Image Source: 123rf.com
Fruits are a delicious and healthy part of our diets, but have you ever stopped to think about when they’re actually in season? Buying fruits out of season is not only less flavorful, but it can also be bad for your health, the environment, and your wallet.
When you choose to buy fruits that aren’t in season, you’re getting produce that has been harvested prematurely or shipped from far-off places, which affects taste, nutritional value, and freshness.
1. Strawberries
Strawberries are a beloved fruit for many, but their flavor can be drastically different when they’re out of season. When purchased out of season, strawberries tend to be bland, watery, and lack that sweet burst of flavor we all crave. In-season strawberries are full of natural sugars and antioxidants, which are essential for your health. The best time to enjoy them is during late spring and early summer, when they are locally grown and at their peak.
Buying strawberries in the off-season typically means they’ve been transported from distant regions, leading to a decrease in taste and nutrient density. To truly savor the flavor and health benefits, wait for strawberry season and enjoy them while they’re at their freshest.
2. Peaches
There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, perfectly ripe peach in the summer. Unfortunately, peaches bought out of season can often be hard, tasteless, and lacking in sweetness. The best time to enjoy peaches is during the late spring and summer months, when they are in full bloom and bursting with flavor.
When peaches are harvested out of season, they are typically picked while still unripe to survive the long journey from distant farms. As a result, their texture and flavor suffer. Opting for peaches in season ensures that you get the most satisfying fruit experience, with a juicy, fragrant bite that can’t be replicated during the off-season.
3. Apples
Apples are available year-round in many grocery stores, but that doesn’t mean they should be eaten at any time of the year. Apples grown in-season, typically in the fall, are crisp, sweet, and packed with flavor. Out-of-season apples are often stored for months in cold storage, which can result in a lack of flavor and a mealy texture.
In-season apples are also far fresher and better for your health. They are higher in antioxidants and vitamin C, which can degrade during long storage periods. Eating apples when they are in season ensures you’re enjoying their full nutritional benefits and best flavor. The best time to buy apples is in late summer through fall, when they’re freshly harvested.
4. Mangoes
Mangoes are tropical fruits known for their sweet, tangy flavor, but they’re at their best when eaten in-season. In the U.S., mangoes are in season from late spring to summer, and this is when they taste their juiciest and most vibrant. Mangoes that are out of season are typically imported from distant countries and can be under-ripe, tough, and flavorless.
Additionally, mangoes that have been stored for long periods may lose their vibrant color and nutritional benefits. In-season mangoes, on the other hand, are full of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. To get the full sensory experience and nutritional boost, it’s best to buy mangoes during the warmer months when they are at their peak.
Image Source: 123rf.com
5. Cherries
Cherries are one of the sweetest summer fruits, but they’re notoriously delicate, which is why it’s important to enjoy them when they are in season. During the summer months, cherries are harvested fresh and ready to be eaten, bursting with flavor and nutrients. However, cherries that are bought out of season can be pricey, lack sweetness, and be less nutrient-dense.
When cherries are out of season, they are often stored in cold storage or shipped from far-off locations, which can reduce their quality. You’ll find that cherries in season are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, which are essential for boosting your immune system and promoting healthy skin.
6. Grapes
Grapes may seem like a year-round snack, but they are best enjoyed during the fall when they are naturally in season. When grapes are out of season, they are usually imported from warmer climates, and often treated with preservatives to extend their shelf life. While this helps them stay fresh longer, it also diminishes their flavor and nutritional content.
In-season grapes are sweet, crunchy, and packed with antioxidants such as resveratrol, which have been shown to support heart health. Out-of-season grapes often have less of this beneficial compound and can taste bland. To maximize both taste and health benefits, it’s worth waiting for the harvest season, which typically runs from late summer to early fall.
7. Watermelons
Few things are as refreshing as a ripe watermelon on a hot summer day, but unfortunately, watermelons out of season often fall flat in terms of flavor. Typically, watermelons are in season from late spring to early summer, when they are sweet, juicy, and perfectly ripe. When purchased off-season, watermelons can be bland, overly watery, and lack the vibrant red flesh we crave.
By sticking to watermelon season, you’ll not only enjoy a more flavorful fruit but also get more of the vitamins and minerals that are naturally found in fresh, in-season watermelons.
8. Blueberries
Blueberries are known for their antioxidant properties, and they are one of the best fruits to eat when they’re in season. Typically, blueberries are in season during the late spring and summer months, and that’s when they are at their most flavorful and nutrient-rich. Out-of-season blueberries are often bland, small, and lack the sweetness that makes them so popular.
When blueberries are harvested out of season, they are frequently grown in far-off regions and subjected to refrigeration and preservatives to extend their shelf life. To get the maximum health benefits and flavor, be sure to enjoy blueberries during their peak season, which runs from June through August.
Remember That Timing Matters
While it can be tempting to buy fruit year-round, taking the time to buy seasonally can help you make healthier choices, improve your overall diet, and support local farmers. So, next time you’re at the store, think about whether that fruit is in season, and remember that when it comes to quality and flavor, timing really does matter.
Do you have a favorite fruit that you love to eat when it’s in season? Or perhaps you’ve tried buying off-season and noticed the difference? Drop a comment below and let us know.
Read More
9 Unofficial Grocery Store Etiquette Rules That Shoppers Wish Everyone Followed
The 8 Best Anti-Aging Foods to Add to Your Diet Today
Leave a Reply