Eating Seasonal Foods

By eating seasonal foods you not only save money, but you also ensure your vegetables and fruits have the most nutrients available for your body. With grocery stores now stocking foods year round it may be difficult to know what is in season and what has been sourced from another country.

We like to use the Seasonal Food Guide which allows you to select your state and look by month at what is in season. This is a great way to discover new and unusual crops that can liven up your meals. A great example of a little known veggie that grows here in Oregon in April is the fiddlehead. With a flavor profile similar to asparagus but also with a hint of nuttiness and a touch of bitterness, they are truly unique.

The Seasonal Food Guide also gives you the background of the foods in season as well as preparation ideas. For fiddleheads it's important to wash them thouroughly and then steam or boil them for at least 10 minutes. High in vitamin A, C, Manganese, and Niacine they are a great way to introduce variety to your diet this spring.

Author

Dr. Eric Blake Medical Director of Portland Clinic of Holistic Health

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