Curious about what’s in season this month? Keep reading to see what fruits, veggies, and herbs should make your grocery list!

WHY BUY IN SEASON?

As I continue to reintroduce new foods, I try to put an emphasis on eating what’s in season that month. Here are a few reasons why I like to eat this way!

YOU GET THE BEST QUALITY FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND HERBS --

When eating in season, you more often get produce from local growers.
Although most items are technically available year round, when buying off season, they need to be transported to your store. When eating in season, items are picked at peak season making them more ripe, juicy, and full of flavor compared to other times of the year.

COSTS CAN BE LOWER --

Produce is often much cheaper when you eat in season since those items are abundant, and therefore cost less. This avoids the added costs of paying for the import of off-season items, making it great for the environment as well.

YOU SUPPORT THE LOCAL ECONOMY --

When you purchase locally grown food, you help support local farms and farmland in your community.
The money you spend with local farmers stays in the community and can be reinvested into other local businesses.
When food is grown, processed, and distributed locally, it helps generate jobs and stimulates the local economy.

BETTER FOR YOU --

When you buy locally, you know where your food is coming from. You can ask the people who grew it how it was treated, the practices they use to harvest, and anything else you want to know!
Additionally, when foods are not in season, additional treatments are needed to grow quality items. Ripening agents, edible films, heat treatments, and gasses can also be used to help grow foods in their off seasons. You might think you're making healthy choices but these processes can increase your toxic load and decrease the nutritional value in those items.

WHAT’S IN SEASON?

VEGETABLES:

cruciferous veggies

Members of the cruciferous veggie family include cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale (among others) and they are all nutrient powerhouses! Dark leafy greens like kale contain lutein and zeaxanthin which are antioxidants that protect our eyes from free radicals, harmful UV rays and blue light. Cabbages contain sulforaphane (you can read more about it here) which help support detoxification of the liver.

CUCUMBERS

These pack a punch of hydration, are rich in B, D, and C vitamins, regulate blood pressure and are high in silica which helps promote silky hair. They are great for helping with constipation but if you have issues with digestion, make sure you peel the skin off!

fennel

I grew up around a lot of wild fennel and even though I have always loved its anise flavor, I didn’t know it was edible for the longest time. It’s amazing in teas and lately I have been loving it roasted, which brings out its sweet caramelized notes. Fennels is a very microbiome friendly food, packed with both prebiotics and probiotics that help feed good gut bacteria and prevent the growth of bad bacteria.

radish

Radishes seem to be either a “love it” or a “hate it” food. They come in many varieties but my favorite are the classic small red radish and watermelon radishes. They are packed with calcium and potassium and help the liver with detoxification.

FRUIT:

apples

Similar to fennel, apples are a great source of both prebiotics and probiotics. They also contain a good amount of quercitin which helps stabilize mast cells if you struggle with issues like MCAS.

BLACKBERRIES

Berries are some of the most optimal foods for liver health! The liver is responsible for clearing out environmental toxins, processing alcohol, synthetic hormones and so forth. Foods like berries help support the liver, enabling it stay healthy and strong to perform all these processes.

MELON

Although all melons are “in” this time of year, I really only consume watermelon, and even then not a ton. Melons are naturally high in mold so I tend to avoid others like cantaloupe, honeydew etc. but they are good sources of K, potassium, copper, and fiber.

pears

Did you know that pears have a good amount of Vitamin C that helps fight free radicals? They are also full of fiber, which helps keep everything moving and they have a low glycemic index which makes them a great sweet treat/snack!

RASPBERRIES

Another antioxidant packed berry, raspberries are low in sugar, full of vitamin C, K, and manganese. They help combat oxidative stress by fighting free radicals and, my favorite part, they are great sources of fiber!

HERBS:

chamomile

Chamomile has long been the go-to when it comes to needing sleep and it’s not just some old wives’ tale! Studies show that there is an antioxidant called apigen in chamomile that plays a role in its relaxing effects. It has been shown to bind to specific receptors in your brain that decrease anxiety and increase sleep. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory (specifically in the skin) and anti-migraine properties. I have a great bedtime latte recipe with chamomile here.

garlic chives

I have never used garlic chives until this month! Apparently they can really take over your yard if you grow them but I buy them at the local co-op and love them. They have a lovely smell and add a punch of flavor to any dish! I love topping rice noodles with them and drizzling some tahini over the top.

lavender

Lavender is a very gentle herb that is also an anti-bacterial. It has been shown to improve skin health, calm the nervous system, reduce headaches, and ease cramps. I love mixing it with chamomile and making a lovely bedtime tea.

MINT

One of my favorite herbs of all time, mint is great at relieving nausea, freshening breath, soothing sunburns, and aiding in digestion! Brewing some peppermint leaves in hot water and sipping before bed helps relax the body and prepare you for a good night’s rest.

sage

Did you know sage is packed with antioxidants? It’s an antimicrobial that has also been shown to improve brain function, oral health, and ease digestive upset.

WHERE CAN YOU BUY WHAT’S IN SEASON?

In addition to getting your fruit and veggies at your local stores (many often have tags next to local items) you can also check out farmer’s markets and CSAs in your area. My housemate and I subscribed to a CSA in college and we absolutely loved it. It can seem like a high cost up front but you typically end up spending less than you would on a weekly haul from a grocery store and you are supporting local farmers! Most CSA’s often have tiers as well so you can purchase an amount that fits your budget and quantity needs.

Here is a great resource to see what CSA’s are in your area. Here is a resource to see what Farmer’s Markets are in your area!

With so many delicious choices, it’s hard to pick a favorite... but I think I’m most excited for blackberries and zucchini. What are you most excited to eat this month?

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what’s in season: September