The Slow Living Collective by Amy Pigott

October 07, 2024 Seasonal Eating Made Simple: How We Cook and Eat with the Seasons at Home

Why Seasonal Eating matters to us

I talk about eating seasonally quite a lot, and it’s something we make a priority in our home, but what actually is seasonal eating?

Seasonal eating is simply about consuming fresh, local foods that are in season in our locality, and this will look different for everyone, depending on where you live. When we eat seasonally we are about to enjoy fruits and vegetables at their peak, both in terms of their taste but also at their peak of their nutritional value too. Nature provides an abundance of fruit and veg, and it’s no coincidence that it offers the right food, with the right nutrients, at the right time and in the right season. Essentially, when you eat seasonally you are providing your body with the right nutrients it needs at just the right time, in your locality.

It’s mindblowing when you start to look into it. But also makes you think “well of course that make sense”.

I think with so many of these things connected to the ways in which our ancestors live we already know these things, deep down at least, we just need to be reminded. It’s almost like it sits, untapped in our DNA, passed down through the generations.

For anyone coming to seasonal living for the first time, let me dive a little deeper: Seasonal eating is exactly what it sounds like — eating what’s in season. It means filling your plate with fruits and vegetables that are naturally growing during a specific time of year in your region. So, instead of grabbing strawberries in the middle of winter or tomatoes shipped across the world, you’re enjoying foods at their freshest, when they’re at their peak ripeness and flavour for where you live. The idea is to align your meals with what’s naturally available, and trust me, once you start doing this, you'll notice how much better your food tastes.

And the flavour is just one part of it all. There are so many benefits to seasonal eating. First off, it’s more nutritious because when produce is harvested at its prime and doesn’t have to travel thousands of miles to reach the supermarket, it retains more of its vitamins and minerals. You're getting the best of the best in terms of health benefits.

For us, embracing seasonal eating has completely changed how we approach food over the years. We’ve gone from mindlessly picking up the same things week after week to really being intentional about what we’re putting on the table. It’s not just about eating; it’s about enjoying the process, slowing down, and being more connected to the food we eat and the land it comes from. It’s how we stay grounded and aligned with the cycles of the seasons too. We love how it encourages us to slow down, enjoy what’s available, and appreciate each season's wonders.

Seasonal eating has become such a natural rhythm for our family, and it’s brought so much joy and mindfulness into our kitchen.

Today I’m pulling back the curtain on what seasonal eating looks like in our home, but if you want to dive even deeper into how we’ve made this a way of life, be sure to check out my latest podcast episode. I break down how we meal plan, shop, and cook seasonally throughout the year, plus I’m sharing some simple tips to help you bring the magic of seasonal eating into your own home. So, grab your headphones, tune in, and let’s take this journey together.

Let’s slow down and journey together through the seasons with simplicity and mindfulness. Subscribe for simple musings directly to your inbox.

Our Seasonal Eating Routine at Home

When I share about eating seasonally I think the biggest question I get is: but what do you cook?

And the answer is so simple. But I think sometimes we get so caught up in overthinking it that it seems like it might be harder than it sounds.

For us it’s simple: We eat our regularly enjoyed meals, and we make them with seasonal produce. So it might be that we eat more casseroles with root veg through the autumn, or more tomato based dishes and salads through the summer. It’s not about changing what you eat or what you enjoy; instead, it's about being more thoughtful with the ingredients and choosing seasonally appropriate fruits and vegetables where possible.

And it’s not about perfection, it’s just about doing what we can.

In our home, seasonal eating is a way of life, and each season brings its own unique rhythm to our kitchen. I know it can be hard to think about how it might work when you first start out, so let me take you through what this looks like for us, season by season, and share how we embrace seasonal eating throughout each season.

Spring is all about renewal and freshness. After the heavier meals of winter, our family craves light, vibrant dishes. We start incorporating more greens like spinach, wild garlic, purple sprouting broccoli and asparagus into our meals. I love making simple spring salads with peas and herbs or roasting asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Spring is also when we start getting those first glimpses of early strawberries if the weather allows, which find their way into everything here.

