Most everyone would agree that they need to increase the
amount of fruits and vegetables in their diet.
One of the best ways to actually do that is to have fruits and
vegetables readily available at home. It’s
easier to eat healthy when you have healthy options to choose from throughout
the day. So this brings up the question
of when to buy to get the most for your money and the best tasting produce. Purchasing produce in season has many
benefits but most importantly are the cost savings and the fresh flavors.
It makes sense that buying in season would be most cost
effective but that’s not always something everyone knows. As we approach spring, many local farmers
markets will be opening back up.
Utilizing local markets is an excellent way to purchase in season
produce and help out a local grower. Purchasing
produce when it is in season and in high abundance is a cost savings you can
enjoy.
Not only can you find a wide variety to choose from when you
purchase in season, you can also expect to truly enjoy the fresh flavors. Purchasing local and in season ensures your
produce was harvested on time and not early.
Often times when you purchase produce that must be transported long
distances to get to you, they must harvest early and refrigerate to avoid
rot. Although they are available, they
will not have the same full flavor as something allowed to ripen naturally and
harvested on time.
So not only is it important to have fruits and vegetables readily
available at home to eat, it’s also important to purchase them when they have
their fullest flavor.
Who wants to
increase their amount of fruits and vegetables if they all taste dull?
If you would like more information about what
is in season at different times of the year, I have uploaded a helpful chart to
http://hunt.agrilife.org/publications/
or you can stop by the Hunt County AgriLife Extension office and pick up a
copy.
As always, if you have questions, concerns, or just want to
chat, please feel free to come by the Hunt County AgriLife Extension office,
2217 Washington Street, Greenville, Texas, 75401, call (903) 455-9885, or email
Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu.
(Click here for a direct link to the In Season Produce Guide.)
