When I think about the reasons why I'm so passionate about living in accordance with the seasons, a few things come to mind. It helps me be fully planted in the present - not daydreaming about the future or reminiscing on the past. It helps me have more gratitude for what I have and what's currently available to me. It reminds me that I am a part of nature - not bigger than or smaller than, but a part of; one with. Living with nature's rhythms on a daily basis and yearly basis, is the foundation for what allows me to feel grounded in a world that often feels upside down.
I think the concept of eating seasonally can be a little overwhelming for people. Especially when things that are natural to us as humans, all of a sudden have special names. (I'm looking at you "grounding" and "intuitive eating".) I think people often feel intimidated by the concept of eating seasonally, thinking that they have to look up special recipes and buy extra special ingredients. But it's so much simpler than that.
To me, eating seasonally just means putting a seasonal twist on something I would already eat normally. For example, I love pesto pasta. As a kid, I loved it with chicken breast diced up and mixed in, and as I got older I learned to love pesto pasta with grilled veggies. Putting a seasonal twist on this dish would be adding zucchini, which is so abundant in the summer months, to the dish. Or adding butternut squash to it in the fall.
It's not about changing the recipes you love, but adding seasonal elements to them depending on the time of year. It's not hard, and in fact, it adds so much flavor to your food. When you choose produce that's in season, it tastes so much better than anything frozen or shipped in from somewhere far away.
In today's post, we're going to share easy ways to ensure that you're eating seasonally, and getting the best tasting produce for all of your delicious summer meals.
Shop the Farmers Markets
One of the best ways to eat seasonally, is by shopping at your local farmers markets. Farmers markets are not only a fun weekend outing, but they are offer the best local and fresh produce you can find at a good price. It's also so important to support local farmers and the people who work so hard to grow healthy, organic, nutrient dense food for us to eat. Because produce thrives or fails depending on weather conditions, local farmers have to grow what's in season. You wouldn't grow tomatoes in December for example, because you simply couldn't. Tomatoes need heat and sunlight to grow! Because of this, the farmers market offers the freshest, and most seasonal produce offerings you can find.
Eat What You Want, Add What You Need
I once heard this phrase on TikTok, "Eat what you want, add what you need", and I think about it often. Especially as it relates to eating seasonally. Like I mentioned in the example before, when thinking about cooking seasonal food, I don't switch up my entire diet. I simply add what would be seasonal for the time of year. Like adding fresh tomatoes and zucchini to my pasta or on top of sliced bread. And adding berries and peaches to my daily salads. By simply adding something seasonal to a meal you already love, you're increasing the nutritional value, and the flavor!
Grow Your Own
If you have the space, growing your own produce is another great way to ensure that you're eating seasonally. Last summer, I planted just a few zucchini seeds and ended up with an incredible harvest for the entire summer! I had zucchini coming out of my ears! It was so delicious and it felt so good knowing that I had grown it myself in organic soil with no sprays, pesticides or interventions. If you have a little yard or a even a kitchen window, you can grow small veggies and herbs to use in your cooking.
Click here to watch my Patreon exclusive video of my favorite zucchini bread recipe!
Join a CSA
Community Supported Agriculture programs allow you to receive a fresh box of seasonal produce grown by local farmers. We have enjoyed our CSA box for years and it feels so good to be able to support local growers. In addition to receiving fresh produce, many local farmers also utilize sustainable, organic or regenerative farming practices, which you can help support through your membership. The produce in CSA boxes is often harvested the day before it ships to you, giving you a real farm to table experience.
Plan Ahead
Many of us in the homemaking community already know about the importance of meal planning. But it's also a great way to eat seasonally as you plan your meals around what ingredients are currently in season. By planning ahead, you can be certain that each meal incorporates something delicious and seasonal. Lately, I've been using Sundays as my meal prep day. I've made delicious vegan corn chowder, strawberry and peach pie and enough oatmeal for my week which I top with seasonal berries.
Eating seasonally is a lot easier than social media makes it seem. By adding a few seasonal ingredients to your daily meals, you'll enjoy fresh and delicious produce all year long! Eating and living seasonally is a gentle reminder that we thrive most when we are in alignment with the rhythms of nature.
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