Seasonal Food Guide and Food Preservation Methods

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by William D. Adams
The Raleigh Farmers Market is one of five operated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Seasonal food guide and food preservation methods to enjoy local food all year by canning, freezing, dehydrating, and more.

Enjoy Fresh Local Food: Seasonal Storage

Can you name three crops that will keep easily for months in a cool closet? (Try winter squash, sweet potatoes and garlic.) Or how about vegetables that stay fresh until well after Christmas when stashed in the refrigerator, or even just a cooler in your unheated garage? (We recommend carrots, beets and potatoes.)

Buying local produce and “putting it by” (or “putting it up,” depending on your region) is a great way to support local farmers and give your family fresher, better-tasting organic food. Every bite you take — today or months from now — helps strengthen your local economy, supports more sustainable food production and brings you a step closer to a more self-sufficient life.

Plus, buying local food in bulk often can save you money on grocery bills. And as the examples above indicate, it can be as easy as going to the farmers market when your favorite fruits and veggies are in season, and learning which conditions or techniques are best for storing each crop. Whether you grow your own garden or buy produce from local growers, the following charts will help you eat more sustainably all year long.

  • Published on Aug 1, 2007
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