Fruits that are harvested in their season means they’ll be more flavorful, contain more nutrients that benefit your body – and often cost less.
I’m so happy it’s summer so I can enjoy some of my favorite fruits – cherries and blackberries
Cherries
Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, a plant pigment that gives them their dark red color – which act as an antioxidant, protecting us from inflammation.
According to a 2012 study at Oregon Health & Science University, researchers stated that cherries may have “the highest anti inflammatory content of any food.”
Blackberries
Blackberries, and berries in general have been examined for their antioxidant potential for years. Berries are high in fiber, and rank relatively low on the glycemic idex – one of the reasons I prefer including them in my green smoothies daily over bananas, dates or some of the sweeter fruits.
Fruits that Aren’t In Season…..
- Have to travel for long distances, sometimes across the globe, to reach your grocery store.
- Are often picked before they’re fully ripe, to make sure they don’t spoil on the way to your table. This means that they lose a good deal of their nutrient content – not to mention much of their flavor!
- Have the potential to cause a greater negative impact on the planet – shipping foods long-distance increases atmosphere pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and depletion of natural resources.
Eating fruits and vegetables that are in season puts us in harmony with the natural order of the world around us, and nourishes our bodies in the best way possible.
A quick word on frozen fruits/veggies:
Researchers from the Austrian Consumers Administration confirm that fruits and vegetables picked in season and frozen are higher in nutrient content than those flown in out of season from abroad.
This can be a great money-saving strategy and give you more options all year round.
Choose organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible:
- This can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals from pesticides and herbicides
- It’s been shown time and time again that organic produce is significantly higher in antioxidants than conventional produce
- Support agricultural practices that increase the health and mineral content of the soil. One of the reasons organic produce may sometimes be a few cents higher is because of the cost of farming practices that do not rely on chemical fertilizers and sprays. Show your support of these earth-friendly practices by purchasing organic produce when possible.
You can often save on organic produce by getting it from your local farmer’s market, CSA, or a natural grocery store that buys greater quantities of organic produce, and is able to pass that large volume rate over to you. Conventional chain grocery stores may only buy a small amount of organic produce, as demand is lower – causing them to raise their prices.
Just a few more reasons to enjoy some delicious berries, cherries or seasonal fruit today!