The bountiful benefits of in-season produce

With summer having arrived, the sunny weather is not the only thing that excites us. Fresh berries, watermelon, pineapple and granadillas – our mouths are watering thinking about the delicious produce that’s in season.

Here are four reasons to eat fruit and veggies that are in season, and delightful recipes to try:

1. Fruits and vegetables taste better

We are all familiar with the juiciness of a sweet watermelon in summer and the refreshing tanginess of oranges and naartjies in the middle of winter. Eating fruit and vegetables when they are in season tastes far better because they’re harvested at the right time: they’re picked when perfectly ripe and full of flavour. Watermelon sugar high, here we come!

2. You pay less for produce

Allow your wallet a well-deserved break, since in-season produce is much cheaper than imported food. Out-of-season produce that is imported from another country must be transported long distances, which negatively impacts the environment by increasing our carbon footprint. Not to mention cold storage costs also add up. So, it is no surprise that we as consumers fork out more money.

When produce is locally sourced, the travelling and storing costs are lower. This reduces the production cost, minimises the carbon footprint, and you’ll have something to look forward to each season (looking at you, my summertime juicy mango).

3. It supports nutritional needs

A well-rounded diet supports your body’s nutritional needs during each season. For example, citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which helps your body fight infections like colds and flu. Veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and sweet potato also provide comfort. Is there anything better than a warm stew or soup during the longer, colder months? Not for us.

4. Stand by your local farmers

Instead of splurging at big supermarkets that import produce, why not support the local farmers’ market? The fruit and veg are delicious and as fresh as it gets. In return, you’ll be helping small businesses and local farmers, and you get to cook healthy, hearty meals for your family.

We’ve given you the tips and tricks of this tasty trade, now scroll further for some of the best in-season fruits and vegetables as well as a few ravenous recipes to try using in-season produce. Bon Appetit!

Summer fruit in season:

Apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cherries, figs, granadillas, grapes, guavas, litchis, mangoes, melons, nectarines, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, pomegranates, raspberries, strawberries, watermelons [to name a few].