Eating Seasonally in Canada: A Sustainable Approach To Food

“In season” is probably a phrase you’ve heard before, whether wandering around a farmers’ market or perusing a restaurant menu. You’re probably used to hearing it in a positive light, and if you don’t know much about what it means you probably assume it just means the ingredient tastes better. 

You’re not wrong! But there’s so much more to it. Eating seasonally also has lots of benefits for you and the environment. Here are just a few:

1. Seasonal produce does taste better

• Has been allowed to ripen on the vine for long enough to develop the best flavour

• Out-of-season produce tastes worse because it’s harvested early, refrigerated and artificially ripened

2. It’s cheaper

• The cost of produce goes down when farmers harvest a large amount

• Travelling and storage expenses reduce production costs

3. Higher nutritional value

• Fresher

• Has not been stored for long enough for antioxidants and nutrients to decline

4. Avoids overseas contaminants

• Out-of-season produce may be imported from areas with different regulations

• Poor hygiene practices in other countries may infect you through food

• You can be more sure of where local seasonal food comes from and how it’s been produced

5. Supports the body’s natural needs

• Seasonal foods are designed for what our bodies need during those times

• In winter we have citrus that protects against colds and veggies good for warm meals

• In summer we have stone fruits that protect against sun damage

6. More environmentally friendly

• Reduces carbon footprint

• Supports local farming

• Less transportation in refrigeration or hot houses

Interested in eating seasonally? Consider getting expert guidance from a local chef on what ingredients to use depending on the time of year.