Eating Seasonally – Fruit and Vegetables
Often we hear that in order for our nutritional intake to be optimal, we should eat seasonally and ideally it should be locally sourced in order to ensure freshness and nutritional density.
That’s great advice but there’s rarely any indication of what vegetables are actually seasonal and with the fact that so much fruit and veg is imported these days, almost all fruit and veg appears to be constantly ‘seasonal’!
Of course, this isn’t the case. Here in the UK we’re only able to grow certain varieties of fruit and veg due to our climate and we now import anywhere up to 60% of our produce.
Because of this some of our ‘fresh’ fruits and vegetables can be anywhere from 6-12 months old. Particularly the likes of apples and citrus fruits.
So just how can you ensure your fruit and veg is actually fresh and seasonal?
The best way is to get to know a couple of your local farmers and if possible, buy direct from them. Failing that, most local farm stores will stock local and seasonal fruits and vegetables that should be fresh and unstored.
Which fruits and vegetables should you be looking out for?
January
Cauliflower, Celeriac, Forced Rhubarb, Leeks, Parsnip, Savoy Cabbage, Shallots, Squash, Turnip.
February
Cauliflower, Celeriac, Leeks, Parsnip, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Swede, Turnip.
March
Beetroot, Cauliflower, Leeks, Rhubarb, Sprouting Broccoli.
April
Broccoli, Radish, Rocket, Spinach (new leaf), Spring Onions, Watercress (outdoor salad crops).
May
Asparagus, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Outdoor Salad Crops, Rhubarb, Spinach.
June
Carrots, Lettuce, Asparagus, Peas, New Carrots, New Potatoes, Courgettes, Broad Beans, Runner Beans, Spinach, Outdoor Salad Crops, Turnips, Strawberries, Gooseberries.
July
Carrots, Courgettes, Beetroot, Spinach, Cauliflower, Celery, Lettuce, New Potatoes, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, French Beans, Cucumber, Outdoor Salad Crops, Strawberries, Gooseberries, Raspberries, Cherries, Loganberries, Redcurrants, Blackcurrants.
August
Carrots, Beetroot, Lettuce, Cauliflower, Courgettes, Onions, Sweet corn, Leeks, Peas, French Beans, New Potatoes, Outdoor Salad Crops, Strawberries, Blackcurrants, Loganberries, Gooseberries, Raspberries, Greengage Plums.
September
Cabbage, Beetroot, Carrots, Cauliflower, Courgettes, Cucumber, French Beans, Main crop Potatoes, Onions, Peas, Potatoes, Onions, Rhubarb, Spinach, Sweetcorn, Leeks, Apples, Raspberries, Pears, Damsons, Plums, Blackberries.
October
Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Courgettes, Lettuce, Marrow, Parsnips, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Small Squashes, Celariac, Leeks, Onions, Turnips, Apples, Pears.
November
Cabbage, Beetroot, Pumpkin, Swede, Turnip, Potatoes, Parsnips, Leeks, Apples, Pears.
December
Celery, Beetroot, Savoy Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Turnip, Parsnip, Brussel Sprouts, Swede, Leeks.
This is by no means an exhaustive list but should be good enough to provide you with an overview of what’s available seasonably in the UK so that you know what to keep an eye out for in order to help ensure freshness the next time you go food shopping.
Another great source with an interactive list of seasonal fruits and vegetables for the Uk can be found here.
And here you can find a great list of seasonal veg for the US and here you can find fruits.
You’ll find other great resources for which fruits and vegetables are seasonal in your country just by running a quick search on Google.
I hope this helps.
Your friend in health and performance,
P.S. Feel free to post some of your favourite seasonal recipes in the comments section below in order to help our readers further.