Summer is the season when everything seems to burst with colour and flavour. Our table is often overflowing with juicy homegrown tomatoes, cucumbers, and courgettes fresh from our allotment garden. For summer dinners are often simple — think grilled veggies, fresh salads, and big bowls of berries for dessert. We pair it with something like grilled meat or halloumi.

When Autumn rolls around, we start to lean into heartier, more grounding foods. Squash, pumpkins, and apples take center stage, especially adding in roast joints of meat or warming casseroles. Autumn is the season where we really start to slow down in the kitchen, embracing those comforting, nourishing meals that make you feel like you’re preparing for winter’s rest. I am not ashamed to admit, it’s my absolute favourite season, both in general and in the kitchen.

And when Winter sets in, we turn to root vegetables like carrots, parsnips and potatoes, as well as hardy leafy greens like black kale and cabbage. These veggies keep us going through the colder months, and we often roast, steam or throw them in a casserole for meals that are both hearty and nourishing. Winter is also when we pull out any preserved goods — jams, pickles, or tomato sauces we made during the warmer months. We love making soups from what’s in the pantry, adding greens and grains for a meal that feels nourishing and restorative. Winter might be cold and dark, but in our kitchen, it’s all about warmth and comfort.

Each season brings its own abundance, and by embracing that natural rhythm, we not only eat better, but we also stay more connected to the world around us. It’s a beautiful reminder of how nature provides exactly what we need, exactly when we need it.

So where do you start?

Here are some of the practical tips that have helped our family embrace seasonal eating. Whether you're just starting or already love cooking with the seasons, these ideas can make the whole process feel a little simple and even more enjoyable.

Meal Planning with the seasons is definitely one of the easiest ways to start. I check what’s in season and build our meals around those ingredients, so instead of forcing a recipe with out-of-season produce, I’ll focus on what’s freshest. Letting the produce guide my meal plan helps keep things fresh and exciting in the kitchen.

Going to a farm shop is hands down one of my favourite parts of seasonal eating. There's something special about picking up produce straight from the source, knowing it was harvested just a day or two before. Look for produce that’s in season — this is usually what’s in abundance and often at its best price. It’s helpful to get to know the local farmers and ask questions. They’ll know exactly what’s at its peak and can often give you tips for cooking it.

Preserving is also key to making the most of what’s in season, especially when you want to enjoy it beyond its natural seasonal window. It’s a great way to stretch out that seasonal abundance, especially when we have more than we can use right away. Canning is another great option, especially for fruits — there’s nothing quite like cracking open a jar of homemade jam in the middle of winter and remembering those warm, sunny days.

If you’re looking to embrace seasonal eating with ease, I can’t recommend Riverford Fruit and Veg Boxes enough! These beautifully curated boxes bring the freshest, organic produce straight from the farm right to your doorstep, making it so simple to eat in harmony with the seasons. We have been using Riverford for almost 2 years and we love it - the excitement of getting our box every other week is still as exciting as it was on the first day. There are so many different boxes to choose from and include a mix seasonal fruits and/or vegetables that really help to embrace seasonal eating in the kitchen. Plus, when you support Riverford it also means you’re also backing sustainable farming practices and local communities. It’s a win-win!

And here’s a little bonus: by using this link, you can get £15 off your second box! So go ahead, treat yourself to a box.

I know what you’re thinking, that all this comes at a much higher price tag, and I am not going to lie, sometimes it does come at a cost. But that being said budget-friendly seasonal eating is totally doable, and one of the best ways to save money while still enjoying fresh, local produce. The key is to buy produce when it’s at its peak — this is when it’s most plentiful and often cheaper. For example, during autumn, you’ll find an abundance of squash, apples, and root vegetables, all at more affordable prices than out-of-season options. And you don’t have to step away from the supermarket if it’s not affordable. You can still absolutely live with the seasons when it comes to your produce by just selecting produce that is in season from the supermarket. You will often find that when it is in season in your locality that you will find local options. For example, here in the UK you will find in- season Strawberries from around the UK over other locations. You can also buy in bulk when something is in season and preserve it for later, stretching your money even further.

