Seasonal Satisfaction

It is March, which means change is afoot. I’m not sure about where you are, but here in Sydney there has definitely been a shift in the air. That crisp air, with an ever so slight chill behind the breeze; autumn is definitely showing its presence. For my Northern Hemisphere readers, there is probably much excitement as the colder climates start to thaw and spring starts showing you its green glory.

Adapting our diets and lifestyles to the seasons used to be common practice. Alas no so much anymore. Prior to the application of modern-day marvels of chest freezers you can stock with apocalyptic quantities, the importing/exporting of produce far and wide alongside modified produce growing practices, we were forced to eat what was growing locally. Communities would trade either fresh, or preserved produce by pickles, brines, and jams.

Being part of the global community has opened a gateway to eat avocado on toast all year round and dig into juicy mangos whenever we please. My question is though, just because we can do something, does it mean we should?

So now we are going to dive into what's in season for each of the hemispheres. This list is pretty general, and doesn’t factor in local climates; if you can, strike up a conversation with your local green grocer or farmers market folk for the best insights for you.

Southern Hemisphere - Autumn

• Apples
• Berries (end of berries season)
• Stone fruits; peaches, plums, nectarines (end of season)
• Pears
• Persimmons
• Kiwi fruit
• Dragon fruit
• Avocado
• Beans
• Bok choy/Pak choy/choy sum
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Capsicum
• Cauliflower
• Asparagus
• Eggplant
• Tomato
• Zucchini
• Radish
• Okra
• Mushroom

Northern Hemisphere – Spring

• Brussel Sprout
• Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, orange, tangelo, grapefruit)
• Spring greens (rocket, spinach, lettuce and Swiss chard)
• Leeks
• Parsnips
• Peas
• Sweet potato
• Rhubarb
• Artichoke
• Nectarine
• Berries (if you live in a warmer part of the NH)

This month I would be so honoured if you would partake in my challenge by actioning seasonal eating. It won’t be perfect (I know I personally can’t live without frozen blueberries in the freezer ready to go for a quick smoothie) but just being conscious is a start. 

Also have a play around with the temperature and timing of your food. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere reading, think about having one ‘cooler’ meal per day as you head towards hotter days. For those of us down under, maybe start having cups of warm water instead of iced water, as we start to feel a chill in the air.

Let me know how you go. Tag me in your Instapics of your local produce to make me proud!