Seasonal Food Guide 2.1.14

Discover what produce is in season in your state year-round with the Seasonal Food Guide! This comprehensive digital almanac provides information on over 140 fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts, and herbs, making it the ultimate resource for finding local seasonal food.

Features:

• Extensive data on over 140 types of fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts, and herbs
• Easily search what's in season in each of the 50 states at any time
• Learn when your favorite produce is at its peak freshness and flavor
• Set shopping reminders to ensure you never forget to pick up your favorite seasonal foods
• Never miss out on seasonal food again with seamless reminder functionality
• Discover incredible recipes, fun facts, and environmental impact information for each produce type through provided links
• Data sources from reputable organizations including the Natural Resources Defense Council, USDA, state agriculture extension offices, and state departments of agriculture
• Detailed seasonality data accurate to half-month increments
• A valuable food literacy resource developed by a nonprofit organization

Seasonal food refers to produce that is purchased and consumed around the time it is harvested. Consuming food that is in season provides numerous benefits. Studies have shown that seasonal food tends to be fresher, tastier, and more nutritious compared to out-of-season food. Locally produced seasonal fruits and vegetables are especially fresh as they do not require long-distance transportation. Furthermore, crops picked at peak ripeness offer superior flavor. Natural ripening on the parent plant also means that fruits and vegetables can contain more nutrients.

Supporting local food is not only important for the environment but also for your community. Purchasing local food directly benefits the local economy and supports local farms. A recent USDA study found that direct-to-consumer producers are less likely to use pesticides and herbicides compared to conventional producers. By buying from local farmers, you have the opportunity to learn about their cultivation and harvesting practices, promoting transparency in our food system.

The Seasonal Food Guide is a project developed by GRACE Communications Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing public awareness of the environmental and public health issues associated with our industrial food system. For any inquiries or suggestions regarding the Seasonal Food Guide, please contact [email protected].