Image via Wikipedia
Prior to the 1900s everyone ate seasonally. Without refrigeration and rapid transportation, there was simply no other choice. Today, we are overwhelmed with choices; our supermarkets are filled with produce from around the world. If we are willing to pay the price, we can eat watermelon, cherries and asparagus all year long.
Eating seasonally has a number of benefits. First, seasonal fruits and vegetables are less expensive. Second, it challenges us to vary our menus. And third, we can support our local farmers.
With family farms struggling to compete with agricultural corporations, eating locally grown produce is one way to ensure that produce will be grown in this country in the future. CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) are one way to accomplish this. By becoming a member of a CSA, you receive a weekly box of locally-grown seasonal fruits and vegetables. Your membership fees give the farmer a predictable income.
Typically you receive weekly boxes in the spring and summer and bi-weekly boxes in the fall. Spring vegetables include: lettuce, mushrooms, asparagus, peas, strawberries and other early produce. Summer boxes will be the most abundant with selections of squash, beets, various berries, tomatoes, peppers, etc. Fall boxes include the late vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, along with the autumn fruits like apples and pears. This is usually the time that your local farmer will include some root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and rutabagas.
Seasonal eating not only supports your local farmer, but it helps the environment, and brings children closer to the source of their food.
