Would you like to eat more sustainably? One simple way is to buy fruit and vegetables that are in season. This is not only cheaper but also better for the environment!
Seasonal produce has a lower environmental impact because it often comes from nearby. That means less transport and no need for energy-intensive heated greenhouses. Vegetables and fruit from the Netherlands or other European countries are the most sustainable choices. Check the packaging or supermarket shelf to see where products come from.
Good choices year-round:
Vegetables: celery, cauliflower, broccoli, iceberg lettuce, kohlrabi, leek, turnips, radish, beetroot, red cabbage, pointed cabbage, Brussels sprouts, tomato, onion, carrots, chicory, and white cabbage.
As for fruit, only pears, apples, strawberries, and cherries are widely grown outdoors in the Netherlands. These are the most sustainable fruits. Some fruits grown abroad also have a low climate impact.
Think of: apricot, pineapple, apple, banana, lemon, grape, pomegranate, grapefruit, kiwi, coconut, lime, mandarin, melon, nectarine, pear, peach, plum, and orange.
Seasonal vegetables examples:
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Autumn: celeriac, parsnip, pumpkin
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Winter: rhubarb, winter carrot
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Spring: asparagus, cucumber
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Summer: endive, courgette, sweetcorn
Still want out-of-season fruit or vegetables? Then try frozen products — they contain just as many vitamins and are grown under favorable conditions.