Sometimes, the older generation’s enthusiasm for food can be difficult for younger people to understand. One example of this is seasonal food. In an era where food is abundant and people can eat what they want anytime, it may seem excessive to insist on eating certain foods only at specific times of the year. However, seasonal foods benefit our health and provide various social and economic advantages. Let’s explore the reasons why we should prioritize seasonal foods.
Fresh flavors and rich nutrients
Unsurprisingly, freshly harvested or prepared foods are more flavorful than processed or stored items. Seasonal foods are grown under optimal natural conditions, making them richer in nutrients essential for good health. According to the Rural Development Administration, seasonal foods consumed right after harvest excel in nutritional value and experience minimal loss during storage and transport, preserving their fresh taste and beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Exceptional aroma and maximized flavor
When it comes to food, aroma plays an equally crucial role as taste. Seasonal foods offer significantly better aromas compared to aged items. The Korea Food Research Institute states that seasonal foods have strong natural flavors and aromas, which can be maximized during cooking. Naturally grown ingredients can provide deep flavors without synthetic additives, stimulating appetite and uplifting mood with their strong scents.
High nutritional efficiency
Our bodies require different nutrients at different times of the year. In winter, we need nutrients to withstand the cold; in summer, we need nutrients to cope with the heat. Seasonal foods allow us to focus on consuming the nutrients that match the season. The natural growing environment optimizes nutrient content, enhancing absorption in our bodies. Consuming seasonal foods can provide preventive benefits for those who frequently catch colds during seasonal transitions.
Seasonal foods are more affordable
During the season when seasonal foods are abundant, supply naturally increases, leading to lower distribution prices. To enjoy fresh foods without straining your budget, choosing seasonal items during their peak times is essential. Consuming seasonal foods not only saves money but also positively impacts local agriculture. Therefore, the consumption of seasonal foods proves to be socially and economically beneficial.
Safer food options
Stored foods inevitably lose freshness and quality. Many fruits and ingredients undergo chemical treatments to maintain their freshness. Therefore, it’s safer to choose seasonal foods and fruits. Fruits and ingredients produced in season generally have lower pesticide usage, making them relatively safer and higher quality. Naturally, they are much safer than chemically treated imported fruits.
Environmentally friendly choice
Consuming seasonal foods is ultimately a way to help protect the environment. Energy consumption and carbon emissions can be reduced when fruits, vegetables, and seafood are produced and consumed in season. Eating foods that haven’t been stored for long periods shortens the transportation distance of ingredients and supports sustainable agriculture and ecosystem preservation. Eating seasonal foods is a must if you aim to live more eco-consciously.
Reducing food waste
Fresh seasonal foods can naturally be stored for longer periods. Additionally, their great taste leads to quicker and larger consumption. In contrast, imported foods or out-of-season items with longer shelf life tend to lose freshness and often contribute to food waste. Therefore, consuming fresh and high-quality seasonal foods helps reduce food waste and decreases methane gas emissions from food waste.
Protecting biodiversity
Growing fruits during the summer requires numerous artificial processes. Therefore, large-scale cultivation of specific crops for out-of-season foods negatively impacts biodiversity. Relying on monoculture can disrupt the balance of ecosystems. We can maintain local ecosystems and promote healthier agricultural environments by consuming various seasonal foods throughout the year.
Seasonal foods for spring and summer
In spring, the body’s metabolism increases as it reacts to warmer weather, requiring more energy. During this time, consuming vitamin B and minerals essential for energy production is important. Spring herbs such as mugwort, shepherd’s purse, wild chive, and bitter lettuce are ideal. In summer, minerals are lost through sweat due to the heat, making eating foods rich in minerals necessary. Seasonal summer ingredients like cucumber, eggplant, watermelon, and Korean melon contain minerals and hydration.
Foods to enjoy in autumn and winter
The weather becomes dry and cold in autumn, leading to increased fatigue. To reduce this fatigue, it’s essential to eliminate accumulated waste from the body. Dietary fiber is effective for waste removal. Seasonal foods like mushrooms, taro, and sweet potatoes in autumn provide abundant dietary fiber. In winter, it’s advisable to reduce the intake of animal products and consume seasonal foods rich in unsaturated fats to lower cholesterol levels.
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