Eating fresh vegetables that are in season in your area is a healthy choice for several reasons. For example, vegetables harvested at their peak ripeness are more nutrient-dense, providing a richer source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Seasonal vegetables tend to taste better because they are fresher and haven’t lost flavour due to long transport times or storage, and eating seasonally introduces a diverse range of vegetables into your diet, which can contribute to a more varied and balanced nutrition.
To help you keep track of what’s in season and manage your vegetable intake, there are several free apps you can try:
From Seed to Spoon: This app guides you through growing vegetables and helps you plan your garden based on the seasons.
Homegrown with Bonnie Plants: Offers tracking features for planting, watering, feeding, and harvesting over 250 veggies and herbs.
Seek by iNaturalist: While not exclusively for vegetables, this app can identify plants and provide valuable information about them.
These apps can be a great addition to your healthy eating toolkit, making it easier to enjoy the full benefits of seasonal vegetables.
It’s important to note that while fresh is the preferred choice, not everyone has access to fresh vegetables year-round. According to nutritionists, incorporating canned or frozen vegetables into your diet is a better option than foregoing veggies altogether, ensuring that you can still enjoy the health benefits they offer. These preserved forms can still provide essential nutrients and are often picked and packed at their nutritional best.
