People have been eating seasonally since the dawn of time. It’s not only a cost-effective way of getting more nutrients into your diet, but it’s also tastier and better for the environment. 

When we eat seasonally, we eat foods that are locally grown. Over the years, exotic and other non-local foods have become available year-round in the supermarkets, as ease of transportation means food is shipped or flown to its final destination. As a result, we have lost touch with the natural patterns of growing, cooking and eating seasonal foods.

Eating seasonally helps us to connect with nature and the natural cycle of growing, it also gives us a better understanding of what our ancestors would have eaten in the past.

Additionally, there are numerous health benefits when eating with the seasons. By eating seasonally, you eat foods that are fresh and contain more vitamins and minerals. As you eat foods native to your environment – or likely the place in which you were born – these foods will also be on the same or similar vibrational level.

Autumnal Foods

As we begin the transition from the long, balmy summer days to autumn, our natural circadian rhythm starts to slow down. Crops are incredibly fruitful at this time! For those growing their own, there’s still plenty of work to do in the garden. We have lots of summer produce still available such as salads, tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers and runner beans. But now, new crops start to come through like butternut squash, brussel sprouts, celeriac, parsnips, pears and leeks. Not to mention leafy greens such as kale and chard that prove to be very hardy during the cooler weather. 

September is truly an abundant month for British-grown produce. If you’re not able to grown your own, take a look at the below list of fruits and vegetables that thrive during this time so you can still reap the benefits of eating seasonally when you do your weekly food shop:

At Together Against Cancer, we often welcome guest speakers to the Wellness Centre to support your healing journey, including nutritional guidance and ways to explore the medicinal uses of food in your diet. Keep an eye on our events page for an updated schedule of workshops over the coming months: https://www.togetheragainstcancer.org.uk/events/