03/20/2025
Spring has sprung! 🌱If you live in Eastern North Carolina, these are some of the veggies that you can find at your local market over the next few months. 🥬🍠🫛🍓🧄
Swipe to see how these foods can benefit your health. ➡️
Why eat seasonally?
Eating seasonally has a range of benefits for your health and your wallet. Here are some key advantages:
🩺 Health Benefits
1. Higher Nutrient Content – Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak ripeness, meaning it retains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to out-of-season produce that is harvested early and transported long distances.
2. Better Flavor – Freshly picked, in-season fruits and vegetables tend to be more flavorful, as they are grown in optimal conditions rather than being forced to grow out of season.
3. Supports Gut Health – Eating a variety of seasonal foods encourages prebiotic diversity, which improves microbiome diversity and digestive health.
💰 Economic Benefits
1. More Affordable – In-season produce is usually more abundant, making it cheaper than imported or greenhouse-grown alternatives.
2. Supports Local Farmers – Buying seasonal food from local markets helps support small-scale farmers and strengthens the local economy.
💭 Practical Benefits
1. Encourages Culinary Creativity – Eating seasonally inspires variety in your meals, helping you discover new ingredients and recipes.
2. Naturally Aligns with Your Body’s Needs – Seasonal foods often align with what your body needs at different times of the year (e.g., hydrating fruits in summer, hearty root vegetables in winter).
🔔 Pitt County friends : Visit the Leroy James Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 8-12 to stock up on the best seasonal goodness and nourishing ingredients.