Eating healthy during planting and harvest seasons requires a modicum of agricultural know-how. Vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts and fruit are all plant-based nutritional sources that provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Grains, vegetables and fruit also provide carbohydrates and fiber -- macronutrients vital to good health. Learning about the cycles of planting and harvesting as well as some geographic knowledge of your environment will help you eat fresh and healthy throughout all seasons.
Step 1
Learn about your state and local planting and harvesting resources. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is a good place to start -- its website lists planting and harvesting dates by region so you will remain aware of which foods are freshest during each season.
Step 2
Know your crops. Barley, for instance, is a grain popularly grown in the northwestern U.S., planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. Barley can be purchased fresh in juices or in its natural state, as well as in bread and soups. Corn is grown throughout the contiguous U.S. and is harvested in late summer. Buy your grains, vegetables and fruits close to their harvest dates to get the freshest, most healthy products available.
Step 3
Talk to your local farmers at the stands or farmers' markets. Skip the produce aisle at the commercial grocers, and get hands-on knowledge from the men and women that harvest these foods for us. Farmers and their employees can provide a wealth of information regarding planting seasons, upcoming crops and seasonal availability.
Step 4
Eat a variety of vegetables and grains daily. The Harvard School of Public Health suggests nine servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Although it is always available at the local grocery store, eating lettuce 12 months of the year will not provide the array of micronutrients available in varying vegetables. Each fruit and vegetable has its own combination of vitamins, such as citrus plants and vitamin C.
Step 5
Consider canning or freezing seasonal items for enjoyment later. Buy a batch of fresh strawberries and freeze them so you can enjoy their nutrients come winter. If you don't wish to freeze or can your produce, you can always purchase the frozen variety in the grocer's freezer section throughout the year.
