Seasonal Eating: The Nutritional and Environmental Benefits of Fall Produce

The rich seasonal bounty of fall is almost upon us. And as we enjoy the vibrant colors of the leaves and the cooler temperatures, it’s time to celebrate the season with crisp apples, hearty pumpkins and flavorful squash. Today we’ll take a look at the many health and environmental benefits of eating in-season fruits and vegetables.

Fall Produce: Nutritional Benefits

At their peak in terms of taste and nutrition, in-season fruits and vegetables provide many health benefits.

• Apples are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Fiber supports digestion and regulates blood sugar levels, and antioxidants fight inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Pumpkins contain beta-carotene for healthy vision, skin, and immune function. They are also rich in fiber for better digestive health. The orange flesh is packed with antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin to protect against eye disease and age-related macular degeneration.
• Squash such as butternut and acorn is high in vitamins A and C for immune health, collagen formation, and healthy skin. The high fiber content aids in digestion, as well.

Eating In-Season: Environmental Benefits of Eating

Indulging in seasonal locally-grown produce is also an important choice for supporting sustainable farming practices that minimize carbon emissions and food waste, while supporting local farmers.

It doesn’t take as much energy or resources to produce in-season fruits and vegetables that have adapted quite well to the local climate. Take pumpkins and squash for example. They are the ultimate fall weather crops because they require less water and artificial energy than out-of-season crops. When you do your part to support local food systems, you help to keep small-scale farms sustainable within the community.

On top of that, in-season produce doesn’t have to be shipped over long distances, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and transportation costs.

The Power of Local Agriculture

Your health gets a boost when eating seasonal produce from local farms, to be sure. But at the same time, you are doing your part to contribute to the local economy and support the livelihoods of local farmers. The food choices you make don’t just impact you for the short term; they impact the community for the long haul.