We hear all the time that eating locally grown food that is “in season” is a great way to get the most nutrients out of our food and lessen our environmental impact.  After all, a potato grown by the farmer across the street travels significantly fewer miles from field to table than a mango grown in South America.  (That is, unless you live in a South American country and your local farmer specialized in mangoes.)

Luckily, I do not have any trouble finding a local farmers’ market.  (This may be surprising news to some, but New York City has a vibrant Greenmarket scene.)  However, my own knowledge base of what grows naturally in New York at a given time of year leaves a lot to be desired.

Or at least it did until I stumbled upon a great resource, Sustainabletable.org (powered by the Natural Resources Defense Council). It allows you to select your State and time of year in order to find out what produce is freshest in both your State and in neighboring areas.  For instance, when I select “New York” and “Late June,” I learn that the best strawberries, sweet cherries, and broccoli are just around the corner!  Also, blueberries will be fresh in New Jersey and Connecticut will be the place to go for raspberries, leeks, and cauliflower.

So next time I head to my favorite outdoor market – or even to my neighborhood grocery store – I will be armed with a list of what fruits and vegetables are in season for the tastiest (and often cheaper and more earth-friendly) produce!

Source: Pays to Live Green

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