Best Crops For The Changing Seasons
Including more fruits and vegetables in our diet is healthy and results to better cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, reduced the risk of heart diseases and stroke. It also prevents some types of cancer, and improves your digestion. And while some fruits and vegetables abound throughout the year, depending on the season and on your region, some crops grow and are available only in certain times of the year. So you may ask… what fruits and vegetables are in season? Well, if you want to enjoy the best produce in every season, read on.
Winter
Who said nothing thrives during the snowy months? Well, this is actually the perfect time to harvest citrusy crops. For the cold and windy season, it makes sense that these fruits are just perfect for that added boost of vitamin C to combat colds and flu that are highest during this season.
clementines, mandarins, pomelos, tangerines
Spring
Don’t you just love this season when the sun starts to shine more often and we start to loosen up. It’s just that perfect feel of warmth from the sun and the chill after winter. Crops that bloom early during this season are mostly available only during this time of the year. So go and grab them while they last for the season.
artichockes, asparagus, nettles, morels, fava beans, fiddleheads, garlic scapes, peas, stinging nettles
Summer
If you are a fan of berries, summer is definitely for you. It is during this time of the year when most varieties of berries thrive. Water-rich crops like cucumbers, watermelons, and cantaloupes are also at their best during this season. And they’re just great for your favorite shakes and smoothies under the heat of the sun. Try freezing them to make that perfect sorbet; add some milk or cream to make your favorite sherbet.
gooseberries, basil, marionberries, blackberries, watermelons, boysenberries, cantaloupes, summer squash, plums & pluots, chile peppers, blueberries, chickpeas, corn, cucumbers, mangoes, peach, zucchini, tomatoes, raspberries
Fall
For certain fruits and vegetables, autumn or fall may be the peak season for harvest. And while most of these crops are harvested early during this season, you better enjoy them while they are available.
cranberries, edamame, pears, pumpkins, quinces
Specific crops abound in specific seasons; and the perfect time for their harvest may vary such that the best time to enjoy them may come early, mid, or late into the season; and may even extend to the next season.
Luckily there are fruits, vegetables, and herbs that you can enjoy the whole year but certainly would want to enjoy at their peak harvest times when they are at their best. These are the regular staples that you see in the market.
agurula, avocados, beets, belgian endive, brocolli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, collard greens, herbs (most varieties), lettuce, mint, mushrooms, spinach, sprouts, watercress
Nature has been so kind to give us all these wonderful crops to enjoy throughout the year. If you have your preferred crops during specific seasons, make sure to enjoy them at their best while they last. Because fruits and vegetables in season tastes best and usually cost the least. And if you want to have them for a longer time, freezing them properly allows you to enjoy their flavor and freshness long after their season is over.
To enjoy the full benefits of your favorite crops in season, make sure to wash them very well. Most farmers use chlorine to remove bacteria, dirt, and mold in their produce; and not rinsing your favorite fruits and vegetables in season may expose you to food-borne diseases especially for vegetables and fruits which are usually eaten raw.
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