Healthy living
Healthy eating
Costing the earth
Concern is mounting about pollution caused by aeroplanes, so find out why eating locally-produced foods can help not only your health, but that of the environment too
Costing the earth
Our taste for fruit and veg that can't be grown locally means that eating seasonally has wider implications than the health of individuals.
The Soil Association estimates that 70 per cent of UK food is imported, some of it from countries barely able to feed their own populations.
In order to provide year-round availability, food travels thousands of miles before it reaches the consumer.
Environmentalists argue that the energy this uses and the pollution it causes make it simply economically and environmentally unsustainable. The answer, they say, is to buy locally produced, seasonal food.
What's in season?
It's easy to get out of touch with what food is seasonal. Here is a quick guide to what fruit and vegetables are best when in Britain:
January Brussels sprouts, chestnuts, cabbage, potatoes, swede, pears
February broccoli, parsnips, potatoes, onions, leeks
March leeks, broccoli, cabbage, watercress, parsley, pears, mackerel
April rhubarb, cucumber, parsley, potatoes, salmon, cauliflower
May lettuce, radishes, asparagus, celery, rocket, lettuce, spinach
June asparagus, lettuce, peas, tomatoes, peppers, radish, watercress, cherries
July blackcurrant, strawberries, raspberries, watercress, sweetcorn, courgettes
August aubergine, broccoli, apples, blackberries, spinach, tomatoes, strawberries
September aubergine, cabbage, carrots, pears, apples, blackcurrant, mushrooms
October broccoli, cabbage, courgettes, radishes, apples, blackberries
November potatoes, cabbages, runner beans, swede, turnips, apples
December Brussels sprouts, cabbage, leeks, onions, turnips, parsnips
More on seasonal eating
- Why seasonal foods are better for your body
- September recipe: spinach and ricotta gnocchi
- August recipe: broccoli, summer pea and mint soup
- July recipe: runner bean and pea couscous
- June recipe: classic tomato soup
- May recipe: strawberry sorbet ice lollies
- April recipe: falafel with watercress
- March recipe: stir fried broccoli with chilli and ginger
- Guide to ethical eating
- For nutrition tips, healthy recipes, food news and more - visit our healthy eating section
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.