Eating in Season: #Maine

"Ever wonder when certain foods are in season in Maine? The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (#MOFGA) has compiled the following list, making it easy for all of us to eat locally and to eat in season. In addition to the seasonal recommendations, be sure to check out the side bar list of 20 Maine-grown and Maine-produced foods that are available year-round."

JANUARY – APRIL

Apples
Beets
Cabbage
Carrots
Celeriac
Dry beans
Garlic
Leeks
Onions
Parsnips
Potatoes
Rutabagas
Sweet potatoes
Turnips
Winter squash

Read more:
https://thesunriseguide.com/eating-in-season-maine/
#EatingSeasonally #WinterVegetables #SolarPunkSunday #MaineProduce

Why Should We Eat Seasonally And Locally (Even In The Winter)?

"Did you know that on average produce travels 1500 miles to reach the shelves in your grocery store? 1500 miles will take you from Miami to Boston – certainly not a quick trip! The terms 'seasonal eating' and 'locally-grown' are popular amongst health fanatics and eco-warriors… but what’s all of the hype about? What are the true benefits? Why should we eat seasonally and locally throughout the year?

So How Do You Eat Seasonal & Local?

- Keep in mind that what is in season for you may not be seasonal for someone else – it all depends on your location! Southern California has a very different climate than the freezing fields of Maine.

- If you go shopping at your local farmers market, you are automatically eating locally AND seasonally! It’s a win-win. Farmers markets are a great way to support your community, buy fresh nutritious produce, and meet the people growing your food! Check to see if your farmers markets move indoors in the winter – many of them do!

- Join a local CSA (“Community-Supported Agriculture”)! In a CSA, consumers subscribe to a membership and share the risk of harvest with the farmer. In return, the consumers receive a big box of nutritious, fresh, seasonal and local produce every couple of weeks.

- Opt for locally-grown produce within your grocery store. Many stores, including Whole Foods, mark food that is local. This is a great way to easily support your local farmers.

- Start your own organic, seasonal garden! If you have the outdoor space (or even indoor vertical space) start a little garden. This is a great way to get exceptionally fresh food right from your backyard.

- Buy in bulk, then freeze and can your local produce for future use! If you plan ahead and properly store them, those summer strawberries can last you all throughout the winter!

- The Seasonal Food Guide is an excellent tool to get a better understanding of what is local and seasonal to your specific state. Local Harvest is another great resource to find local farms, community-supported agriculture (CSAs), farmers’ markets, and more."

Read more:
https://www.inonaround.org/seasonal/
#EatingSeasonally #LocalProduce #FarmersMarkets #CSAs #FoodStorage #SolarPunkSunday

[How-To Video] Cooking With the #Maine #Harvest: Using Unusual Maine Vegetables

"University of Maine Cooperative Extension staff demonstrate how to use #RootVegetables such as #rutabaga, #celeriac, #kohlrabi, and #fennel, as well as winter greens like #BokChoy, #collards, and #MustardGreens."

Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4lYPygVW0k&t=56s

#SolarPunkSunday #FoodSecurity #FoodPreparation #EatingSeasonally #Recipes #WinterVegetables #MaineHarvest

I try to eat seasonally, and I'm lucky enough to live close to a couple of very productive local farms (one of which has a winter farm store, with lots of root veggies). I also freeze meals to eat on days I don't feel like cooking. Just make sure you date them, and eat before they go bad... As a friend said the other day, "The freezer is NOT a time machine."

Quick, Healthy Meals Using Seasonal Produce

October 24, 2024, by Jilleon Farrell, Dietetic Intern, University of Maine, and Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor University of Maine Cooperative Extension

"October’s harvest is all about rich flavors and local ingredients, featuring an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and grains that all capture the essence of the season. Whether you’re a fan of stews, casseroles, or delicious desserts, fall provides a variety of seasonal produce to create satisfying and flavorful meals. In Maine, pumpkins, apples, squash, potatoes, beets, carrots, cabbage, parsnips, and turnips are all in season in the late fall.

"By using seasonal foods in your meals, you not only get to enjoy our local foods but also fresh ingredients. So head to your local farmers market, farm stand, or grocery store for seasonal produce to create some fun fall meals.

"Meals don’t need to take a long time to prepare or cost a lot of money. Focus on choosing recipes that are quick to prepare with both local and easily accessible ingredients. The goal is to make healthy eating easier for you and create a more enjoyable cooking experience.

"Why are quick and easy meals a great option?

- Saves Time: Quick meals reduce the time spent in the kitchen, making it easier to fit cooking into a busy schedule.
- Encourages Healthy Eating: Simpler meals often mean fewer processed ingredients, helping you maintain a balanced diet.
- Reduces Stress: Having easy recipes on hand can minimize the stress of meal planning and preparation.
- Improves Consistency: Quick and easy meals are more likely to become a regular part of your routine, supporting long-term healthy eating habits.

"Why is buying and eating local and in-season produce a great option?

- Freshness: Seasonal produce is often harvested at peak ripeness, which means better flavor and more nutrients for you.
- Affordability: Foods in season are usually less expensive, so you can enjoy a variety of fresh options without breaking the bank.
- Environmental Impact: Seasonal foods require less transportation, which means a smaller carbon footprint and less impact on the planet.

"A few of our favorite fall Mainely Dish recipes include Butternut Squash Bisque, Carrot Fries, Carrot Bread, Pumpkin Seeds, Roasted Root Vegetables, and Stuffed Squash. Make sure you visit the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Mainely Dish recipe page to find your favorite quick and healthy fall recipe."

https://extension.umaine.edu/food-health/2024/10/24/quick-healthy-meals-using-seasonal-produce/

#SolarPunkSunday #FoodSecurity #FoodPreparation #EatingSeasonally #BuyLocalProduce #GrowYourOwn #QuickMeals #HealthyQuickMeals #MaineFarms