Why have food shows become all the rage? Why has learning about local food culture, what’s in season, and fresh food become so popular? You certainly don’t see any food shows about microwavable dinners …
It’s because seasonal food is alive, it’s more fun, it’s always changing. We’re attracted to it because it’s actually how our bodies are meant to eat food.
Right now though is when we have the least amount of fresh food available. Before we started shipping in foods from other parts of the world, this is when we’d have the least choice. At this point, the winter has been at its longest, so the plants are all below ground. It’s the hardest time to get life and growth outside.
If we think about our diets and what we’ve eaten for many thousands of years, now is the natural time when we’re at the end of our hibernation. Our bodies have been mainly eating storage crops and plain foods. So even a hint of fresh herbs or plants is super well-received, because it’s not in abundance.
Fresh food is different from food that’s been stored, preserved, or dehydrated. It tastes alive. It’s loaded with enzymes. Eating when all the fresh food comes around (very soon!), your body will crave and love it. It’s the season when we hope spring arrives early, as we anticipate getting the fresh food we appreciate.
A lot of our Schomberg Vegetable Box customers find seasonal eating really fun. The produce changes throughout the year, and they like tasting new things throughout the season. They get to learn new recipes. They also look forward to tasting fresh versions of food that only come out at certain times of the year. It’s an adventure of eating!
Chefs also like seasonal foods. It takes the food experience to a whole new level. The taste and quality are unmatched. Plus, it’s a fleeting thing versus something you can get year-round.
Chef Jonathan, who cooks exquisite dishes using in-season vegetables, says: “I love seasonal produce. It’s because certain foods are limited for an amount of time, then you have to wait another year to eat them again. It’s a lot of fun to be creative and enjoy it to the maximum capacity. And to learn where your food comes from and why there’s such a thing called seasonality.”
So if you really want to dive into the seasonal food experience, then our Schomberg Vegetable Box is a great option. You get to try all the food grown fresh on our farm for the whole season. You can learn more about it here: http://cavaleiro.farm/vegetablebox
There’s also something democratizing about seasonal food. No matter the power, influence, or money one has, you still have to wait for the tree to give you the apple. You’re on the tree’s time. And that kind of anticipation and attunement with nature is a beautiful thing. 😉
Do you have any tricks to get over the fresh food slump? How do you keep food fun and interesting during this transition period? Comment below and let us know!
