Do you ever notice when you go to the market for your produce, nine times out of ten you will find any and every fruit and veggie imaginable? How about that sometimes strawberries can be more expensive than a decent bottle of wine?
Well, that's because most markets are providing us with fruits and vegetables that are not in season. The reason for the high prices is because those off season fruits and veggies are brought to you from long distances, often traveling 1500-2500 miles sometimes. You may wonder, doesn't the produce spoil after such a long haul? Actually, no because the fruits and veggies are picked while immature so that they last the long voyage. This results in vitamin and nutrient loss. To avoid it, always buy produce that is in season. The more you shop for produce in season, the more you get to enjoy the taste and quality of your strawberries and the more money you save.
* photo credit- Pinch my salt
Awareness is key when shopping so I'd like to share a list of fruits and veggies that are in season in the spring so you get the most out of your purchase.
Spring Fruits:
- Apricots
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Avocado
- Oranges
- Artichoke
- Asparagus
- Carrots
- Fennel
- Spinach
- Snow Peas
- Onions
- Peaches
- Apples
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Grapes
- Carrots
- Pears
Phew! I know it's overwhelming. Try to start out slow and pick 3 things off the list that you eat most and gradually add on.
On the flip side, here are 12 foods that are relatively pesticide-free.
- Onions
- Avocados
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapples
- Mangoes
- Asparagus
- Sweet Peas
- Kiwis
- Cabbage
- Eggplants
- Papayas
- Watermelon
- Broccoli
- Sweet Potatoes
- Tomatoes
I hope that this helps to inspire you to pick wisely when shopping for your produce. Sometimes it's hard to change things that just seem routine and easy, but your healthy choices can impact the environment and your health in a positive way! Happy shopping :)
