Emily Frisan

What is eating fresh and seasonal?

Eating fresh and seasonal doesn’t have to be complicated. Research has shown eating and understanding various foods dense in nutrients and proteins should be considered in meal choices day-to-day. Now I will admit, while I adore ultra-processed cereals and chicken nuggets, over the past year it has been a goal of mine to make my own food with ingredients ranging from unprocessed to minimally altered foods. 

But what does that actually mean?

Fresh and seasonal products often go hand-in-hand. The term “fresh” is used as a label for food in its raw, unpreserved state. Eating seasonally is a sustainable way of alternating your diet to encourage eating fruits and vegetables in season for your geographic area. Buying and consuming food around the time of its harvest, from local vendors are often fresher and don’t require long distances to transport produce. 

To check out the best products in your state and season, check out the Why Eat Seasonally? food guide for options near you.

What makes local produce great?

Purchasing food grown near your geographic location helps support the local economy, farms and open spaces in communities. Direct communication with farmers also allows consumers to speak with vendors, in turn creating more foodwise neighborhoods. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that vendors may often be farm staff rather than the farmers themselves. Remember to be respectful when asking about farming practices and consider independent research or reaching out to upper management for any other information. 

Here are some signs you to keep and pay attention to for more information:

• County or country of origin of the product
• Organic, all-natural, “Free From”
• Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Grassfed or USDA Certified Organic

Cooking for yourself

Cooking at home allows you to make sustainable choices at every step of the process, from shopping for the most sustainable ingredients to reducing food waste as you cook. Americans are known to waste more money a year on clothes than any other living expense. By understanding the economic effects of food waste and seasonal produce, consumers can save up to around $3.50 per day and create healthier lifestyles. Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. Nutritionists recommend loading your plate with varieties of fruits, vegetables, whole-grain and products low in saturated fats. 

Learning how to cook, imagine and create flexible meals are great ways to maximize your food dollar and increase food literacy. Whether it’s a snack like bread and jam, or a full meal, using fresh and seasonal products tastes better, allowing people to become more creative and understand all the ingredients eaten daily.