Why should you eat local and seasonal this autumn?

Are you curious about the hype surrounding eating local and seasonal foods but unsure what it is about? This dietary approach offers benefits beyond just personal health and savings—it's a win-win for the local economy and the environment, too. Choosing local and seasonal produce isn't merely a trend; it's a smart and sustainable choice that nourishes both you and your surroundings on many levels and helps you align with the natural rhythms of the changing seasons.

 

Get more nutrients and flavour.

Local, seasonal produce is often fresher because it doesn't have to sit in a warehouse and travel long distances to reach your plate. This means it retains more of its nutrients and flavour.

Besides, your nutritional needs may change with the seasons. For example, as the weather cools in autumn, you might crave heartier, warming foods that provide comfort and sustenance. Incorporating seasonal vegetables like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and hearty soups can help meet these needs.

Autumn is often associated with the onset of cold and flu season. Eating a diet rich in immune-boosting nutrients found in seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as vitamin C from citrus fruits and beta-carotene from carrots and squash, can help support your immune system and keep you healthy during this time. Check out our previous article on natural remedies for cold and flu.

 

An extra health bonus: Local organic vegetables don't contain herbicides and pesticides, which are major endocrine disruptors.

 

Support the local economy.

When you opt for local products, you're not just making a dietary choice; you're investing in your community. By supporting local farmers and businesses, you contribute to the local economy's vitality, fostering resilience and sustainability. Your decision to buy locally sourced goods directly supports farmers, helping them thrive in a competitive market while preserving agricultural traditions. Furthermore, this support benefits other businesses in the community, from food processors to markets and restaurants. With increased demand for local produce, more jobs are created, providing opportunities for employment and economic growth. In essence, every purchase you make from local sources is a vote for the prosperity of your community, creating a cycle of support that strengthens the local economy.

 

Reduce pollution.

When you choose to buy locally sourced products, you’re also actively participating in reducing the pollution associated with transporting goods over long distances. By supporting nearby farmers and businesses, you’re essentially cutting down on the need for trucks, ships, and planes to haul food across the country or even continents. This seemingly small decision has a big impact because it means less pollution. Moreover, buying local generally supports farmers who tend to be more environmental sustainable and focused on practices that are gentler on the planet. Local farms often employ methods that conserve water, protect soil health, and preserve biodiversity, contributing to the overall health of ecosystems. So, not only are you making a positive impact on the environment by reducing pollution, but you’re also supporting a more sustainable way of living that benefits both the planet and your local community.

 

Promote biodiversity.

By opting for produce in season, you're discouraging the need for out-of-season farming, which often relies on monoculture and heavy pesticide use detrimental to biodiversity. Local farmers typically employ more diverse and traditional agricultural practices like polyculture and crop rotation, fostering a healthier ecosystem with greater biodiversity. Moreover, buying locally sourced goods reduces the environmental strain of long-distance transportation, lessening carbon emissions and contributing to the preservation of diverse plant and animal species in your area.

 

Boost your savings.

Ever notice how some fruits and veggies seem cheaper at certain times of the year? Well, that's because when food is in season, it's easier and cheaper to grow. Seasonal foods don't need as much help to grow big and tasty, so farmers don't have to spend as much money making them perfect. Plus, when you buy straight from farmers or local markets, you're skipping out on extra costs like fancy packaging and long-distance shipping, which can jack up prices at the supermarket. So, not only do you get fresh, yummy food, but you might also save some cash by shopping savvy.

 

Connect to the land and seasons.

When you choose to eat what's in season, you're not just filling your plate with fresh, delicious food; you're tapping into the Earth’s natural rhythm. It's like taking a little journey through the changing seasons and the cycles of agriculture that keep our planet ticking. By enjoying strawberries in the summer and pumpkins in the fall, you're connecting with the ebb and flow of nature's bounty, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty and abundance of each season. It's a simple yet profound way to stay grounded and in tune with the world around us, reminding us of the interconnectedness between ourselves and the environment that sustains us.

 

What should you shop for this autumn?

In New South Wales, the seasonal availability of fruits and vegetables in autumn (March to May) may vary slightly from other parts of Australia due to local climate and growing conditions. Here's a list of fruits and vegetables commonly in season during autumn in NSW:

 

Fruits

Apples, Pears, Grapes, Kiwifruit, Persimmons, Quinces, Figs, Mandarins, Oranges, Passionfruit, Nashi pears, Pomegranates, Cumquats, Feijoas, Guavas.

 

Vegetables

Pumpkins, Sweet potatoes, Potatoes, Carrots, Beetroot, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, Spinach, Kale, Silver beet, Cabbage, Leeks, Turnips, Radishes.

 

Meat

Although meat is available year-round, opting for local, organic, and regeneratively farmed meat is the best choice for your health and the environment. If you are time-poor or dislike cooking meat, add Chief Biltong or Chief Beef Bars to your vegetable dishes and soups. All Chief meat products are made from organic grass-fed and grass-finished regeneratively farmed Aussie beef. 

Veronika Larisova 
Co-founder, Nutritionist, Exercise Physiologist