Winter Produce

Unsure what to plan for family meals this week? Stay healthy, fresh and green by letting the seasons dictate what goes in your grocery basket.

Eating food according to the season is a good idea for many reasons. For one, it not only benefits your health, but helps local farmers build a sustainable food industry. Two, you reduce your carbon footprint by choosing food that hasn’t been shipped half way around the world. And last but definitely not least, you get to enjoy some produce that tastes infinitely more delicious simply because it’s fresher.

While supermarkets do stock seasonal produce, their shelves are equally stocked with countless non-seasonal, imported products. To ensure the biggest range and the freshest choice of seasonal fruit and veggies, be sure to check out your local farmers’ market. Making this choice also means you’ll be taking better care of yourself and your family, as not surprisingly most fruits and vegetables grow in the season in which our bodies need them most.

Don't forget to visit farmers markets for great organic seasonal produce

On top of all the health and environmental benefits, eating seasonally also brings back some of the joy that’s been lost through eating habits built on mass production and processing. By choosing to eat seasonally you'll bring real variety to your diet and have a deeper appreciation for the uniqueness of each season, and for the range of tastes, colours and textures that each one brings. 

As we move into the early winter period of late May, June and early July keep your eye out for these winter delights….

Fruits: avocados, apples, grapefruit, lemons, limes, mandarins, pears, and rhubarb.  

Vegetables: asian greens (bok choy & choy sum), beetroot, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, fennel, garlic, artichokes, kale, onions, parsnip, peas, potato, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potato and turnips.  

How easy and delicious is avocado on toast!

Liane Shannon
Master and Miss - Organic Children's Clothing
www.masterandmiss.com.au