In this time of flash frozen instant gratification we want what we want and we want it now. Ever wonder though why that watermelon is so juicy, so sweet, so pretty one time you cut into it. But next time the same melon you loved before is pale, grainy and well…just downright disappointing?
sea·son
ˈsēzən/
noun: each of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) marked by particular weather patterns and daylight hours, resulting from the earth’s changing position with regard to the sun.
Everything has a season. The earth has a time when the sun, the moon, the gravitational pull, the weather…even the bugs…are exactly where they need to be. And it’s at exactly that time that we should enjoy what God provided at just that right time for our enjoyment and our health.
Why should we seek out fruits and veggies that are in season?
- less energy is consumed: when produce is harvested and transported while in season it is more readily available, has less distance to travel, and comes from farms and orchards that operate optimally during season.
- Lower prices: for the exact same reason as #1 less transportation and more local harvests mean lower prices for you!
- Mother Nature is smarter: let’s face it, no one asked our opinion on when the sun sets or the tides come in. Why would we have a better plan for when food is at its peak?
- Shop local: Farmers markets and local groceries are full of beautiful seasonal fruits and veggies bursting with flavor and color with each season. You would be disappointed to see a local grower with hot house forced tomatoes, everything is better when we let nature and real farmers do the work.
- Fresher and more delicious: where I live people come from all over to celebrate “Grainger County Tomatoes”. They even have their own festival. Yes, this local fresh produce is that good! In season and local is absolutely the closest you can get to growing it in your own yard and the taste is definitely worth the wait each year.
So it’s June…what is in season now?
According to a little research this is what we should be enjoying right now
- Arugula
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Kohlrabi
- Peas
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Zucchini
- Apricots
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Grapefruit
- Lemons
- Limes
- Melons
- Passion Fruit
- Pineapple
- Plums
- Strawberries
Well, I’m drooling now and hoping I can leave the granite showroom early enough tomorrow to hit a local market…or two!
