Buying in season fresh fruits and vegetables

There are many good reasons to buy in season fruits and vegetables year round such as cost, freshness and nutrition.

What do you do if you live in the North and there is no growing season during the winter months? Don’t worry – there are plenty of choices that are low cost and nutritious. Did you know that some fruits and veggies are considered to be in season all year long? Planning your meals around these staple produce items will help you save money while still enjoying the nutritious flavor of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fruits that are considered to be in season yearlong include bananas, apples, oranges and other citrus fruit. These fruits tend to be about the same price year round. They will add fiber and color to your meals as well as provide good sources of vitamin C, folic acid and potassium.

In order to save money when buying vegetables, choose root vegetables like onions, potatoes, carrots and sweet potatoes that are in season all during the year. Other vegetables considered in season all year long are lettuce, celery and greens. These vegetables also provide fiber and vitamins, including vitamin A and C.

Plan your daily meals using year round fruits and vegetables and you’ll save money while still providing a good dose of nutrition. MyPlate shows that half your plate should be covered with fruits and vegetables. Choosing produce in season will give you yummy taste, great color and they’re nutritionally good for you.

Hungry for strawberries or sweet corn? Don’t worry, summer is just around the corner so it won’t be long before they’re in season too! For more information on planning healthy meals read more about Michigan State University Extension food budgeting tips.

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