Summer Kitchen Countertop Clutter and Eating Seasonally
Ahem…I mean beauty. Beautiful, clutter.
I like a clean countertop mostly. Except when the garden is giving in abundance. Then I do my best to make sense of it all using the Home Edit inspiration of a color-coding system. Because when all else fails, color does not disappoint.
Sure, I could can, preserve, dry, and freeze everything to use for another day. However, when it’s all within reach, I find myself grabbing for this fresh produce more times than not to incorporate into a meal or even craft an entire dish.
My kitchen garden is just large enough to feed me. Of course, I always have more than I can use but not quite enough for extensive preserving efforts. Except herbs. Herbs definitely get the extra love and preserving attention.
Rather, I find more joy in eating seasonally. Did you know there a number of benefits to eating this way that range from not just health benefits but to economic and environmental gains? I mean, the garden just gives and gives and keeps on giving sometimes.
Health Benefits
Seasonal produce harvested at it’s peak is packed with the optimal nutrients that fruit, leaf, or root can provide. Just like the exponential depreciation that happens when you drive a shiny new car right off the car lot, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants all begin to lose their potency at the moment of harvest.
Fresh produce just taste better. Even store bought produce bought in the season in which it grows best, taste better. See above for the science behind that? We really do love the sweeter, crispier, more flavorful foods!
Did you know seasonal variety can help encourage a wider range and more diverse diet which aids in offsetting chronic diseases? Whoa! Take for instance growing greens for salads. I love a good butter or romaine leaf lettuce and (by unpopular opinion) kale isn’t my go-to. EXCEPT when kale outlasts all the other lettuces into the warm season. It’s likely the MOST nutrient-dense green leaf out there and if it didn’t have the staying power into warmer months, I might not actually eat nearly as much of it.
2. Economic Benefits
Seasonal produce is simply more affordable. If my crops get started late, or I need a little extra, the off set at the store or farmer’s market is more manageable. In addition, buying locally grown produce sustains the economy of local farmers.
3. Environmental Benefits
You contribute to lowering the carbon footprint by growing or purchasing locally grown food and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Every little bit of reduction in supply, lowers the need for long-distance shipping and greenhouse emissions. It’s a win-win!
Here is to hoping your counters are also cluttered chaos from your premium producing gardens and if not, your farmers market baskets and hearts are full of seasonal produce!