great, while in autumn you can use pumpkin, beets and cabbage.

Another idea is to make seasonal soups, which are not only nutritious, but also warming. Soups made from green vegetables such as broccoli or peas are ideal for spring, while for winter we recommend soups-creams made from pumpkin or carrots.

Seasonal recipes - what's worth trying?

Many seasonal products can be used in various recipes. Here are some inspirations:

Watermelon and feta salad - use fresh watermelon, feta cheese, mint and olive oil to create a light, refreshing dish for summer days.Pumpkin cream soup - by cookingpumpkin, onion and garlic, and then blending them, you will have a delicious thick cream, perfect for cooler days.Grilled seasonal vegetables - zucchini, peppers and eggplant taste great when grilled and served with a variety of sauces.

Fruit season - when to enjoy sweets?

Seasonal fruits delight us with delicious flavors and aromas. Spring is the time of strawberries and cherries, while in summer we can enjoy plums and raspberries. Autumn brings with it apples, while winter brings citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit.

It is worth using fruit in a variety of ways - these can be desserts, smoothies, as well as healthy snacks. For example, a smoothie with banana, spinach and pineapple is ideal for breakfast. While a baked apple with cinnamon is a quick and healthy dessert.

How to store seasonal produce?

To keep seasonal produce fresh for as long as possible, it is important to store them properly. Vegetables are best kept in the drawer of the refrigerator, where there is the right temperature and humidity. Fruits, as a rule, can be stored in a basket, away from sunlight. Also remember not to wash fruits before storing, as moisture promotes spoilage.

If you have excess produce, it's worth thinking about preserving it. You can freeze them, make preserves, jams or juices so that you can also enjoy them out of season. It's a great way to preserve the taste of summer on winter days!

Summary

By reaching for seasonal products, we not only take care of our health, but also support local producers. They make our diet diverse and full of flavor. It is worth experimenting in the kitchen, creating new dishes and discovering recipes to fully appreciate the richness of the seasonal harvest. Remember that healthy eating habits start with the right choice of ingredients, and seasonal fruits and vegetables will be the perfect step in that direction!