Shopping seasonally not only helps you save money, but it also promotes the local economy & reduces the carbon footprint from the transportation of out of season produce.
Know the Seasonal Produce: The first step in shopping seasonally is understanding what produce is in season. Every season has its own unique fruits & vegetables & it is important to know what they are & when they are fresh. For example, autumn is the season for pumpkins & butternut squash, while spring has fresh peas & asparagus. Look for local farmer’s markets or greengrocers, which will sell produce that is often grown locally & is better for the environment, by not having to travel far distances.
Create a Meal Plan: Creating a meal plan before grocery shopping will help you get organised & set a budget for your weekly or monthly shopping. Based on the seasonal produce you have, start planning meals around those ingredients. This will also help you avoid buying produce that is out of season & more expensive. Take advantage of the increased variety of in-season produce by looking up new recipes to try.
Be Flexible: While it’s important to stick to what’s in season, sometimes the available options can be limited depending on your location. Be flexible when you shop & open to trying new fruits & vegetables. You may be surprised by the variety of flavours you can find when you experiment. Plus, you can pick up a variety of exciting produce & discover fresh tastes in advance of wonderful new recipes & new ways of cooking up old favourites.
Canning & Preserving: If you find yourself with a lot of seasonal produce, consider preserving it through canning & freezing. Some produce options are best preserved for longer storage such as jams, salsas, pickles or apple sauce. This way, you can enjoy the taste of your favourite seasonal produce even when it’s out of season most likely saving you time & money down the road.
Shop at Farmer’s Market as an excellent source of fresh, in-season produce, & other agricultural products. When you shop at a farmers’ market, you can speak to the farmers themselves to learn more about how the produce was grown & the different ways to prepare them. You’ll often get to know the individuals who grew your food & their passion for the product is contagious. It’s an enjoyable way to spend your time browsing through different stalls & picking up fresh & delicious produce.
Shopping seasonally can help you save money, eat healthier & support local farmers. Not only will it promote buying local & support the agricultural economy, but it will also make you feel more in tune with the seasons & what’s available.