Seasonal Eating

The warmer weather and sunshine mark the start of farmers’ markets across the state. This is a wonderful time to visit local farms, farm stands, or join a CSA to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables in season and perhaps try something new.

What is seasonal eating? Does it have any benefits?
Eating seasonally is incorporating foods into your diet that are harvested at specific times of the year in your geographical area. Buying seasonal produce means fresher and ripe foods are available. Fruits and vegetables lose some nutritional value the longer they sit around after being harvested, so the fresher the produce, the richer in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Most people think seasonal fresh produce tastes better. Think about biting into a fresh, locally grown tomato, that first ear of seasonal sweet corn, or the juiciness of a freshly picked plump peach.
Seasonal fresh produce is usually cheaper than out-of-season produce.

Meeting the farmers is a fantastic way to learn how the food is grown and ask questions about their farming practices. It is important to know where your food comes from.

Supporting local farms helps the farmers as well as the community and the local economy.

Eating what is in season helps to “eat the rainbow,” choosing a variety of color rich foods to meet the body’s nutritional requirements, which supports gut health and reduces inflammation.

What is in season for June in Connecticut?
Arugula, Asparagus, Basil, Black eyed peas, Cauliflower, Chard, Chili peppers, Chives, Cilantro, Collard Greens, Currants, Fava Beans, Garlic Scapes, Green Onions, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lamb’s Quarters, Lettuce, Mint, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Oregano, Parsley, Peas, Purslane, Radishes, Ramps, Rhubarb, Rosemary, Sage, Shallots, Sorrel, Spinach, Sprouts, Strawberries, Tarragon, Thyme, Watercress.
Support your health, local farmers, and the community by choosing to eat foods that are in season.

Please check out the links below for more information about each and how to clean, prepare, and store your fresh and locally grown produce, with links to recipes and more!

Denise Andreas, dandreas@swcaa.org

https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/connecticut/early-june

https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/07/12/why-seasonal-eating-can-be-a-healthy-delight

https://foodprint.org/eating-sustainably/real-food-encyclopedia/

https://ctgrown.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-csa/

https://psychiatryinstitute.com/your-seasonal-food-guide-the-importance-of-eating-whats-in-season/