It is difficult for many of us to imagine, that within living memory, the majority of the populations only access to fresh food was seasonal, home grown produce. Today we are able to find a full range of food produce, sourced from all over the world, readily available all year round. Although this has offered a choice and convenience which fits in with our busy modern lifestyle, there are many benefits to returning to the seasonal cycles of nature and buying fresh, seasonal produce from your local supplier.
The increasing awareness of health related issues, and concern about the quality, source and type of food which we consume and the affects that poor diet can have on health, is increasingly influencing consumer thinking. Together with concerns over the environmental impacts of transporting food produce long distances, through excessive ‘food miles’ which can also have a detrimental effect on the quality, nutritional value and freshness of the food we consume along with its ‘traceability’, are also key factors in influencing our buying behaviour. Buying in season also encourages local producers who, boosted by factors like the rise in farmers' markets, are building a more sustainable food industry and benefiting the economy of Ceredigion.
Food produced and sourced locally from farmers’ market or direct from the producer, is likely to be fresher than its supermarket equivalent, free-range meat and eggs will almost certainly be of much better quality than factory-farmed options. There is also a huge variety of organic, fresh food available within Ceredigion, offering even more variety to the consumer. The area has a diverse array of food produce and many of these are seasonal from carrots to buffalo meat. For a brief summary of ‘what’s in season’ during spring, summer, autumn and winter please browse our seasonal pages.