We all know how important it is to eat fruits and vegetables all year long. And it’s easy to do that since most supermarkets sell produce all year. But now that spring is almost here, you can actually start seasonal eating, which is a much healthier and local way to eat – and live.

You might be wondering what seasonal eating is. It simply means that you eat the foods that are locally grown and harvested during any given season. Therefore, if you live in North Eastern United States, and you eat avocados in December, this isn’t seasonal eating.

What would be a good example of seasonal eating in this region? Think about biting into a crispy apple in September.

But what’s so special about seasonal eating? Especially if you can get your hands on a wide variety of fruits and vegetables all year long. Here’s the problem.

Fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients, like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. However, from the time the food is harvested to the time it reaches your plate, it can lose a lot of it’s nutrients.

But if you eat seasonally, you’re eating local foods that don’t travel far, and therefore, don’t lose as many nutrients. Another benefit to seasonal eating is that these locally-grown foods can provide you with the nutrients your body needs at that specific time of year.

Bitter herbs emerge in spring to help detox the body and cleanse the liver. Juicy fruits show up to provide much-needed hydration during hot summer months.

What’s more seasonal eating supports the local economy. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with farmers and food connoisseurs throughout your community.

So, if you’d like to start seasonal eating, there are a couple things you can do. First, you can learn which foods grow during each season in your local area. You can also check to see if there are any farmers’ markets happening near you. Finally, you can make enquiries at your supermarket to find out what their local offerings are.