Supermarkets carry all foods, all year round so it is sometimes difficult for us to learn what grows in each season. Ally Laing, from The Community Farm, explains why it’s important to reconnect with nature’s cycles and how to enjoy each harvest.
A time to taste
First and foremost, seasonal, local food is fresh, tasty and nutritious, which means it’s better for us. It’s often cheaper, as there’s less travel and storage costs, and it’s clearly kinder to the environment. It supports local farmers and economies too.
Here are some creative ways to get your family to follow the field:
- Produce a colourful seasonal fruit and veg poster that shows what foods are in season and when. Display it in the kitchen and discuss. What season is the most popular and delicious?
- Visit a farmer’s market each season. Choose the veg and fruit that’s currently available.
- Encourage little ones to make a recipe book, complete with photos of their favourite foods you’ve made. Document your seasonal year.
- Sign-up to an organic veg box scheme. When the produce is delivered you can discuss its contents and create recipe ideas.
Here’s what’s in season in January & February:
- Apples
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage (red, spring and white)
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Chantenay carrots
- Curly Kale
- Leeks
- Parsnips
- Pears
- Winter salad