What’s in Season this Spring
Knowing what’s in season can be confusing when our supermarkets are full of so much variety all year round.
Wholesome World is here to help guide you through the seasons…
By using what’s in season, you are effortlessly increasing the nutritional value and variety of produce to your diet. Seasonal food tends to taste better, as simply, the sooner it gets to your plate, the better it tastes and the better it is for you. It is also less likely to contain less chemicals as its will have been grown in its ‘natural’ conditions, rather than fighting against nature.
You’re also benefiting the environment enormously by choosing locally farmed produce too. As the issue of climate change continues to be at the forefront of the nation’s psyche, it’s becoming increasingly clear that how our food is made and where it comes from is entwined with the environment. Head to our ‘Riverford Organics‘ diary post for more insight.
Here’s our wholesome guide to what’s in season in the UK this Spring…
What’s in Season : Spring Fruits
Limes – Blood Oranges – Papayas – Rhubarb – Apricots -Strawberries
All of which are good elements to enjoy and get the seasonal boost of satisfaction.
When foods are grown out of season, they aren’t able to follow their natural growing and ripening rhythms. In order for certain fruits and vegetables to be available year-round, post-harvest treatments, known as ripening agents, are used. These include chemicals, gases and heat processes. Some produce is also coated with an edible film to protect it. (1)
These you can find in any supermarket but if you want them truly fresh… You should go and check out a local farmers market near you. This will not only support your health but also your local economy.
Information on where to find farmers markets near you and also fruits and vegetables in season can be found on Country & Town House who deliciously say;
“Seasonal food not only tastes better, it’s kinder to the planet.” Which I strongly agree with.
One of my favourite Spring bakes is the Orange Polenta Cake.
This gluten free treat created by professional chef and Wholesome World contributor Lottie Brook is full of nutritional goodness. The oranges are packed with vitamin C and add to the antioxidant profile of this cake. Remember to buy organic oranges as citrus fruits are some of the most heavily sprayed crops and often they are waxed too.
What’s in Season: Spring Vegetables
Asparagus – Mushrooms – Spring peas – Broccoli (including purple sprouting broccoli – yess)
– Rocket – Watercress – Peppers – Spring onions – Kale – Spring Greens
You’d be surprised how far some foods have to travel to ensure they’re on the shelves 365 days a year. Out of season fruit and veg can spend days and weeks travelling to get to you, and this comes with a price. Either they’re picked earlier than they should be so that they’re ready on arrival, or they spoil a little on the way.
In a study monitoring the vitamin C content of broccoli, it was found that broccoli grown during its peak season had a higher vitamin C content than broccoli grown during the spring.
Check out our Spring Green & Coconut Dal recipe contributed by Riverford Farm to make the best use of all those greens available right now. . Green veg really are some of the most nutrient dense foods and can be used to jazz up many a dish.
To remind me what’s in season, I have embellishing my kitchen wall with the monthly focused ‘seasonal fruit and vegetable chart’ too, made by Liz Cook. Keep an eye out on our Instagram to be in with a chance of winning one!
Each season brings a whole host of delicious produce to use in the kitchen. If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out the Wholesome World app which is a collection of recipes, nutritional information and medical and lifestyle resources, all which have inspired and helped me focus on health and well-being.
Why choose local and organic produce?
Regardless of the season, you should buy organic when you can. Supporting global commercialised farming can be negative for your health. For example, pesticides were found to be in more than 95% of conventional celery celery samples, and eleven different pesticides were detected on just ONE pesticide sample.
Eating Well did a great article on the Dirty Dozen. These are 12 foods you should always buy organic, which are listed in the article and also why you should buy these organically. These are both fruits and vegetables that are highest in pesticides so it is always best to get organic even though it is pricier, it is better for you and your health. Remember quality over quantity here.
To find more information on the benefits of these seasonal produce, head to the British Nutrition Foundation.
Wholesome World provides digital access to healthy lifestyle information and medical research. Was approved by the National Health Service (NHS) and features in the app library.
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