June 9th, 2020
Last updated: June 9th, 2020
Supporting local farmers is a great way to boost your local economy. By locally directly benefits local farmers and businesses. Buying local produce also ensures that things are typically grown seasonally. There are certain seasons that certain fruits and vegetables grow best, and “eating seasonally” means that you are buying what is in stock naturally and not forced to be grown year-round.
Nutrients in Seasonal Produce
Eating seasonally with locally grown produce can be more nutritious than buying fruits and vegetables that are available out of their natural season.
Because of modern farming technology, we can practically find any fruit or vegetable at all times of the year. Availability doesn’t mean that they are at their peak ripeness or freshness during the out of season times! Buying produce in its natural season will allow you to experience the freshest produce. Having fruits and vegetables all year long means longer storage and transportation times affecting the fruit itself. The longer produce is stored the more nutrients can break down.
Environmental Impact of Buying Local Produce
There is also an environmental benefit to buying local goods and produce. With less transportation needed to get something across the world or country, there is less pollution produced by the car, planes, and trains needed to bring those goods to your town. With produce, there’s an added layer of refrigerated vehicles needed that contribute even more pollution. Local produce eliminates the required transportation and gives you delicious, fresh produce instead!
Where to Buy Local Produce
For local produce, check out your local farmers market! There are several farmers markets in the Dallas Fort Worth area where you can buy local and seasonal produce such as the The Frisco Fresh Market, Dallas Farmers Market, and Richardson Farmers Market. To find a local farmers market in Texas, visit https://www.farmersmarketonline.com/directory-of-markets.
Which fruits and vegetables are in season
Below are several fruits and vegetables listed by seasonality so you know what is the freshest at any time of year.
Apples, avocados, bananas, onions, and mushrooms are typically available year-round. If it is not feasible for you to purchase seasonal or local produce, know that fruits and vegetables of any kind are great to include in a healthy diet! Making even small swaps towards local or seasonal goods is a sustainable and environmentally conscious decision.
Spring Fruit and Vegetable List – apricots, artichokes, asparagus, celery, chives, fava beans, green onions, kale, leeks, lettuce, parsnips, peas, pineapple, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, Swiss chard
Summer Fruit and Vegetable List– apricots, beets, berries, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, figs, grapes, green beans, mangos, melons, pears, peppers, stone fruits, strawberries, summer squash, tomatoes, zucchini
Fall Fruit and Vegetable List – beets, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cranberries, dates, kiwi, winter squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti), pears, pumpkin, sweet potatoes
Winter Fruit and Vegetable List – bell pepper, bok choy, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, citrus fruit (clementines, grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines), collard greens, endive, leafy greens (collard, kale, mustard, spinach), potatoes, root vegetables (beets, turnips)
