5-STEP CHECKLIST
Shopping today?
How to choose seasonal food — like your grandmother did
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1
Choose what's sold loose, not wrapped
Food that's in season locally is often sold without heavy packaging or long storage. Wrapped, sealed, or imported-looking produce usually isn't.
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2
Check the origin label
When you have a choice, pick food grown in your country or region. Shorter distance usually means fewer cold stores, less water and energy used, and fresher produce.
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3
Compare prices within the same category
If one option is clearly cheaper than another version of the same food, it's often because it's easier to grow right now.
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4
Use your senses
Seasonal food smells stronger, feels firmer, and looks alive. If it looks tired, it probably travelled far or sat in storage.
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5
Buy for flexible cooking
Choose ingredients that work across dishes — sautéed, stewed, roasted, or raw — so meals can adapt to what you find instead of the other way around.