Tips for Shopping Seasonally

Tips for Shopping Seasonally

We all want to eat fresh food, packed with flavour and to do it affordably and locally. One of the best ways to do this is to learn what is in season and let the seasons guide your shopping basket.

By shopping in season, you are supporting local Australian producers, the food will have generally travelled less, be fresher and more full of flavour and nutritition.

Here are a few key things to be mindful of:

While shopping at local farmers markets is great and generally what they are selling is in season, we all lead busy lifestyles and can't always get to a weekly market. Furthermore, some of us simply may not have access to one. Shopping at supermarkets and greengrocers is fine but you still need to pay attention to what's in season. You'll be rewarded with fresher and more affordable fruit and vegetables.

There are several things to try to buy organic if possible and I would suggest the following (provided they're in season) as they're known to have a high amount of pesticides. Berries such as blueberries and strawberries; potatoes; leafy greens like kale and sliverbeet; apples and stone fruits; and broccoli.

Take control of your shop by simply finding out what's in season. You'll be surprised with the positive effect this has on your cooking as you'll be more inclined to get creative in the kitchen and learn.

For a more sustainable food eco-system as well as a healthier you, there is no subsitute for seasonal shopping and cooking.

@cheftomwalton