If you’re like many Australians, you probably have some favourite foods that you enjoy eating year-round. However, eating the same foods throughout the year is not that good for you. What’s more, you shouldn’t expect to be able to get these foods all year. Are you someone who cares deeply about your health and the environment? Here are five of the main health and environmental advantages for eating seasonal foods, along with what we have to offer.

1. MEETS YOUR NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Most likely, the primary health benefit of seasonal eating is that it supports the natural nutritional needs of your body. For example, now during summer, there are several summer foods that give us additional beta-carotenoids that are helpful in protecting against sun damage. 

During winter, nature provides us with essential high Vitamin C nutrients that are so crucial in preventing cold and flu infections. Some of the top winter foods that are ideal for hot meals, besides provide comfort, include those, such as soups, healthy stews, casseroles and other warm dishes.

2. PROVIDES HIGHER NUTRITION

Seasonal produce is usually much fresher since it’s consumed closer to where it was harvested. It also has a higher nutritional value, including Vitamin C, carotene, folate and other antioxidants. Consider how it won’t deteriorate as quickly when it’s stored for a long time period. Additionally, seasonal produce looks more vibrant and brighter.

Just think about how produce that’s been stored for an extended time because it has transported tends to be limp and dry. It’s important to realise that often larger grocers and markets purchase out-of-season produce that has been wax-preserved for extending shelf life.

3. PROTECTS YOUR BODY FROM  CONTAMINATION

Unfortunately, too many countries are lax about chemicals sprayed on fruits and veggies that other areas have banned because of damaging effects. There are some areas with extremely high heavy metal as well as other toxic pollutants that are the result of being near industrial sites. Consider that in the news, not that only ago, here in Australia, there was a large hepatitis A contamination due to frozen berries coming from China. Because of poor overseas hygiene practices, many Australians were infected.  

4. IS MORE APPETISING

Besides being fresher and healthier, seasonal foods taste a lot better and are sweeter. When produce is allowed to ripen naturally on the vine and is harvested at the proper time, it has a better taste and is more nutritional. When crops are transported, the produce has be harvested earlier than it should be as well as refrigerated to prevent it from spoiling while being transported.

When food is chilled, there’s less flavour. By the time the produce arrives at its destination, it usually needs to be heated and placed in a hot house so that it can ripen artificially before going on shelves. This is why some fruits and veggies, such as apples and tomatoes, lack flavor. Even worse, sometimes, foods arrive almost rotten inside.

5. HELPS THE ENVIRONMENT

Besides promoting good health, seasonal eating creates less of a demand for producing out-of-season produce.  As a result, there’s more support for local fruits and vegetables, which leads to supporting local farms in your area. What’s more, this reduces transportation, in addition to needing less refrigeration and hot houses, along with less produce irradiation.

THE BOTTOM LINE

• If you want to eat healthier and tastier foods, besides help the environment, choose seasonal foods.  Order fortnightly – order seasonally.
• Some of the best summer meats include foods, such as beef, lamb and chicken. Ideal veggies that can be paired with these meats may include those, such as eggplant, corn, carrots, coriander, potatoes, lettuces, tomatoes spring onions, snow peas, zucchinis and beetroots.
• You can get depend on Castle Estate for the highest quality.
• We are not a Feedlot and only follow nature.
• We slaughter to order, Our meats come from grass-fed not grain-fed animals.
• To set up an account for your weekly orders, contact us.
• Address: 191 Purrumbete Estate Rd, Koallah, VIC 3260
• Telephone: +61 3 5594 5222
• Fax: +61 3 8677 5469
• Email: info@castleestate.com.au