How To Make The Most Of Seasonal Eating & Support Local Farmers

As more and more people become conscious of their health and the environment, the idea of seasonal eating is gaining popularity. Eating seasonally means consuming produce that is grown and harvested at its peak freshness, which translates into maximum flavour, nutritional value, and sustainability. At Kimbers Farm Shop, we believe in the importance of seasonal eating and supporting local farmers, which is why we offer a wide variety of seasonal produce throughout the year. Here we'll explore the benefits of seasonal eating and share some tips and recipes for using seasonal produce available at Kimbers.

The Health Benefits of Eating Seasonally

Eating seasonally means consuming produce that is at its peak freshness and nutritional value. Fruits and vegetables that are grown in their natural seasons are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that our bodies need. When we eat out-of-season produce that has been shipped from far away, it loses some of its nutritional value during transport and storage.

In addition, seasonal produce tends to be free from synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, making it healthier for us and for the environment. By eating locally-grown produce, we support farmers who use sustainable farming practices, which means fewer chemicals in our food and in our soil.

The Environmental Impact of Seasonal Eating

When we buy produce that is out of season, it often means that it has been imported from other countries, resulting in a significant carbon footprint. By eating locally-grown produce, we reduce transportation emissions and support a more sustainable food system.

In addition, seasonal eating promotes biodiversity and helps to preserve local ecosystems. By consuming the fruits and vegetables that are naturally grown in our region, we help to preserve the unique flavours and nutritional benefits of these crops.

At Kimbers Farm Shop, we are passionate about providing our customers with the freshest and most sustainable produce available. Our Seasonal Vegetable Box is a great example of where you can purchase seasonal products and do your bit for the environment. We guarantee that our vegetable box includes the freshest produce available, sourced predominantly from small, local growers in Somerset and across the border in Wiltshire and Dorset. Depending on the season, our vegetable box changes to provide you with a good selection of vegetables and salads. This makes it a great accompaniment to your planned meals, ensuring that you have the freshest and most nutritious ingredients at your fingertips. By purchasing our Seasonal Vegetable Box, you are not only supporting local farmers and reducing transportation emissions, but also ensuring that you and your family are consuming the healthiest and most sustainable produce available.

Tips for Using Seasonal Produce

At Kimbers, we offer a wide variety of seasonal produce throughout the year. Here are some tips for using seasonal produce and incorporating it into your daily meals:

1. Experiment with new recipes: Look for recipes that feature seasonal produce as the main ingredient. For example, try roasting butternut squash in the autumn, grilling asparagus in the spring, or making a tomato salad in the summer.
2. Preserve and store produce: If you have a surplus of seasonal produce, consider preserving it for later use. You can freeze fruit and vegetables, can them, or even dehydrate them. This way, you can enjoy seasonal produce all year round.
3. Eat the rainbow: Make sure to include a variety of colours and textures in your meals to ensure that you are getting a diverse range of nutrients. For example, try a mixed greens salad with roasted beetroot, carrots, and red onions.

Seasonal Recipes from Kimbers Farm Shop

Eating seasonally is a great way to add variety and freshness to your daily dinner routines. At Kimbers Farm Shop, we offer a wide variety of seasonal produce throughout the year, making it easy for you to incorporate seasonal ingredients into your meals. Whether it's a hearty soup, a fresh summer salad, or a flavourful autumn stew, there are countless ways to use seasonal produce to create delicious and nutritious meals.To get you started, here are a few seasonal recipes.

1. Spring Asparagus Soup: This simple soup highlights the delicate flavours of fresh asparagus. Simply sauté onions and garlic puree, add chopped asparagus, and cook with chicken or vegetable broth until tender. Blend the soup until smooth, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You can easily make your own chicken broth using our Chicken Drumsticks.
2. Summer Tomato Salad: Combine sliced heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and feta cheese for a refreshing summer salad. We recommend you make a flavourful dressing using Smoked Tomato Balsamic Vinegar and olive oil for a simple yet unique dressing.
3. Seasonal Veg Curry: Looking for a quick and easy way to make a flavourful curry using seasonal vegetables from Kimbers Farm Shop? Look no further than The Curry Sauce Co Korma Curry Sauce. This delicious sauce is made with a blend of spices and creamed coconut, providing a rich and creamy base for your curry. Simply sauté your favourite seasonal vegetables in a pan, add the Korma Curry Sauce, and let simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavours have melded together. It's a great way to enjoy the freshest produce of the season in a satisfying and flavourful meal.

At Kimbers Farm Shop, we believe that eating seasonally is not only good for our health and the environment, but it also allows us to enjoy the freshest and most flavourful produce available. By choosing seasonal produce, we can reduce our carbon footprint and support local farmers, all while indulging in the tastiest and most nutritious fruits and vegetables.

We are proud to offer a wide selection of seasonal produce throughout the year, sourced from small, local growers in Somerset and beyond. By supporting these local farmers, we can reduce the transportation emissions associated with long-distance shipping, and we can ensure that our produce is as fresh and flavourful as possible.

We encourage our customers to try new recipes and experiment with different flavours when cooking with seasonal produce. It's a great way to discover new ingredients, expand your culinary skills, and enjoy the bounty of the season. Discover the flavours of the season today!