Until refrigerators and freezers were invented, people ate seasonally and locally, and in many parts of the world they still do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Sanskruti we are convinced that simply cooked vegetarian food from India tastes so amazing because the ingredients are fresh and organic from the market as well as seasonal and local. And so, we strive to get most of the ingredients locally sourced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For most of us this might be an unusual thought. We can have whatever food we fancy all year round, right? Well, thanks to supermarkets we have that option, but this is not the natural state of affairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fruit and vegetables have seasons; periods of time where conditions provide optimum harvests and flavour. If a food is harvested when it is naturally ripe not only will it have a great taste, but it will also be bursting with health-boosting vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When seasons change our physical needs do too, there\u2019s a reason we crave wholesome hearty meals in the winter and lightweight salads in the summer. Seasonal vegetables help us meet our health challenges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A diet based around seasonality ensures varied, local and seasonal consumption and this can help keep mind and body well-balanced. It\u2019s certainly a real luxury having all kinds of produce all year round, but by not listening to the seasons and our bodies we are losing out on a number of benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In Indian cooking the way spices are used also alters from season to season, because our bodies have different nutritional needs and it is thought that we are more likely to pick up certain viruses and illnesses at certain times of the year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This intrinsic knowledge about spices, herbs and vegetables comes from food and cooking being so central to family life and culture in India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winter spicing influences the body to warm from within with more garlic, ginger, star anise, black pepper, turmeric etc. whereas in the spring the use of fresh mint, shredded coconut, fennel seeds and coriander all have cooling properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Probably one of the most compelling reasons to maintain a seasonal diet is that you save money. When you buy in-season the produce is available in abundance so basic economics principles means that it costs less for farmers to distribute to shops and therefore less to buy, saving money all round. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Supporting local producers means that the food you buy is likely to be even fresher thanks to reduced transportation time so you\u2019ll be doing your bit for the environment by reducing your carbon footprint and saving precious water on growing out-of-season crops. And you will be supporting your local businesses, allowing the local economy to thrive!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The most important principle of seasonal produce is that it tastes great. It\u2019s grown close to home and harvested when it\u2019s at the height of ripeness. It costs less to distribute and there is no need for additives or preservatives as it hasn\u2019t got far to be transported. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foods that are out-of-season either have to be shipped in are often picked unripe and have to survive long trips or are grown in greenhouses where they are artificially ripened – either way it\u2019s the flavour that suffers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eating a seasonal diet is not only good for your budget and health but changing ingredients seasonally can keep food interesting and diverse. It\u2019s easy to work out what is seasonal \u2013 it\u2019s the stuff that\u2019s available in your grocery store or farm shop that\u2019s piled high and it looks fresh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember don\u2019t just shop with your eyes \u2013 use your nose and feel what you are buying. If it looks, smells and feels ripe you are on to a winner.<\/p>\n\n\n
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Until refrigerators and freezers were invented, people ate seasonally and locally, and in many parts of the world they still do. At Sanskruti we are convinced that simply cooked vegetarian food from India tastes so amazing because the ingredients are fresh and organic from the market as well as seasonal and local. And so, we […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t