Everyone knows that fresh fruit and vegetables are essential for a healthy diet. However, to get the maximum benefit from fruit and vegetables we need to consider 2 factors. Is this produce in season? Is it locally grown?

When you buy locally grown produce you are getting the most nuitrient-rich fruit and vegetables. Often buying from large supermarkets means the produce has probably been picked several days, maybe even a week, before it has found it’s way on to the shelves where it sits even longer. Sometimes, to allow for packaging and transportation, this produce is picked before it is ripe which again reduces the nutritional value.  Fruit and vegetables start to change as soon as they are picked and the vitamin content begins to deteriorate.

Finally, consideration should also be given as to how we cook fruit and vegetables. It is important not to overcook them or, again, essential nutrients are lost. Steaming, or using waterless cookware , is the healthiest method. You can see our range of waterless cookware at www.itsecotime.com.