Nature provides a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and livestock products throughout the year in our local area. Some foods have their own season, while others are available year-round.
A seasonal diet is one that emphasizes in-season, locally grown foods. The foods consumed change with the season, adding variety and interest to the diet. A seasonal diet also helps the consumer and the producer gain more control over the food system and take more responsibility for their local food supply. A seasonal diet can positively impact your health, the environment, the economy, social structure, and well being of a local community.
There are several benefits of a seasonal diet, food quality, nutritional value, environmental aspects, economic aspects and social benefits.
Food Quality
Locally grown, in-season foods can be of higher quality than foods bred for traits to enhance shipping and transportation, rather than flavor and nutrition. Consumers consistently rate the flavor and texture of foods that are picked at the peak of ripeness superior over foods that are harvested in an under-ripened stage, typical of foods that are shipped from distant locations.
Most industrially-produced foods also require pesticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics and growth hormones, all of which can be damaging to both the environment and human health.
Nutritional Value
Some foods will have higher nutritional value when picked at peak ripeness. One study of vine-ripened tomatoes found that they had 25% to 30% more vitamin C than those ripened by ethylene gas.
Environmental Aspects
Buying local, in-season food can significantly reduce environmental costs. Sixteen percent of the country's total energy consumption is used in the transport of foods. One study found that to transport a single strawberry with the energy value of 5 calories, it took 435 calories to move it from Californiato New York.
Economic Aspects
Thousands of dollars are lost each year in the local economy to foods purchased and transported from out of the area. A recent study reported that for a community of 150,000 people, if just five percent of the total food market could be captured through local sales, it would result in $13.5 million in annual sales.
Social Benefits
Consumers purchasing directly from the farmer report that social benefits are as important as some of the other benefits. Local food systems can play an important role in shaping one's sense of community and relationship with other community members. They can also foster local pride and self-reliance.