Let’s slow down and journey together through the seasons with simplicity and mindfulness. Subscribe for simple musings directly to your inbox.

Why we love seasonal eating so much

For the years that we have been incorporating seasonal eating into our lives it has been such a gamechanger, in our health and how we feel and filling our plates with fresh produce that’s in season has transformed how we feel overall. We have more energy, our bodies feel nourished, and the flavours are just incredible — it’s nature’s way of giving us exactly what we need, when we need it.

But it’s not just about the food; it’s about how we cook, too. Mindful cooking has become a joyful ritual in our home. Instead of rushing through meal prep, we’ve slowed down to really appreciate the ingredients. Each meal has turned into an adventure, where we experiment with flavours and try new recipes based on what’s fresh and available. Cooking together has transformed into a bonding experience as we gather in the kitchen. It feels less like a chore and more like a celebration of the season.

Then there’s the deeper connection we’ve formed with nature and the seasons too. Being aware of what’s in season has made us more in tune with the earth and the cycles that govern it. Our trips to the supermarket or the farm shop have become a highlight instead of a chore. It’s such a grounding experience that reminds us that food is so much more than just fuel for our bodies — it’s a connection to the land and the incredible people who nurture it.

Embracing seasonal eating has prompted a beautiful mindset shift for our family, alongside that of living more slowly, simply and seasonally in every area of our lives. It has encouraged us to live more intentionally and appreciate the simple pleasures that each season brings.

And if living slowly, simply and more seasonally sounds like something you are interested in or if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I have something just for you.

My Busy Person’s Guide to Slowing Down is your essential roadmap to living more intentionally and aligning with the rhythms of the seasons — especially when it comes to the joy of seasonal eating. This guide is packed with practical tips and insights to help you find a slower, more meaningful pace, even amidst the chaos of life.

So, how can you can get started? Let me help!

If you’re ready to dive into the wonderful world of seasonal eating with me, I’m here to cheer you on. The best part? You don’t have to go all in right away. Start small and make it fun. A great way to kick things off is by visiting your local farm shop or farmers market. There’s something so special about picking out fresh, seasonal goodies.

Another simple way to ease into seasonal eating is by dedicating just one meal a week to seasonal ingredients. Focusing on just one meal allows you to experiment and get creative without feeling overwhelmed. Don’t forget to check out this What’s in Season guide from the NFU to help guide you as to what is currently in season.

To help you get started, I’ve put together some fantastic resources just for you! Check out my free seasonal eating guide and checklist, where you'll find tips on what to buy each season and how to incorporate those ingredients into your meals. It’s the perfect little nudge to help you embrace this delicious lifestyle!

And if you want even more slow living and seasonal inspiration, don’t forget to subscribe to my Substack. Here I share tips, insights, and stories to help you cultivate a more intentional, joyful life, one season at a time.

Ready to dive into Autumn?

As the leaves start to change and that crisp autumn air starts to fill our lungs, it’s the perfect moment to dive into the magic of this season with my Autumn Simplicity workshop. Imagine having a roadmap that leads you to live in perfect harmony with the beauty all around you this autumn. This isn’t just another workshop; it’s a soul-nourishing journey designed to help you truly connect with the earth while embracing the essential practice of rest and self-care this season.

In Autumn Simplicity you’ll learn to appreciate the little wonders of the season and cultivate a newfound sense of peace and empowerment in your life. This workshop is all about helping you stay present, release the weight of the past, and open your heart to the future. By the end, you’ll walk away with a deeper connection to your authentic self and the tools you need to create a life that flows beautifully with the rhythm of the season this autumn.

So, if you’re ready to invite the warmth and wonder of autumn into your life, I’d love for you to join me in Autumn Simplicity!

Psst: It’s also currently on sale too.

As we wrap up our journey into the world of seasonal eating, I hope you feel inspired to give it a try. I’d love to hear your thoughts — what are your favorite seasonal ingredients, or how do you plan to incorporate more seasonal meals into your routine?

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theslowlivingcollective.substack.com/subscribe

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