When you’re trying to be frugal, one of the hardest things is figuring out where you can make cuts in your budget. For most people, one of the first places is in the grocery aisle. But, if you’re trying to cut grocery costs, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you have to eat only canned foods. In fact, the opposite is true: you should be eating even more fresh food, but it should be seasonal.
Sound crazy? It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Here’s why:
1. It’s cheaper
Food that is at the peak of its growing season will always be less expensive not only because there is more of it, but also because it will cost your average farmer and grocer less to put it on a shelf as usually seasonal foods are bought and sold locally rather than being shipped halfway across the country.
2. It’s healthier
Fruits and vegetables that are in season will grow naturally without as much help from farmers, which makes them healthier. Additionally, eating the food that is in season has some other health benefits including boosting natural immunity and processes at the right times.
3. It tastes better
Have you ever eaten a watermelon or strawberry from the store in the middle of winter? Generally speaking, they just tend to taste flat. This is because the farmer probably had to trick the plant into producing fruits and vegetables, which is going to affect the taste.
4. You’re guaranteed more variety
It’s easy to get into a rut with foods, but when you’re eating seasonally, you’ll be forced to not only eat different foods throughout the year, but also experiment with new recipes during the months where there just isn’t always as much available.
So, do you eat seasonally? What’s the best thing about it? Tell me below!