One of the simplest things we can do to cut down on the carbon footprint of the food we eat while reducing the cost at the same time is buying foods when they are in season.

Fruits and Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet and buying fresh fruits and vegetables can be difficult.  Most of us are not produce experts and aren't always the best at selecting the best apple from the pile or the best head of lettuce from the stack, but there are some easy tips and tricks to picking the best of the bunch.

By ~bobbydickson @ deviantart

I am personally a huge fan of pretty much all fruits and most vegetables with a few that I can do without, but it is difficult to tell when my favorite fruits and veggies are in season and perfectly ripened. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables can provide you with a number of nutrients as well as add variety to a diet.  There are also a number of ways to cook your fruits and vegetables to make a more diverse meal.  You can freeze your produce for a later time, saute your vegetables for a more oriental flare, you can fry them for a more Southern-American taste, bake them and make a veggie chip, or simply eat them fresh!  Having a variety of ways to prepare your produce helps keep meals interesting while providing your necessary servings of fruits and vegetables.  Fruits also work well as supplements or main ingredients of baked goods such as pies, coffee cakes, or a topping for pancakes.

By purchasing produce that is in season you are getting better flavored, fresh, and more locally grown which lowers the carbon footprint of your produce.  Produce purchased in season is also better for you.

Check out this document for information on selecting the best produce and when different produce is in season.