It gets easier every year to find locally produced foods at farmers markets, grocery stores and restaurants. The locavore trend is essentially an effort to close the gap between consumers and farmers and to live more harmoniously with the seasons. I’m particularly fond of that last aspect because I think eating with the seasons makes for better health and a stronger connection to the earth.
[seasonal foods]
For a quick study in seasonal foods, grow your own vegetables, herbs and fruits. If gardening isn’t your thing, there are many online sources with information about what is in season and how to prepare it. I like the interactive map on epicurious.com. Here’s a short list to get you started.
[spring]
Eggs | Eggs are more abundant in spring as the days lengthen and chickens are exposed to more light.
Strawberries | Harvest strawberries by cutting the stem, not pulling on the berry.
Asparagus | Plants need to be eaten when young before the stems go woody. Stem thickness indicates the age of the plant.
[summer]
Chicken | Spring-born chickens reach full size during the summer and are ready for consumption.
Corn | To determine if corn is ripe, look for brown, dry silk and see if the end is round rather than pointed. If you’re still not sure, pierce a fresh kernel. The corn is at peak sweetness if liquid comes out.
Blueberries | These have a short shelf life, only about 14 days. To improve that, spread the berries out in a single layer during storage.
[fall]
Grapes | Look for fully colored, plump grapes that are firmly attached to the stem.
Sweet Potato | The longer a sweet potato cooks, the sweeter it becomes as the starch turns to sugar.
Pumpkin | Choose small, thin-skinned varieties for eating. These are bred to maximize sweetness and flavor.
[winter]
Beef | Naturally grown beef isn’t a year-round product, contrary to popular belief. Grass-fed cattle are seasonally slaughtered in late fall when the meat is at its peak.
Potatoes | Don’t remove the skins; they a re packed with fiber.
Citrus | Look for heavy fruit, which means more juice inside.
[P. Allen Smith, host of two public television programs, is an award-winning designer and gardening expert. He is the author of several books, including Seasonal Recipes from the Garden.]