The Perks Of Eating Seasonally

Seasonal eating is just what it sounds like — eating foods that are fresh and in season during a particular time of year. These foods grow in nature, not greenhouses, and they tend to taste better than their manufactured counterparts.

"Produce like tomatoes that is harvested underripe and green so it can travel across the country doesn't taste the same as when it’s plucked straight from the vine," says Ashlee Carnahan, MS, RD, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Henry Ford Health. The most vibrant — and tastiest — fruits and vegetables are always the ones that are freshest.

Seasonal Eating Advantages

While you can get summer favorites like berries, melons and stone fruits year-round, eating seasonally offers clear advantages not only for yourself, but also for your local environment. Here are a few ways seasonal produce packs a punch:

1. It's less expensive: Eating seasonal produce tends to be cheaper. The reason: "There's less transit time from farmer to consumer," Carnahan says. Not only do seasonal foods travel shorter distances to reach you, but they also don't demand the same level of care and attention.
2. It supports the local economy: When you purchase fresh and local, the money you spend supports the community. You don't have to visit the farmer's market  to get seasonal produce. You can purchase local, in-season foods at your grocery store. "Just look for 'grown in Michigan' on the label," Carnahan says.
3. It meets your body's needs: In the summer months, our bodies need more water to compensate for the heat and sweating. Foods like berries, melons and other summer fruit have a high water content. Similarly, comfort produce like sweet potatoes and winter squash can create a sense of warmth during cool winter months.
4. It's better for the environment: One benefit to eating seasonally is that you're helping to reduce your carbon footprint while also supporting local farmers. Travel time hits the environment hard in the form of fossil fuels, so it's important to keep that in mind when you're making purchases at the grocery store.

Guide To Eating Seasonally

Every fruit and vegetable tastes best when it's in season. When you're shopping, think about what grows naturally during that time of year, rather than what you see in the produce section. Seasons still matter, even with our modern food system.

Off-season produce often appears tasty and vibrant, but appearances can be misleading. Uncover the joys of eating fruits and vegetables that grow naturally in Michigan. A few of Carnahan's seasonal favorites:

Summer

• Peaches
• Berries
• Cherries
• Melons
• Tomatoes
• Green beans
• Zucchini
• Basil
• Cilantro

Fall

• Apples
• Beets
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots

Winter

• Onions
• Root vegetables
• Citrus fruits, including grapefruit, oranges, lemons and limes
• Potatoes

Spring

• Asparagus
• Rhubarb
• Peas
• Green onions

To find a doctor at Henry Ford, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-HENRYFORD (436-7936).

Ashlee Carnahan is a registered dietitian nutritionist at Henry Ford Health who sees patients at Henry Ford Hospital.