With the changing seasons come not only different weather patterns and new beginnings, but also a variety of edible plants and grains. In today’s world of global grocery shipments, where we can have access to any fruit or vegetable at any time of the year, it is easy to overlook the fact that these produce items have their own “in season” periods, each offering unique nutritional and flavor profiles throughout the year. If you have the time, resources, and means, there are several advantages to considering seasonal foods as a priority on your grocery shopping list.
Nutrition
The Impact of Transportation and Storage on Nutritional Value
When it comes to the nutritional value of our food, the way it is transported and stored can have a significant impact. It is common for foods to be grown outside of their local climate and season, meaning that they may need to travel long distances before reaching the consumer’s plate. In some cases, this journey can take days or even weeks, and certain varieties of produce are often kept in cold storage for months before they make it to the shelves of our local stores.
Unfortunately, this prolonged transportation and storage process can have a negative effect on the nutritional content of these foods. Many vitamins and nutrients start to deteriorate soon after the food is picked, and this decay can be accelerated by factors such as exposure to light, heat, and oxygen. As a result, by the time these foods reach our plates, they may have significantly lower levels of essential nutrients than when they were first harvested.
Ecological Impact of Global Food Shipping
The environmental consequences of shipping food around the world extend far beyond the price tag and the potential loss of nutrients. In fact, the transportation of Australian oranges, South American peaches, and fresh leafy greens to local shops, even during the winter months, comes with a significant ecological cost. This is primarily due to the emissions generated during the shipping process, which contribute to pollution and climate change on a global scale.