Benefits of Eating Seasonally this Fall
Nutrition is a key pillar of whole-person health. Living abundantly is tied to how we nourish ourselves, and putting Christ at the center of everything means eating and drinking in ways that fuel us for the mission He’s given us.
Eating simply means consuming nutrient-dense, whole foods at regular times during the day so that we balance our blood sugar levels and stay energized. It also means sufficiently hydrating ourselves so that our bodies can function optimally.
But one thing people often overlook is that simple eating is also seasonal eating.
What does it mean to “eat seasonally”?
Eating seasonally means focusing on fruits and vegetables that are in season for your geographical area. This means enjoying foods like asparagus in the spring, watermelon in the summer, butternut squash in the fall, and oranges in the winter. Before globalized food production, this is how everyone would have eaten year-round. Our ancestors enjoyed what they could grow and forage during different seasons, eating a diet aligned with the rhythms of nature.
What are the benefits of seasonal eating?
Eating seasonally goes hand-in-hand with eating locally—both excellent ways to embrace the providence of each season.
Optimize freshness and flavor
Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables are more flavorful because harvest occurs closer to peak ripeness. For example, tomatoes are in season in summer months (along with two of their flavor companions, basil and peppers). This is why tomatoes never taste as good in the winter—they are picked green, weeks before they arrive at the grocery store.
Maximize nutritional value
There are two reasons that fresh produce has a higher nutritional content. The first is that it can grow longer, giving the plant more time to accumulate nutrients. Secondly, certain nutrients start to degrade as soon as the fruit or vegetable is harvested. For example, spinach loses much of its antioxidant content within the first day or two after being picked. To maximize nutrients from produce, it is best to harvest at peak ripeness and consume as soon as possible.
Honor the order of creation
Have you ever noticed that seasonal foods seem to match your body’s metabolic needs? For example, summer foods like berries, melon, and cucumbers are light and hydrating while winter foods like squash, potatoes, and onions are sustaining and easily stored. While fall is a time of abundance, storage, and preparation for winter, spring is a time of detoxification, cleansing, and fasting (no coincidence that this is when Catholics observe Lenten fasting). There is truly a beautiful orderedness to creation, and seasonal eating is an excellent way to eat within that order.
Support local communities
Eating local food has several economic and environmental benefits that align with the Church’s teachings. Regarding care for God’s creation, a more localized food system means fewer food miles and less manipulation of growing conditions to produce fruits and vegetables outside of their natural growing cycles. Eating seasonally honors the rhythms of nature.
Subsidiarity is a principle of Catholic social teaching that says that “human affairs are best handled at the lowest level possible, closest to the affected person”. While this principle is often referenced in regards to government, it can be applied to our food systems as well. Eating locally supports local economies and provides the opportunity to build relationships with the farmers who grow your food.
Remain receptive to providence
In a world where instant gratification is so prevalent, eating seasonally is a beautiful opportunity to eat simply. Rather than creating consumer demand for foods that are not grown seasonally, locally, or domestically, this is a way to receive and eat what is provided during that time of the year. Seasonal eating may require intentionality or small sacrifices, but it is an invitation to rely more completely on the Lord’s providence.
Tips for Eating Seasonally this Fall
Find a farmers’ market
Although a bit late in the year to start your own garden, look for a local farmers’ market to stock up on seasonal goodies like apples, potatoes, winter squash, tomatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, garlic, kale, or whatever is in season in your area (which is easy to figure out, because that’s what the local farmers will have!)
Shop the sales
Another benefit of eating seasonally is that it is often more affordable. In-season produce is usually available and on sale at the grocery store (compared to out-of-season produce, which you often have to pay a premium for).
Spice it up
Adding herbs and spices is a wonderful way to boost the flavor, appearance, and nutrition of the dishes you are preparing. Apples pair well with cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg. Winter squash pairs well with allspice, cumin, or sage. Potatoes pair well with oregano, rosemary, or thyme.
Prep for winter
If you (or someone you know) has an abundance of produce like apples, tomatoes, summer squash, or herbs, consider freezing, canning, or drying some for the winter. Seasonal eating can be a little trickier in the winter—as many places are too cold for gardens—so having preserved food for soups and baking is a treat.
Think ahead
Consider subscribing to a CSA (community supported agriculture) or planting your own garden next year. The latter often requires planning in the fall and winter months so you are ready for spring!
References
Meitha, K., Pramesti, Y., & Suhandono, S. (2020). Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidants in Postharvest Vegetables and Fruits. International journal of food science, 2020, 8817778. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8817778
Subsidiarity: What You Need to Know. Catholic Culture. Retrieved from: https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/what_you_need_to_know/index.cfm?id=84
Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching. USCCB. Retrieved from: https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/seven-themes-of-catholic-social-teaching
Written by Ellen Roufs of Made Whole Nutrition
Instagram: @madewholenutrition
