We’ve been talking about food a lot here, and one of the biggest recommendations about eating well is, eat seasonally! To do this you have to pay attention to what is in season around where you live. We are located in New England so I will be focusing on foods local to this area. As a general rule of thumb, shop farmers markets and farm stands. Don’t be afraid to ask about growing practices. Were the cucumbers grown locally? Do they use organic fertilizer? Also don’t be afraid to try new things. If there is food you have tried before and didn’t like, it is worth trying it again when it is fresh and locally grown. The difference in the flavor can be night and day.
So what about right now? Our growing season here in New England is just getting started. What can you find that is fresh and local? You may be surprised how many options there are right now. Spring into early summer is a great time of year for asparagus, artichoke, broccoli, peas and all kinds of leafy greens. If you are looking for something that is good for dessert there is fresh strawberries and rhubarb. There are so many things you can do with what is in season right now. Rhubarb muffins, sauteed broccoli and peas and asparagus on the grill and strawberry rhubarb pie are just a few of the possibilities.
As the seasons change so will the food that we can get locally. There will be summer squash and zucchini, green beans, apples and pumpkins. If you want to keep up to date on what’s in season there are websites out there that tell you what is in season in your area. If you are someone who likes to experiment with food you can try signing up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and get a bag of fresh produce every week. However you choose to keep on top of what’s in season, enjoy your food!
