Many nutrition experts recommend that consumers prioritize seasonal foods to ensure freshness and micronutrient content.
Off-season tomatoes
Off-season tomatoes are often grown in greenhouses or harvested early for long-distance transportation. According to a nutritionist at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, fruits and vegetables harvested when not yet ripe can naturally reduce the content of antioxidants such as lycopene, a compound good for the heart.
Strawberries
Off-season strawberries are easily bland due to prolonged cold storage. Experts from the Cleveland Clinic believe that long storage time reduces vitamin C, a nutrient sensitive to temperature and light.
Broccoli
Unseasonal mustard greens often grow slowly in unfavorable weather conditions, leading to harder texture and more bitter taste.
Off-season watermelon
Off-season watermelons may lack natural sweetness because sunlight, the decisive factor in the amount of sugar formed in the fruit, is not as strong as in summer.
Although modern farming technology helps supply food year-round, experts recommend that consumers choose seasonal vegetables and fruits, prioritizing clear origins to ensure optimal flavor and nutritional value.
