There are many fussy eaters out there, with children often being accused of being the worst offenders in the fruit and veg world, but why not fool them into eating a delicious selection of seasonal veg?
<p>What is it that would make you pop out to the shops to buy your weekly supply of seasonal fruit and vegetables? For some it may be something of an adventure, and for others it is already a way of life - an additional way they can care for their families and loved ones. <br />Seasonal fruit and veg have been part of our life and culture for centuries, yet you may be surprised by how many people don’t know how beneficial eating seasonal produce can be for their health. <br />Here are some of the reasons why seasonal fruit and veg is such a good idea:<br />1 - It will help ensure you eat <br />a more varied diet<br />We all know we’re meant to eat five portions of fruit and veg a day (in fact many nutritionists now believe we should be aiming for as many as nine portions of fruit and vegetables a day), but take a look back over what you ate last week and you’ll probably agree it’s actually surprisingly hard to reach your 5-a-day target! Eating seasonally will help because it’s a way of getting to know exactly what produce is in season – and you’re more likely to eat a much wider range of fruit and vegetables than sticking to the same limited choices. <br />You’re also less likely to get into a rut with your diet and more likely to experiment and try new recipes and flavour combinations. Best of all, eating a more varied diet ensures your body gets the widest possible variety of nutrients too.<br />2 - It tastes better<br />You can expect a voluptuous taste from a seasonal fruit or vegetable. Seasonal fruit and veg is grown in the best possible conditions and tastes all the better for it. <br />Supermarkets now do a fantastic job and most have a very slick operation that cuts the time from plot to plate to a minimum meaning the fruit and vegetables you choose will be filled with the goodness you need for perfectly balanced diet. Traditionally we have grown some of the best tasting fruit and vegetables and apples and pears are certainly a good example of that.<br />3 - It can be more nutritious<br />So many people are talking about the value of fruit and vegetables and the nutritional content with regard to eating the right things. Food that ripens on the plant naturally tends to contain more nutrients and has a better taste. Also, as soon as many fruits and vegetables are picked, their vitamin and mineral content can decline, particularly vitamin C. Eating perfectly ripe fruit and vegetables means you’re eating seasonal produce that is at its very best, nutrition-wise.<br />4 - It’s fresher<br />If you buy seasonal produce from a local veg box scheme, local Farmers’ market or the loose fruit and veg section at your local supermarket, or if you pick your own at a PYO farm, then the time between the moment they were picked and the moment you eat them is minimal. Fruit and vegetables that are ultra fresh have that ‘eat me’ appeal and look more vibrantly healthy.<br />5 - It’s more natural<br />There’s something wonderful about knowing you’re eating seasonal produce – food that’s meant to be grown and harvested at a particular time of year because that’s the natural order of things. There’s something about working with nature instead of against it and not trying to ‘go one better’, but trusting it to deliver your top quality produce at exactly the right time.<br />6 - It’s often better quality<br />Fruit and vegetables that are grown in the right season tend to be more resistant to disease and are naturally stronger than produce grown out of season. Any fresh produce which moves quickly from plot to plate will appeal to people’s sense of quality because it is fresher, more nutritious, and better value. It’s not rocket science. <br />Pop into your local farmer’s market or head for the fresh fruit and veg counter and make sure you buy what is in season now.<br />Go now to <a href="http://www.iminseason.com/">http://www.iminseason.com</a> </p>
