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The Importance of Sourcing Local, Seasonal and Sustainable Produce

Paul Roku Agency • Jan 08, 2024

In today's rapidly globalising world, the food on our plates often travels thousands of miles before it reaches us. 


However, conscious consumers are increasingly turning their attention to local, seasonal, and sustainable produce. This shift isn't just a trend – it's an important way to support local economies, against climate change, reduce our carbon footprint, and enjoy fresher, more nutrient-rich foods.


At Caiger & Co., we're incredibly proud to offer our bespoke catering and event service to hold sustainable events, with eco-conscious practices and produce sourcing at the forefront of our mission.


In this blog post, we dive into the myriad benefits of sourcing produce that's local, seasonal, and sustainable, and explain why sustainability is one of our core values.


 

The benefits of sourcing local food


Sourcing local food has a multitude of benefits that impact not just the consumers, but also the community and the environment.


Locally grown food is often fresher, as it doesn't have to travel long distances, preserving its nutritional value. The shorter the distance it has to travel, the fewer carbon emissions are produced during transport, contributing to a reduction in food miles and our carbon footprint.


Additionally, by supporting local farmers, we help stimulate and grow the local economy, creating jobs, and fostering a sense of community. This also contributes to preserving farmland and green spaces in the area, which are essential for biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem.

How to source local produce


Finding the best local food can be a highly rewarding - and delicious - adventure.


A good place to begin would be exploring your local farmer's markets, which are often teeming with fresh, seasonal produce straight from the farm. Visiting these markets not only helps you source local, seasonal food, but also gives you the opportunity to interact with farmers and learn more about the produce you're buying.


Consider subscribing to a community-supported agriculture (CSA) programme, where you can receive a regular delivery of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and sometimes even dairy and meat products. There are many options in the UK.


Additionally, look out for locally grown labels when shopping at supermarkets. Many stores now source vegetables from local farms, making it easier than ever to find delicious local food.


Lastly, consider dining at farm-to-table restaurants that prioritise local and seasonal ingredients in their dishes.

 

Seasonal food throughout the year


Choosing foods to eat seasonally throughout the year is a simple and delicious way to boost the nutritional value of your meals, all while supporting the earth's natural growing cycle. 


Seasonal produce not only tastes better but also contains way more nutrients than out-of-season produce due to the plants being harvested at the time of peak ripeness. Moreover, seasonal foods are usually grown locally, hence aligning with eco-friendly practices.


 

The best seasonal fruit and veg to look for


Spring


  • Asparagus
  • Rhubarb
  • Spinach
  • Strawberries


Summer


  • Blueberries
  • Tomatoes
  • Courgette
  • Peaches


Autumn


  • Apples
  • Pumpkin
  • Squashes
  • Pears


Winter


  • Brussels sprouts
  • Citrus fruits
  • Root vegetables
  • Cabbage



Dishes to make with seasonal produce


A well-rounded vegan wedding menu can offer a delightful dining experience for all your guests while staying true to your lifestyle values. To achieve this, focus on using seasonal and locally sourced produce, offering a range of flavours and textures, and including protein-rich plant-based vegan and vegetarian options.


Spring


The heat of summer calls for light, refreshing dishes. A simple tomato and basil salad, or grilled courgettes dressed with olive oil and lemon zest, make for perfect summer fare. Finish your meal with a cool peach sorbet, the epitome of summer sweetness.


Summer


Spring brings a bounty of fresh greens, vegetables and berries. A strawberry spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette captures the vitality of the season perfectly. You could also roast fresh asparagus with a touch of olive oil and garlic, or bake a tart rhubarb pie for dessert.


Autumn


Autumn's rich, earthy flavours lend themselves well to hearty dishes. A roasted apple and pumpkin soup makes for a delicious, warming starter. For the main course, squash risotto hits the spot, and a pear tart with apples and a buttery crust makes a delightful dessert.


Winter


Winter is a time for comforting, hearty meals. A cabbage and root vegetable stew will keep you warm on the coldest nights, while citrus fruits can be used in a vibrant salad or a tangy dessert. Don't forget the humble Brussels sprout, which can be roasted to crispy perfection.

Making sustainable choices


Making sustainable choices extends beyond food to encompass all areas of our lives. In terms of food, it means considering not just where our food comes from, but how it was grown, processed or raised. Opting for organic produce, free-range eggs, or grass-fed meat can significantly reduce the environmental impact of our diets.


It's also crucial to learn ways to prepare and to reduce food waste by planning meals, storing food properly, and using leftovers creatively.

Beyond food, sustainability means choosing products with minimal packaging, opting for renewable sources of energy, reducing water usage, and choosing modes of transport that minimise our carbon footprint.


Overall, making sustainable choices involves adopting a mindset of mindful consumption, where we consider the lifecycle of the products we use and enjoy, and the impact of our actions on the environment.

 

Reducing food waste


Reducing food waste is a critical aspect of sustainable living. It's not only beneficial for the environment but also helps people save money and resources.


The first step to reducing food waste is mindful shopping - for example, buying only what we need and planning our meals to ensure all bought items are used. Storing food properly helps to preserve it, extending its shelf life and preventing premature spoilage. Leftovers can be creatively repurposed into new meals, or composted to enrich the soil and grow more in our gardens.


Additionally, understanding date labels on food products can prevent unnecessary wastage due to confusion between foods' 'sell-by', 'use-by', and 'best-before' dates. By implementing these strategies, we can significantly reduce food waste, contribute to a healthier planet and live a more economical lifestyle.

 

Work with a catering company who cares


When planning a wedding, party, or other events, it is wise to prioritise catering that has sustainable and delicious food at the heart. By setting an example through carefully-planned menus, with locally-sourced seasonal foods, guests can leave inspired, and follow suit.


Sustainability at Caiger & Co.


Our aim at Caiger & Co. is to promote sustainable eating. We are pleased to celebrate the best of seasonal produce with every event. By sourcing local and artisan produce, we create elegant and flavourful culinary experiences, with a bespoke menu for each client.


Each event is approached through a circular sustainability system. From food production to kitchen to post-event, we work hard to minimise our impact.

To find out more about our mission, get in touch today.
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