5 Health Benefits Of Eating Seasonal Foods & A Seasonal Risotto Recipe

Seasonal eating is a simple yet powerful way to boost your health and well-being, support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint. The benefits of eating seasonally are numerous and wide-ranging, from fresher and more flavorful produce to nutrient-dense foods that are grown in their natural conditions. Not to mention, seasonal foods are often more affordable than out-of-season produce, and by choosing to eat locally grown foods, you can help support the local economy.

So today, we’re sharing the benefits of eating seasonal foods and a risotto recipe to try!

What are seasonal foods?

Seasonal foods are foods that are grown and harvested during specific times of the year. These foods are typically fresher and more nutrient-dense than their out-of-season counterparts, as they are picked at the peak of their ripeness.

Some examples of seasonal foods include:

• Spring: asparagus, artichokes, strawberries, rhubarb

• Summer: tomatoes, zucchini, blueberries, peaches

• Fall: apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts

• Winter: citrus fruits, pomegranates, squash, kale

Now, let's dive into the benefits of eating seasonal foods.

The health & wellbeing benefits of eating seasonal foods

Benefit #1: Seasonal foods are fresher and more flavorful

One of the most significant benefits of eating seasonal foods is that they are fresher and more flavorful than out-of-season produce. When foods are picked at their peak ripeness, they have a better texture and taste than foods that are picked before they are fully ripe and shipped long distances.

For example, a tomato that is grown and picked during the summer months will have a bright, tangy flavor that is unmatched by the bland, mealy tomatoes that are often found in grocery stores during the winter months.

Benefit #2: Seasonal foods are more nutrient-dense

Seasonal foods are also more nutrient-dense than their out-of-season counterparts. This is because they are grown in the natural conditions that are best for them, with the ideal amount of sunlight, water, and nutrients. This makes them richer in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that our bodies need to function optimally.

For instance, studies show that seasonal produce is higher in vitamin C, folate, and other nutrients compared to non-seasonal produce. This is because seasonal produce is not only picked at the peak of ripeness but it's also grown in nutrient-rich soil that helps to enhance its nutritional content.

Benefit #3: Eating seasonal foods supports local farmers

Eating seasonal foods also helps to support local farmers and the local economy. When you purchase produce that is in season, you are more likely to find it at your local farmer's market, where you can directly support your community's farmers.

In addition, seasonal foods are often less expensive than out-of-season produce because they do not have to be shipped long distances and stored for extended periods, which adds to the overall cost of the produce.

Benefit #4: Eating seasonal foods reduces carbon footprint

Eating seasonal foods can also help to reduce your carbon footprint. When produce is grown and shipped long distances, it requires a lot of energy to transport and refrigerate it. This contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which can have a negative impact on the environment.

By eating seasonal foods, you are supporting local farmers who use sustainable farming practices and reducing the amount of energy required to transport and store your food. This, in turn, helps to reduce your carbon footprint and support a healthier planet.

Benefit #5: Eating seasonal foods helps you to connect with Nature's Cycles

In addition to its environmental benefits, seasonal eating can also have a profound impact on our mental health and well-being. By tuning into the natural cycles of the earth and consuming foods that are naturally available during specific times of the year, we can reconnect with the natural world and experience a sense of grounding and peace.

This connection to the earth can have a profound impact on our mental health and well-being. In fact, research shows that spending time in nature and engaging in activities that promote a connection with the natural world can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

Eating seasonal foods is a simple and effective way to support your health and the environment. By consuming locally grown and in-season produce, we:

• Can enjoy fresher and more flavorful foods

• Support local farmers and the local economy

• Reduce our carbon footprint.

Additionally, by connecting with the natural world and consuming foods that are naturally available during specific times of the year, we can experience a sense of peace and grounding that can have a positive impact on our mental health and well-being.

A seasonal recipe for April: Spring Vegetable Risotto

This recipe highlights some of the fresh and delicious vegetables that are in season in April in the northern hemisphere, including asparagus, peas, and spinach. The creamy and comforting risotto is the perfect way to showcase these springtime ingredients, and it's a great way to enjoy a satisfying and healthy meal during the season.

Are all of these ingredients safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding?

While the ingredients in this recipe are generally considered safe and nutritious for pregnancy and breastfeeding, it's important to note that individual dietary needs and restrictions may vary.

Asparagus is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, which is important for fetal development during pregnancy. Peas and spinach are also rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron and vitamin C, that can support a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Arborio rice and Parmesan cheese are also considered safe for consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Spring Vegetable Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice

• 4 cups vegetable stock

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 cup fresh peas

• 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable stock over medium heat until it begins to simmer.

2. In another large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant.

3. Add the Arborio rice to the saucepan with the shallot and garlic, and stir until the rice is coated with butter and vegetables.

4. Add a ladleful of the simmering vegetable stock to the rice, and stir continuously until the stock has been absorbed. Repeat this process, adding one ladleful of stock at a time, until the rice is tender and creamy.

5. Meanwhile, steam the asparagus and peas until they are tender but still firm. Add them to the rice, along with the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the cheese has melted and the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the risotto.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.

What recipe do you want to see next? Let us know in the comments!

In the meantime, head to the Baby2Body app to get your personalized meal plan & hundreds of stage-safe recipes.