Health | August 2023

Rediscovering Nature’s Rhythm: The Wisdom of Seasonal Eating

Have you ever wondered how the seasons affect the food we eat?

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the natural rhythms of our planet.

Even our health and nutrition…

But today, many people are turning to a more holistic, natural way of living…

Nourishing mind and body by following a seasonal way of eating.

But what is ‘seasonal eating,’ and how can it transform your health?

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Seasonal Eating

It’s simple.

Eating seasonally means eating foods grown, farmed and harvested locally…when they’re at their freshest.

This is what’s known as “from-farm-to-plate”.

And avoids foods which spend weeks in storage and transportation. Leading to poor quality produce, which could even rot before it makes it to your kitchen.

Best of all, seasonal fruit and veg have no dodgy chemicals added to them.

Meaning they’re a healthier, all natural choice.

For instance – explore the local farmer’s market, and you’ll notice how produce changes throughout the year.

From bunches of tart rhubarb in April and May, to punnets of juicy strawberries in June.

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The Freshest Nutrients

Believe it or not, storing fruit & veg for long periods of time causes up to 50% nutrient loss.

With Cambridge studies showing just 15 days in storage can slash a food’s Vitamin C, antioxidant…

And polyphenol content.

Whereas a seasonal diet follows “natural growth cycles.”

Leading to maximum nutritional value…and minimum nutrient loss.

See, fruit and vegetables are allowed time to reach the perfect ripeness – without fertilisers or chemical preservatives.

Then harvested at peak ripeness, when they’re at their most nutrient dense.

Bursting with fresh juice and flavour.

And extremely rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Take for example leafy green vegetables in autumn.

They have twice the amount of vitamin C, compared to when out of season.

Enhancing your immunity for the coming winter months…

And protecting you against colds and flu.

Then in the summer, you need more hydrating foods. Which help you cope better with the heat.

But that’s not all…

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Unparalleled Flavour and Taste

By choosing seasonal, you also get that ultra-fresh flavour.

It’s why everyone goes crazy for those summer tomatoes!

After all, there’s nothing quite like fruit & veg picked right after harvest.

A slice of summer watermelon, bursting with juice…

A delightfully crisp winter apple…

Seasonal eating lets you truly appreciate these foods how nature intended.

Making every meal a delight for your taste buds…and your health!

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Culinary Adventures

Naturally, this wide variety of fruit and veg is the perfect excuse to try something new in the kitchen.

And the possibilities are endless…

Try making a summer berry tart, or enjoy a piping hot, creamy pumpkin pie in autumn.

Maybe a refreshing tomato salad in August…

A thick slice of aubergine moussaka…

Or a heartwarming parsnip soup in winter.

The world is your oyster!

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Good for you, good for the planet

Shockingly, studies show food production makes up 30% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Speeding up global warming…

But when the produce is harvested locally, it can slash these emissions by up to 10%!

Making seasonal eating better for you, and better for the environment.

What’s more, it’s wallet-friendly too.

Since there’s no need for expensive transport and fuel, seasonal fruit and veg are also cheaper.

Helping you save a few precious pounds, while supporting farmers and the local economy.

Win-win, if you ask me.

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A timeless tradition

Seasonal eating is not just a passing trend, but an ancient practice.

In fact – before the invention of overseas travel – people were forced to live off their own land.

Fast forward to today, and seasonal eating follows in their footsteps. Honouring a centuries-old tradition.

And nurturing not only your body, but the planet we all call home.

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UK Seasonal Produce Guide

Here’s when to find (or grow) seasonal fruits and vegetables in the UK.

Your personal farmer’s market “cheat sheet.” An easy guide to help you start your seasonal eating journey.

	Fruit	Veg
January	Apples, Pears	Beetroot, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Celeriac, Celery, Chicory, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Leeks, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Squash, Swedes, Turnips
February	Apples, Pears	Beetroot, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Celeriac, Chicory, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Leeks, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Squash, Swedes
March	Rhubarb	Artichoke, Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrots, Chicory, Leeks, Parsnip, Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Radishes, Sorrel, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Watercress
April	Rhubarb	Artichoke, Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrots, Chicory, New Potatoes, Kale, Morel Mushrooms, Parsnips, Radishes, Rocket, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Watercress
May	Rhubarb, Strawberries	Artichoke, Asparagus, Aubergine, Beetroot, Chicory, Chillies, Elderflowers, Lettuce, Marrow, New Potatoes, Peas, Peppers, Radishes, Rocket, Samphire, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Watercress
June	Blackcurrants, Cherries, Gooseberries, Raspberries, Redcurrants, Rhubarb, Strawberries, Tayberries	Asparagus, Aubergine, Beetroot, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Chicory, Chillies, Courgettes, Cucumber, Elderflowers, Lettuce, Marrow, New Potatoes, Peas, Peppers, Radishes, Rocket, Runner Beans, Samphire, Sorrel, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Watercress
July	Blackberries, Blackcurrants, Blueberries, Cherries, Gooseberries, Greengages, Loganberries, Raspberries, Redcurrants, Rhubarb, Strawberries	Aubergine, Beetroot, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chicory, Chillies, Courgettes, Cucumber, Fennel, French Beans, Garlic, Kohlrabi, New Potatoes, Onions, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Rocket, Runner Beans, Samphire, Sorrel, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Summer Squash, Swish Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress
August	Blackberries, Blackcurrants, Cherries, Damsons, Greengages, Loganberries, Plums, Raspberries, Redcurrants, Rhubarb, Strawberries	Aubergine, Beetroot, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chicory, Chillies, Courgettes, Cucumber, Fennel, French Beans, Garlic, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Mangetout, Marrow, Mushrooms, Parsnips, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rocket, Runner Beans, Samphire, Sorrel, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Summer Squash, Sweetcorn, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Watercress
September	Blackberries, Damsons, Pears, Plums, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Strawberries	Aubergine, Beetroot, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Courgettes, Chicory, Chillies, Cucumber, Garlic, Kale, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Lettuce, Mangetout, Marrow, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rocket, Runner Beans, Samphire, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Summer Squash, Sweetcorn, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Wild Mushrooms
October	Apples, Blackberries, Elderberries, Pears	Aubergine, Beetroot, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chestnuts, Chicory, Chillies, Courgette, Cucumber, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rocket, Runner Beans, Spinach, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Summer Squash, Swede, Sweetcorn, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Wild Mushrooms, Winter Squash
November	Apples, Cranberries, Elderberries, Pears	Beetroot, Brussels Sprouts, Butternut Squash, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Chestnuts, Chicory, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Leeks, Onions, Parsnips, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Swede, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Watercress, Wild Mushrooms, Winter Squash
December	Apples, Cranberries, Pears	Beetroot, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Celeriac, Celery, Chestnuts, Chicory, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Leeks, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Red Cabbage, Swede, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Watercress, Winter Squash

Will you be trying it?