The Benefits of Eating Seasonally – Spring

Eating fruits and vegetables that are in season naturally assists the body’s nutritional needs and supports a climate-friendly diet too.  

Making a commitment to eat with the seasons, not only reconnects us to the earth but supports a sustainable lifestyle and a healthy state of mind. As you feel more connected to the world around you, you will also feel more connected to yourself, both supporting physical and mental wellbeing. 

Different varieties of fruits and vegetables thrive in different conditions and seasons.  Fresh, seasonal produce not only tastes better, but offers more nutrition, costs less and is more environmentally sustainable. Find out why and what to eat this spring.

3 Reasons to Eat with the Seasons

1. In season produce contains more nutrients. 

Seasonal fruits and vegetables that naturally ripen in the sun contain more nutrients, antioxidants and phytonutrients.  Once harvested, produce loses nutritional value the longer it is stored or transported. Eating locally grown, seasonal produce that has been recently harvested is going to offer the most nutritional value. 

Choosing organic produce reduces your exposure to pesticides and has shown to have higher levels of phytonutrients and antioxidants. Read more about the benefits of eating organics here. 

2. Nature provides our bodies with what it needs.

Fresh, seasonal produce offers the minerals and vitamins that our bodies need at that particular time. What amazing timing! 

Spring brings a variety of fresh leafy greens, which are filled with chlorophyll, a molecule that binds with toxins and carries them out of the body. This is perfect for those looking to do a spring detox. 

After a long winter, our bodies start to crave lighter salads and smoothies filled with revitalising spring vegetables. 

3. Support your commitment to sustainability.

Seasonal produce thrives naturally in the correct elements, requiring less pesticides and fertilizers. Local produce is seasonal, has fewer food miles and supports domestic farmers and communities. This reduces environmental impact by cutting resource use for transportation and refrigeration. 

Purchasing organically grown produce supports climate change (learn more here) and is often cheaper in season too. 

What is in season this spring?

Spring is a long-awaited season, with warmer weather, longer days and more sunshine. The spring harvest brings a new array of vegetables, making it a perfect time to refresh our meals.  

Salads are welcomed back to the table, with rocket, spring greens, early lettuce, pak choy, baby spinachand watercress becoming available. 

Asparagus, green beans, peas, avocado, broccoli, courgettes, cucumber, and Brussel sprouts are also coming into season. Head to your local farmers market for the first of spring’s harvest. Keep an eye out for early season strawberries and blueberries too.

Is a spring cleanse right for me?

Spring is a natural time to clear away toxins and revitalize the body and mind after a long, sluggish winter. The body is designed to detox naturally and you can support this process by eating seasonally. Spring’s green vegetables (see list above) tend to be naturally cleansing. 

If you are keen to support this process, find simple practices that can fit into a busy lifestyle, in our blog 5 Tips for a Gentle Spring Detox. 

Light & Easy Spring Meals

With longer days and warmer weather, fresh, light meals are perfect for spring. Here are some of our favourite recipes to get you started. 

• Asparagus is only harvested for 6-8 weeks during the spring, so enjoy it while you can We love this Grilled Asparagus with Popped Lentils & Crumbled Feta. 
• Make use of all the fresh seasonal greens in this revitalising and detoxifying Green Veggie Coconut Soup. 
• This light yet filling Broccoli & Lentil Salad includes plenty of spring greens, along with lentils for a boost of plant-based protein. 
• Light greens will thrive with the warmer temperatures and increased rain. Add any 
• how to build the perfect smoothie. 
• This nutritious and vibrant Green Smoothie, is easy to make and packed with superfoods. Perfect to celebrate a warm spring day. 
• Use baby spring greens for a light and flavourful salad. 
• Elevate your salads with our best salad dressings. Choose from herby avocado, tahini, Dijon vinaigrette or satay to make your salads sing.

Eating seasonal packs a punch of health benefits, while reducing the load on your grocery bill. Keep an eye out for seasonal vegetables at your local farmers market, produce shop, and even the supermarket. 

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