Have you ever gotten a craving for strawberries in January only to find out they won’t be back in season until March? What about those delicious New England apples? Sure they’re at the local grocery store, but they aren’t the fruit you’ve been dreaming of until sometime between August and November. How do you know when fruit is at its peak? What about vegetable or fish?
Check out the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA) website. “CUESA is dedicated to cultivating a sustainable food system through the operation of farmers markets and educational programs.” CUESA has a link for seasonal eating that will help guide your produce decisions. There is a list of produce currently in season, as well as charts dedicated to educating the public on the perfect time to buy fruits and vegetables.
What about heading to your local farmers market for fresh produce? The National Farmers Market Directory (NFMD) is a great source of information. Just plug in your zip code and all the markets in your area will pop up in order of proximity. The website will even give you a breakdown of how spending money at a farmers market benefits the local area.
Bottom Line: Between farmers markets and the seasonality charts from CUESA, building meal options for each season is now as easy as 1,2, 3, Click!
Written by: Ariel Beaird, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern