Why Seasonal Produce is Superior

Eating seasonal produce not only enhances the flavor and nutritional value of your meals, but it also can support the environment, your local farmers, 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, meaning it’s bursting with flavor. Since it’s grown in the ideal conditions of the season, fruits and vegetables like juicy peaches, sweet corn, and vibrant tomatoes taste far better than those grown out of season or imported from distant regions.
   

2. It Costs Less
   Seasonal produce is often more affordable. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they are abundant and usually require less transportation or special care, which lowers production costs. For example, summer staples like zucchini, cucumbers, and berries are typically more cost-effective in July and August. Buying locally grown, in-season items at grocery stores, farmers markets, or 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, summer vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and green beans are all rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants that support your immune system and overall health.
   

4. It Supports Local Farmers
   Purchasing seasonal produce is one of the best ways to support local farmers and the regional economy. When you buy produce that’s grown in your area, you’re helping sustain local farming families and businesses. Local farmers work hard to grow high-quality, fresh produce, and by choosing what’s in season, you can directly support them. Additionally, this helps build a stronger community and promotes sustainable agriculture.
   

5. It’s Better for the Environment
   When you choose in-season produce, you can help 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 often grown locally and sustainably, reducing the need for excessive resources and fossil fuels.

Eat Seasonally with Bento

To make seasonal eating even easier, we’re excited to introduce our Summer Seasonal Harvest Order at Bento! This specially curated order features the freshest, in-season summer fruits and vegetables — picked at peak ripeness and bursting with flavor and nutrition. It’s a convenient way to enjoy the best of the summer harvest while supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture.

Bento Members: Get the Summer Seasonal Harvest Order Now

Summer Seasonal Produce Ideas

This summer, savor the season’s best offerings with a vibrant variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are ripe for the picking:

Fruits:

• Peaches

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Watermelon

• Cantaloupe

• Papaya

• Mangoes
  
  

Vegetables:

• Tomatoes

• Spinach

• Corn on the Cob

• Bell Peppers

• Avocado

• Eggplant

• Summer Squash

• Fresh Herbs (Basil, Mint, Cilantro)
  
  

Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you for choosing fresh, local summer produce!

Disclaimer: Some fruits and vegetables listed in this post may not be appropriate for individuals with chronic kidney disease. Please consult your healthcare provider or dietitian to determine what’s best for your individual needs.