Eating in Season vs Organic What’s Better and Why

Should I buy organic, or focus on eating in season?

It’s a question I’ve been asked more times than I can count and if you’ve ever found yourself wondering the same, you’re not alone.  We’re constantly being told what to eat, how to shop, and what to avoid:

• Buy organic
• Support local
• Eat what’s in season
• Don’t forget to wash your produce

It can feel overwhelming. 

So I want to begin by saying: if you’re even thinking about these things, you’re doing great! That level of awareness already puts you on a path toward better health.

Now, let’s explore the nuances of the choices we have.

Why I Prefer Eating in Season

While I value organic foods and the efforts behind them, my personal priority is always to eat in season whenever possible. Why? Because seasonal foods are:

• Picked when they’re ripe and full of life
• Richer in nutrients (especially when grown locally)
• Naturally more flavorful
• Easier to digest (they align with our body’s seasonal needs)
• Typically, as or more affordable (though what is these days!)
• Tend to have less to no chemical preservative treatments due to reduced or no long-haul transport to market needs
• Less taxing on the environment

Nature truly gives us what we need, when we need it.

Think cooling cucumbers and berries in the heat of summer … grounding squashes and root vegetables in the fall … cleansing bitter greens in spring. 

These patterns of nature aren't random, they're incredibly intelligent, and they align perfectly with traditional principles I’ve learned through decades of study in Oriental and holistic health philosophies.

What About Organic Produce?

Yes, organic is still important and it usually features benefits like:

• Reduced pesticide and herbicide use (excluding long-haul transport to markets e.g. from Chili or Mexico for example)
• Better soil and more traditional farming practices
• Fewer synthetic additives and preservatives
• More mindfulness in how food is grown
  
• It also tastes better, more flavourful

And for many people, that’s reason enough to make the switch. I support that choice especially for foods on the Dirty Dozen List or for families with young children.

However, there’s something we don’t always consider with organic produce:

• Even the best organic produce can lose its vitality when it’s shipped thousands of miles and stored for long periods before reaching your plate.
• Out-of-season organic blueberries flown in from another continents may check the organic box, but they may not offer the same vibrancy, or nutritional value as local, in-season produce that was just harvested a few days ago.
  

What About Local Farms That Aren’t Certified Organic

Here’s where things get interesting. 

Many of our small local farms use incredibly clean, thoughtful practices that are often well beyond the standards of commercial organic farming, but as smaller producers, they can’t afford the cost and upkeep of the certification process.

When I visit local farmers’ markets or speak with growers, I often find that their produce is free of synthetic sprays, grown in nutrient-rich soil, and handled with far more care than some larger operations.

So don’t be afraid to ask questions - Get curious.

I encourage you to support local farmers whose values align with yours, even if their label doesn’t say “certified organic”.  Traditionally grown foods also taste better!

Always Clean Your Produce No Matter What You Buy

Whether it’s organic, conventional, or local, I always recommend washing your produce thoroughly.

A simple soak in water with lemon juice or vinegar, or using a clean, natural veggie wash, can help remove:

• Preservative residues from transportation
• Waxes and coatings
• Dirt and bacteria
• Trace pesticides or chemicals from neighboring crops
  

And yes, even organic produce can carry residues, especially if it’s traveled far or been handled often.

My Personal, Real-Life Approach

So what’s the bottom line? 

It doesn’t have to be all or nothing and here’s what I personally aim for, and what I encourage my clients to consider:

1. Buy local and seasonal, when available
2. Choose organic when it’s accessible and (reasonably) affordable, especially for foods you love but can’t get locally
3. Wash and bless the rest giving thanks for the abundance we’re so fortunate to enjoy
   

Perfection isn’t the goal here, connection is:
With Your Food - With Your Body - With The Earth

Final Thoughts

Canada is not blessed with a long sub/tropical growing climate so it is very encouraging to see our farmers pursuing advanced technologies, even in the depth of cold Canadian winters, to deliver fresh, local produce to our tables. 

I for one purchase locally year round whenever possible.  As for cost, yes, it can be a bit more but that 10% or so extra supports our ability to be more self-sustaining, and varied with our food supply.

When we eat with the seasons, we work with the body, not against it:

• We give our digestive system a break
• We absorb more nutrients
• We reconnect to something ancient, intuitive, and wise 
  

And over time, these small, intentional choices make a big difference in how we feel, how we function, and how we thrive long-term.