You’ve heard of summer, autumn, winter and spring. But did you know different fruits and vegetables grow best at different times of the year? It’s nature’s clever way of ensuring we enjoy a wide and varied diet.

Funnily enough, the fruits and vegetables ‘in season’ often coincide with what we need and desire at that time of the year. For example, citrus fruits are readily available in winter and are a great source of vitamin C, which can help fight off those pesky colds and bugs.

Likewise, root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and pumpkin flourish in winter and lend themselves well to roasting or slow cooked meals, which is exactly the style of food that many of us enjoy in the cooler months. Or in summer when it’s hot, juicy fruits and lighter vegetables grow well and lend themselves well to the fresh salads and lighter meals that we crave.

4 big reasons to love fresh seasonal fruit & vegetables

They cost less!

Seasonal produce is grown in the optimal growing conditions which impacts quality and taste. Usually seasonal produce comes from local growers, which means it has been allowed to ripen for longer in the ground or on a tree before being picked.  This allows the flavour to develop more than a product, which is grown out of season and picked early for transport/export.

They’re packed with nutrients!

Fruits and vegetables get most of their nutrients from the soil they are grown in. When a product is grown and consumed in season it has spent the maximum amount of time in the soil, which means maximum nutrients too!

The environment wins!

Eating within season reduces the carbon footprint by minimising emissions related to product transport and packaging. It also helps to reduce the need to over-harvest the land. This ensures that the nutrient content of the soil can remain high and provide nutrient rich foods for everyone for many more years.

They taste awesome!

Seasonal produce is grown in the optimal growing conditions which impacts quality and taste. Usually seasonal produce comes from local growers, which means it has been allowed to ripen for longer in the ground or on a tree before being picked. This allows the flavour to develop more than a product, which is grown out of season and picked early for transport/export.