EP 155 // Did You Know Eating Seasonally as a Homesteader Can Save You Money on Food? 7 Ways to Reduce Your Grocery Budget in the Future

Hey Friend

Eating seasonally refers to the practice of consuming foods that are naturally harvested and available during a specific time of the year. This approach involves aligning your diet with the natural growing cycles of various fruits, vegetables, and other food items.

Eating seasonally means choosing foods that are harvested at their peak ripeness during a particular season. For example, enjoying watermelon and berries in the summer, or butternut squash and apples in the fall.

Seasonal eating often involves selecting foods that are locally grown and available in your region. This supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of transporting produce over long distances

Seasonal foods are picked at their prime, offering the best taste and nutritional value. Freshness and flavor are heightened when you consume foods during their natural season.

Seasonal produce tends to be more nutrient-dense because it is allowed to fully ripen before harvest. This means you get a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals in your meals.

Eating seasonally fosters a connection with the changing seasons and the natural rhythm of agricultural cycles. It encourages a sense of mindfulness about the origin and availability of your food

Here are some budget friendly tips to saving money on food.

~Purchase fruits and vegetables from local farmers' markets or directly from farmers. Local produce is often more affordable, and you support local businesses if you are not growing your own produce.

~Take advantage of bulk discounts when seasonal items are abundant. You can freeze or preserve extras for later use, ensuring you have affordable, fresh options year-round.  Since we moved last year, I had to buy more produce because I wasn’t able to grow everything myself last year.  Actually, we just recently took our frozen tomatoes out of the freezer and made our spaghetti sauce.  

~Farmers' markets often offer competitive prices, and you might find unique, seasonal produce that's more affordable than in supermarkets

~If you have any CSA programs around you, they allow you to buy a share of a local farm's harvest. This not only supports farmers but also provides you with a regular supply of seasonal produce at a potentially lower cost, so this is a great option too if you don’t grow your own food.  

~Tailor your meal plans based on what's in season. This helps you take advantage of lower prices for in-season items and avoids the expense of out-of-season produce.  We eat ALOT of zucchini in the summer……..zuchinni noodles, zucchini tots, fried zucchini, grilled zucchini and all kinds of great meals.  

~When seasonal fruits and veggies are abundant and less expensive, consider preserving or freezing them for later. This allows you to enjoy seasonal flavors throughout the year without paying a premium price.

~Prepare larger quantities of meals when seasonal ingredients are affordable, and freeze portions for later. This can save you money by avoiding last-minute, more expensive food choices

By aligning your grocery shopping with the seasons and being mindful of where and how you purchase your food, you can savor the benefits of seasonal eating while keeping your budget in check

Overall, eating seasonally is a holistic approach that considers the natural cycles of food production, supports local agriculture, and enhances the taste and nutritional quality of your meals. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle

~Monica

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