Benefits of eating seasonal produce

How many times have we heard that summer is the best time of year to eat tomatoes, green beans or Albacore tuna, for example? Now many of these foods are available throughout the year, even though sometimes they are tasteless or the skin is too thick.

Let's take note: July is the best time to eat apricots, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries, nectarines, melons and peaches; as well as watermelons and pears. It is also the season for tomatoes, cucumbers and beets, Swiss chard, lettuce, zucchini and peppers.

Fruits, vegetables and legumes should be sown, cultivated and collected at a certain time of year; there is also an optimal time for catching each type of fish. In summer we can consume clams, Albacore tuna, squid, shrimp, mussels, crabs, monkfish and sardines, among others.

Emphasis is placed on the consumption of food according to the season, and it is not just due to taste, texture and color, but also to other factors.

Let's see why it is advisable to consume seasonal produce:

• Its high nutrient content: In summer water-rich foods predominate, precisely when the heat makes us ensure we stay hydrated more than ever. In winter, oranges, kiwis and peppers are collected, since we need higher doses of vitamin C to strengthen our defenses. This way, nature offers us what we most need in each season.
• The food's flavor, texture and color: It is recommended to consume a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day; advice that not all of us achieve. The fact that seasonal foods taste better, have a pleasant aroma and appearance, can help encourage their consumption. 
• They promote the local economy and development: Seasonal foods are often produced near us. Prioritizing the consumption of seasonal foods can be very helpful if we aim to support local farming. 
• Respect for the environment: Nowadays we get summer fruits in winter thanks to imports. Their transport requires high fuel costs and consumption of CO2.

Therefore, it seems we benefit all round. So, let's prioritize buying seasonal food, we will enjoy its flavor more and it is also cheaper.