It is possible now to get whatever fruit and vegetables we want from the supermarkets all year round and the idea of eating only seasonal produce is far from most people’s thoughts but as we all become more aware of global warming and the need to reduce our carbon footprint it is important to consider the food miles involved in some of our foods.
Food miles is the distance food is transported from the time of its growing or manufacturing until it reaches the consumer. Food miles are one factor used when considering the environmental impact of food so it is important to consider whether growing and eating seasonal produce is one way that the consumer can make a small difference.
In spring, beetroot, spring onions and different types of lettuce can be planted so that they will be ready to harvest in the summer for salads. Tomato plants can be started off in a greenhouse ideally, but a sunny windowsill will do. In late spring they can be planted outside and will start to produce a crop of tomatoes in the summer.
During the summer months vegetables such as French and runner beans, sweetcorn and courgettes can be planted out and once harvested any surplus can be frozen to use later in the year.