Seasonal Eating

Spring has finally arrived in Rochester, New York! Yippee! Hooray! We are so excited to welcome in the warm, spring air, the smell of fresh cut grass and the beautiful blooming flowers. Most importantly, we can't wait to welcome in the seasonal goodies grown fresh in our area!

Most of the year we are avid Public Market shoppers, but I do regret that I stop in the bitter cold of winter here in Upstate, New York. My children just don't enjoy it as much as the warmer days! Because of how important eating fresh, home-grown foods is to us, I wanted to share with you some important information about Seasonal Eating that may inspire you to do the same!

Seasonal eating is a fabulous way to eat for many reasons, but most importantly, it benefits your health! Of course, the added money it keeps in your pocket is an extra bonus when working within a limited BUDGET!! With the economy the way it is right now, we are all feeling a little crunch--so every little bit helps. As a side note, stay tuned to Charis Creations for some upcoming, budget-friendly, seasonal meals!

As far as your health goes, seasonal eating yields FRESH FOODS. Seasons are considered a source of natural diversity. Look at the beautiful vegetable garden in the middle of spring and summer, take a peek at the same garden in the middle of winter! They are definitely different and naturally balancing each other out.

In our society it is easy to forget that picture--walking into the supermarket and finding just about anything you would like to get your hands on at any time of the year. This definitely has its blessings of course, but it also makes it easier to forget that these foods don't grow year round in our area!

The problem with shopping at the supermarket for produce is simple: all the "fresh" produce is not so "fresh". It has been picked prematurely, ripened off the vine (usually gassed), packed, shipped, and ends up sitting on shelves way longer than if you walked into your own garden and picked a nice, juicy, ripe tomato off the vine and sunk your teeth into it! Choose local and seasonal for your health!

Economically it is wiser as well as great deals are offered at the farmer's market. When you choose to shop this way, you are also supporting the hard work of the local farmers who truly care for their crops and who are learned in sowing and reaping! It is a fun atmosphere for family and friends and a great learning experience as well. So with that little bit being said, here is what to expect this Spring to Summer season:

• Tender Leafy Greens (Swiss, Chard, Baby Lettuce)
• Asparagus
• Spinach
• Scallions
• Early Peas
• Cauliflower
• New Potatoes
• Celery
  
• Kale
• Artichoke
• Parsley
  
• Basil
• Rhubarb
• Raspberry