Are You Sure It's In? Plus...How to Keep It In

Who cares if it's in? You can still enjoy it, right?

It starts with an understanding of relationships, proper storage, hormones, and gas. 

Groceries can significantly impact our family budget, especially now when prices seem to never stop climbing. I always try to purchase with the best intentions, but when my body quits, or life gets in the way it’s frustrating seeing our hard-earned money turn into food waste. 

There are ways to reduce loss and avoid premature spoilage. Things like temperature, humidity, and airflow in your storage area, as well as proper washing and handling techniques, play a significant role in preserving the freshness of fruits and vegetables. By understanding these needs, we can reduce food waste, enjoy fresh and nutritious ingredients in our meals, and save money. 

The biggest influence on a fruit or vegetable's stability, flavor, texture, and nutrition, is it's seasonality. In-season produce tends to stay fresher longer. They are typically harvested closer to the time of consumption and often sourced locally or regionally, meaning they spend less time in transit and storage. This freshness not only enhances the taste and texture of your dishes but also extends the shelf life of the produce itself. 

When fruits and vegetables are in season, there is an abundant supply, which often drives prices down. This allows you to incorporate a wider variety of fresh produce into your meals without straining your budget. You're also reducing the need for long-distance transportation. This helps minimize the carbon footprint associated with food production and contributes to a more environmentally friendly approach to cooking. 

Why does all of this matter? Because when you cook with in-season produce, you're working with ingredients that are at their peak flavor and quality, which will enhance the taste and texture of your dishes. 

By taking advantage of the abundance and affordability of in-season produce, you can create delicious, healthy, and budget-friendly dishes while supporting local farmers and practicing sustainable cooking. 

Next...How to Keep It In

I hated missing out on certain flavors and textures during the year. It all changed when I started freezing our favorite produce when it was at its very best. The process is simple, and the benefits immeasurable.  

I'm sharing my exact process so you can do this with your favorite produce. 

Want to start cooking seasonally with us? 
Visit https://www.wellblendedlife.com/ and sign up for "Seasonal Cooking"
Each month you will get an email with what produce is in-season and a recipe that uses those ingredients.  

The Cook Who Can't Eat podcast is brought to you by Holly at Well Blended Life. Find us at www.wellblendedlife.com or on your favorite social site.

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