A few weeks ago, I was reading an article about seasonal foods in the UK. The article discussed what seasonal food in the UK was and how many could I name. I’m embarrassed to admit I hardly knew what was in season in the UK and when. Have you wondered how far the food sitting on your plate has actually travelled?

We are spoilt for choice, any many of us don’t think about seasonal eating, as our supermarkets are open around the clock and, thanks to the advances in technology and globalisation, they are packed high with fruit and vegetables from all around the world – Fruit and vegetables year-round: Avocados from Mexico, Bananas from India, Strawberries from Spain. If you’re looking for seasonal fruits or out-of-season produce, that’s no longer an issue. 

Eating seasonally focuses on fresh produce that has been grown, harvested and finally ready for consumption shortly afterwards. It also includes produce that hasn’t had to travel over long distances. For example, across a continent.

So, why should we be eating seasonal food?

Let’s have a look at some of the reasons…

1. Buying seasonal food will help reduce your carbon footprint and carbon emissions as the food hasn’t travelled long distances.
2. Eating seasonal food means the produce is at it’s best in flavour and health benefits because it’s been harvested at the right time. Our farmers know their stuff!
3. in-season produce means you will have a better idea of where your food came from. There’s something really special about eating local produce that has been grown in the UK, or even in the same county!
4. They require minimal pesticides which can strip the soil from essential nutrients and enter the water supply.
5. When foods have to be chilled for transport, some produce can lose its nutritional value.
6. Seasonal food allows a greater variety in your diet, which can only be a good thing for your overall health, and you’ve got something to look forward to.
7. When you’re buying food from a supermarket that has had to import the food, there will be more steps in the supply chain, which could lead to damaged food. Seasonal food means a much shorter supply chain.
8. Locally grown food including fresh fruits from places such as local farms or local farmer’s markets, they’re less likely to come in plastic packaging.
9. Last, but not least, you’ll be supporting a local business ad your local economy.

What foods are in season and when?

I’m so glad you asked!

After realising I had no idea what was in season in the UK and when, I decided to do some research. This prompted me to create a handy chart showing what is grown and when.

You can use these guides to help you plan your weekly meals.

Just by having this information easily at your fingertips, it’s a great way to help you think about where your food has come from the next time you go local grocery store. If it’s in season, it can help reduce your environmental impact too. Plus, it will be tastier because it will be at its best. Sounds like a win/win to me!

If you enjoyed this blog, please sign up to my newsletter and you’ll get new blogs delivered right to your inbox and a free download too! (I promise not to spam you, that’s not my thing!)

Updated April 2024