How do wild foods compare to cultivated seasonal foods?

Last Updated on Thu, 22 August 2024 | Seasonal Eating

This article will explore the fascinating topic of nutritional benefits from wild foods versus seasonal cultivated food. In my role as a nutritionist and dietician, I'll give you a detailed look at the differences between both kinds of foods and their benefits to your health. This topic will be discussed in detail, including why it is important, the best way to incorporate these foods into your daily diet, examples, and tips on how to make them work for you. Let's get started!

Seasonal Foods: Wild and Cultivated

It is important to understand the differences in nutrition between wild foods and seasonal cultivated food. This will help you make informed choices about your diet. Since thousands of years, wild foods have formed a part of the human diet. A study in the Journal of Applied Ecology found that wild foods tend to be more nutrient dense than their cultivated equivalents.

Compared to food that is shipped over long distances, foods grown in season, locally, and picked at their peak freshness tend to be higher on nutrients. This claim is supported by a report published by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, which states that seasonal and local foods retain more nutrients because they are consumed sooner.

Get Started With Wild and Cultivated Foods

You can start by shopping at local grocery stores or farmers' markets that are supportive of local farmers. Foraging is another option, however it must be done safely and responsibly. USDA advises that you only gather wild food from places you are sure to be clean, free of pesticides and can identify.

Nutritional Benefits Examples

Wild Berries, a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealed that wild berries such as blueberries and cranberries contain higher levels of antioxidants than cultivated berries.
Wild Greens. According to an article in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (JSSA), wild greens like dandelion and the nettle have more vitamins and minerals than cultivated lettuce.
Cultivated tomatoes: According to research by the American Society for Horticultural Science, seasonal and locally grown tomato varieties have a higher level of vitamin C than supermarket off-season varieties.
Cultivated squash: Squashes like butternut, acorn and other seasonal varieties are rich in vitamin A and fiber. According to University of Illinois Extension, they are also more flavourful when picked in season.

Other Tips

You can increase the benefits of these foods by pairing them up with healthy fats. Pairing wild greens and avocado or other fat-soluble nutrients can increase the absorption of these vitamins. Variety is also important in any diet. Include a variety of wild and cultivated foods in your diet to get a full spectrum of nutrition.

Conclusion

Both wild and cultivated season foods have unique nutritional advantages. Wild foods are more nutrient dense, while seasonal vegetables and fruits that have been cultivated closer to harvesting time tend to contain a higher level of nutrients. Include a wide variety of foods to ensure a nutrient rich diet.