Ways eating seasonally can help to protect the planet

The agricultural industry is responsible for a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions across the world. One of the many contributing factors to these high emissions within global food supply is the demand for out-of-season produce from overseas. The food in our supermarkets is travelling from further away than ever before to keep up with this demand for year-round availability. From bananas grown in Costa Rica to tomatoes grown in Morocco, supermarket shelves are stocked with items from across the globe. These items have often travelled by air, which creates around 10 times more carbon emissions than road transport.

Buying local seasonal produce can help to reduce carbon emissions by reducing the time it takes for food to get from the ground to our plates. There are many additional benefits to buying fruit and vegetables that are in season, so read on to find out more.

What are the benefits of buying seasonal fruit and vegetables?

It’s more environmentally friendly

Transporting non-local produce relies on burning fossil fuels to move food across the globe, resulting in high amounts of CO2 being released into the atmosphere and adding to the greenhouse effect. You can reduce these emissions and your carbon footprint, by reducing the distance your food has to travel; shopping locally for seasonal produce. This is called reducing your ‘food miles’. When shopping in a supermarket, check the packaging for where the produce originated from. Often supermarkets will support local farms and have a range of items grown locally. Two thirds of the products stocked in Lidl are sourced in the UK. Or even better, why not stop in at your local farm shop?

Growing out-of-season produce can also require higher amounts of energy usage. Farmers must create artificial microclimates to provide the optimal growing conditions for produce. This can include needing to provide additional heat and using electrical irrigation systems. Growing tomatoes in a hot greenhouse in December requires more energy than growing them in their natural season in the summer.

It’s more cost-effective

Have you ever noticed how expensive exotic fruits are at certain times of year? Buying local seasonal produce not only helps to reduce your food miles, but it is also cheaper. The growing conditions for seasonal produce are at a peak at that time of year, meaning that it costs farmers less to supply and distribute to local suppliers, making it cheaper and more cost-effective for shoppers, too. Locally sourced food items also avoid import taxes, helping to keep costs low.

It has a higher nutritional value

As seasonal fruit and veg are consumed closer to the time of harvest they retain more nutrients. The further food travels, the more the vitamin and mineral content deteriorates. Seasonal produce is ripened naturally at the correct time of year, meaning that it’s fresher and tastier. Each season brings a new list of ingredients bursting with new flavours, keeping your diet varied, nutritious and delicious.

You can support your local community

Connect with where your food comes from and learn about how it’s farmed by buying locally. Buying seasonal local produce supports the local agricultural industry, including local farmers and their distributors. Why not buy some seasonal veg from your local farm shop helping to grow and keep money within the local economy? Our favourites are Staunton Farm Shop located in Havant and Manor Farm Shop located in Romsey. Supporting your local economy can also help to create jobs within the agricultural industry, providing a range of fantastic sustainable jobs. Local farms often supply produce to local restaurants and businesses.

What's in season in October?

This October why not use some seasonal ingredients in your home-cooked dishes? Make the most of the autumn’s harvest and try out one of our favourite recipes for pumpkin soup. Here’s a list of some of our seasonal favourites:

• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Celeriac
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Leeks
• Marrow
• Mushrooms
• Parsnips
• Pumpkins
• Swede and turnip
• Apples
• Pears

Why not make a seasonal food calendar to keep track of the different fruit and veg that is in season to use? If you’re looking to grow your own vegetables at home, take a look at our handy video including some top tips on growing at home.

So remember:

• Always check where your food has originated from
• Try and reduce your food miles where you can
• Support your local economy by shopping locally
• Buy delicious fruit and vegetables that are within season

Let us know what seasonal fruit and vegetables you try on our Facebook and Instagram.