The start to my favourite week and favourite season has arrived!
As the warm sun graces our skies and the days extend into balmy evenings, summer brings with it an abundance of vibrant colors and flavors. Beyond the sheer joy of picnics and barbecues, the season offers an unparalleled opportunity to nourish our bodies with locally sourced, fresh fruits and vegetables. Let's dive into the myriad of health benefits these seasonal delights bring, and how they can be a game-changer for our well-being.
Have you ever noticed how a sun-ripened tomato bursting with flavor tastes vastly different from its pale, off-season counterpart? That’s because fruits and vegetables reach their nutritional peak when they are allowed to ripen fully on the vine or tree, absorbing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants along the way.
Eating in-season produce ensures that you are getting the maximum nutrient density from your food. For instance, a ripe summer strawberry is not just a sweet treat; it's packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune function and promote skin health. By contrast, strawberries picked out of season or prematurely may have traveled long distances, losing significant amounts of their nutritional value in transit.