While Miami's heat can be unbearable at times, I love this time of year for one particular reason: tropical fruit season!!!

Of course, mangoes, lychees, and watermelon are deliciously sweet and juicy, but beyond that, nature provides us with exactly what we need for each season.

Isn't it amazing how during the hottest times of the year when we need the most hydration, nature provides us with fruits that are almost bursting with water?

This is one of the simplest ways to move towards living a more aligned life. Eating with the seasons.

Not only will you get the proper minerals and sustenance you need, but you will also better quality produce.

Oranges for example, are great most of the year, but they're out of season in the summer. Yet in the winter time when we need more vitamin C, they're at their peak.

In our global economy, you can get almost anything anytime of year. But as I often tell my toddler:

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

I could buy oranges at any grocery store right now, or lychees in the winter, but I would not expect them to be any good. Tropical fruits in particular have a really short shelf life, which is why it's really hard to find them in grocery stores, especially ones that are any good.

If you live in a colder climate, a local company ships out tropical treats when they are at their peak.

And of course, so many of us are so used to getting whatever we want whenever we want it, that we don't even know what is and is not in season. This is part of the re-learning.

It was only once I discovered Miami's (technically, the Redlands / Homestead's) massive agricultural economy that I became curious about seasonal eating. Once I noticed the fresh squeezed orange juice I loved to order at my local Cuban cafeteria had a spoiled orange in the mix more often in the summer, and looked up its season.

Little by little, if you choose to learn, you will.

Find the local farmer's market where farmers actually sell locally grown goodies. I'm not sure how it works in other parts of the country or world, but sadly, in Miami, most farmer's markets have produce vendors getting most of their stuff at bulk suppliers just like the grocery stores.

​Legion Park farmer's market is a local favorite for this reason. Joining a local CSA is another great way to get what's in season directly from a local farm.

Unlike "co-ops" or "buying clubs" that source organic produce in bulk and then share the cost, CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.

As the name implies, you support the farmer by paying up front for the entire growing season. If the farm has a really good season, they share the surplus with you. If they get an unexpected cold front or drought and their crops suffer, you take the hit with them.

It's a small risk in exchange for supporting one of the most under valued professions in the US. And it takes all the guess work out of seasonal eating, which you'll get the gist of within a year or two of being a member.

Lastly, if you're worried about fruits having too much sugar, try reducing your intake of processed grains instead. A fresh mango is MUCH better for a late night snack than a bowl of cereal or a bag of chips.

Try for yourself and see how you feel.

Happy Eating,

Pri

This 600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246

If you're curious, the above address is just an automated anti-spam feature. I'm still in Miami, but this newsletter software says using a real address here is best, and I didn't want to use my home address.

Feeling like this doesn't resonate at all, no worries. You do you boo, and we'll cross paths again when the time is right :-)
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