Seasonal Eating

By Quinn Phillips Quick: what local produce is in season right now? Most Americans probably couldn't answer that question. After all, with refrigeration and cargo jets, it's no longer necessary — or even common — to eat primarily produce that is in season locally. Chances are good, this time of year, that the fresh berries, greens, tomatoes, and peppers in your local supermarket come not from a nearby greenhouse, but from a farm located in a warmer climate hundreds or even thousands of miles away. And, of course, certain warm-weather produce — like bananas, oranges, and pineapples — is never in season throughout most of the United States. In reaction to this globalized, seasonless food supply, some people advocate a return to eating mostly in-season, local produce. People may take this position for a number of reasons: First, it reduces the transportation of produce, saving energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Second, produce is likely to be fresher when it comes from local sources. And third — the clincher for many people — eating seasonal produce forces you to prepare new foods and try new recipes. This final reason is why some people view seasonal eating as a means to achieving better health. This principle can be seen in action in farm-to-school programs, which some school districts have adopted in an effort to foster better eating habits in their students. A recent article in the Green Bay Press-Gazette profiles one such progr...
Source: Diabetes Self-Management - Category: Diabetes Authors: Source Type: blogs