Why Seasonal Produce is Superior

Eating seasonal produce not only enhances the flavor and nutritional value of your meals, but it also supports the environment and your wallet. Here’s why shopping for in-season fruits and vegetables is the way to go:

1. It Tastes Better

Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak ripeness, which means it’s bursting with flavor. Since it’s grown in the ideal conditions of the season, fruits and vegetables like blood oranges, clementines, and winter squash taste far better than those grown out of season or imported from distant regions. 

2. It Costs Less

Seasonal produce is generally more affordable. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are abundant and require less transportation or special care, which lowers production costs. For example, root vegetables like beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes, or hearty greens like kale and chard, are typically more cost-effective in March. Buying locally grown, in-season items at grocery stores, farmers markets, or even through community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs can save you money, making healthy eating more accessible.

3. It’s More Nutritious

In-season produce is fresher, meaning it retains more of its natural vitamins and nutrients. As fruits and vegetables ripen in their ideal growing conditions, they absorb more of the nutrients they need, which translates to a higher nutritional value when you eat them. For example, vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are all rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folic acid that can boost your immune system and support overall health during the colder months.

4. It’s Better for the Environment

When you choose in-season produce, you’re helping reduce the environmental impact of food production. Out-of-season fruits and vegetables often require more energy to grow (like greenhouse farming) or have to be transported over long distances, increasing their carbon footprint. In contrast, seasonal produce is grown with natural resources reducing the need for excessive resources and fossil fuels.

Eat Seasonally with Bento

To make seasonal eating even easier, we offer a specially curated produce order every season, featuring the freshest, in-season fruits and vegetables. Right now, our Cool Weather Crops order includes a variety of nutrient-dense winter produce at its peak flavor and quality. It's a convenient way to enjoy the best of the season while supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture.

Winter Seasonal Produce Ideas

This winter, make the most of the season’s offerings with a variety of fruits and vegetables that are ripe for the picking.

Fruits:

• Apples

• Grapefruit

• Lemons

• Limes

• Oranges

• Pomegranates

Vegetables:

• Beets

• Broccoli

• Brussels Sprouts

• Cabbage

• Carrots

• Cauliflower

• Chard

• Fennel

• Kale

• Leeks

• Onions

• Parsnips

• Potatoes

• Sweet Potatoes

• Turnips

• Winter Squash (Acorn, Butternut, Delicata, Honey Nut, Kabocha, Spaghetti)

Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!

This blog is brought to you by: Erin Elise

Erin Elise is a Board-Certified Health Coach and Nutritionist on Bento’s Nutrition Team. She strives to make nutritious eating both accessible and enjoyable for all. Growing up in a state park in Washington state sparked her deep love for the outdoors, which continues today. When not working, you can find her hiking scenic trails, swimming in one of Minnesota’s many lakes, or cooking up something delicious—especially a flavorful bowl of tikka masala.