Eat your way to a healthier planet: Summer Seasonality

Eating your way to a healthier planet is a 2 part process. It's as simple as eating locally produced and seasonal food, like in the olden days...

Part 1-

sea'son·al'i·ty (-zə-nāl'ĭ-tē) n. of or dependent on a particular season

Buying fruit and vegetables when they are in season in your area is one of the easiest ways to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Most fruits and vegetables only grow for a few month period every year.Because of global commerce and consumer demand we have apples and oranges and even mangoes that sit in the grocery store year round but that does not mean that that fruit is in season in your area. Berries in the winter and Asparagus in the fall are being shipped in from other countries and continents. All of that food transportation by trains, planes and automobiles puts a lot of CO2 into the atmosphere, which is one of the leading causes of climate change. (Want to read more on this issue? Read our first post on seasonality).

How do I know what’s in season?

Well, right now, it's summer so there is no seasonality sacrifices or skimping to be had, we are surrounded by a feast of beautiful fruits and vegetables. Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Apricots, Cherries, Sweet Corn, Melons, Berries, Fresh Herbs, Avocados and … Tomatoes! And the beauty of seasonality is that this is the only time of year this food actually grows in North America meaning it tastes great and is delicious. Summer is the only time these specific summer fruit and veggies will taste so good so go ahead and gorge yourself on cherries and heirloom tomatoes and apricots, you deserve it.

Part 2-


lo·cal·i·ty (lō-kāl'ĭ-tē) A particular neighborhood, place, or district.

Fact:The average American meal travels 1,500-2,500 miles to get to your plate.

To reduce the "transportation/travel miles" of your food, try to buy food that is produced in your region or area. The easiest place to find locally grown/produced products is to your local farmer’s market for not only fruits and veggies but for the local vendors selling cheeses, olive oils, honey and baked goods. Click here to find a farmer's market in your area.)

Whole Foods now labels it's produce that is “locally grown”--look for the signs and try to buy your produce from that area of the store. If your grocery store is not as eco minded, you can ask your grocer to tell you what food they buy from local vendors or write a complaint card asking to know where your food is grown…The more people who ask the more of a response we will get.

Get to know the vendors in your area. Most specialty shops carry local products. Stock up on regional olive oil, home made cheese, wine, honey, jam and other treats while getting your goat cheese salads at Joan's on Third.

Frequent restaurants that use local produce and meat, they will say so on the menu or on the website. It’s a good way to support the locality movement.

Enjoy the feasting!