What’s in Season? Spring Fruit & Vegetables

Something we pride ourselves on at The Organic Place is providing fresh, quality fruit and vegetables; this means we select from what is currently in season. So what is in season during the months of September, October and November? We’ve listed the spring fruits and vegetables below along with their benefits and some interesting facts!

1. Grapefruit: Are especially high in pectin, a soluble fibre that helps lower blood cholesterol. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory disorders find that eating grapefruit daily seems to alleviate their symptoms.
2. Apples: A good source of dietary fibre, vitamin C and potassium, organic apples have been proven to be more effective in keeping people awake than coffee! Apparently, it is due to the natural acidity and because sugar in the apple will be slowly released in your system.
3. Lemons: A great source of vitamin C, B6, A and E, folate, calcium, iron and more! Lemons are a great natural medicine to combat colds and sore throats and a great way to flavour water.
4. Oranges: Juicy, sweet and renowned for its concentration of vitamin C, organic oranges make the perfect portable snack. In the warmer months we cut them up and freeze them for school lunches!
5. Bananas: A good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and cholesterol-lowering dietary fibre. Bananas also provide complex carbohydrates and energy, and yield approximately 12% of the recommended daily folate intake.
6. Strawberries: These sweet juicy fruits are a powerhouse of healthy nutrients. In addition to being low in kilojoules and high in potassium, berries are high in fibre, making them an excellent snack.
7. Limes: Limes are an excellent source of vitamin C and a great way to prevent scurvy. They are also a great addition to vodka on a lovely spring afternoon!

1. Squash: An excellent source of manganese and a very good source of vitamin C. Squash also contains an unusual amount of other antioxidant nutrients, including the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants are especially helpful in antioxidant protection of the eye, including protection against age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
2. Bok Choi: A member of the cabbage family, Bok Choi is a good source of vitamin C and betacarotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Proven to help prevent heart disease, fight cancers and promote bone health.
3. Leek: A good source of vitamin C and iron, organic Leeks are a wonderfully versatile vegetable and make a great addition to stews, casseroles, soups and stir-fries. Our favourite is a chicken, leek and mushroom pie.
4. Silverbeet: A great source of vitamin A and vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium.
5. Beetroot: High in immune-boosting vitamin C, fibre and essential minerals like potassium and manganese. Proven to help lower blood pressure and fight inflammation. Have you tried our beetroot juice yet?
6. Spinach: A good source of dietary fibre, vitamin A and folic acid. Spinach also contains vitamin B2, B6 and is low in sodium and is a great addition on any green smoothie.
7. Zucchini: A goos source of folate and vitamin C the zucchini is proven to help lower cholesterol and help with weight loss.When cooking zucchini, try stir-frying or steaming as this minimises nutrient loss. A single zucchini plant can produce over 30kg of zucchini!!
8. Beans: Are a nutritional powerhouse, high in protein, fibre, B vitamins, iron & potassium. Beans help to prevent heart disease, lower cholesterol, fight cancer, manage diabetes and aid in weight loss.
9. Carrots: These root vegetables come with wholesome health benefiting compounds such as beta-carotenes, falcarinol, vitamin A, minerals and anti-oxidants in ample amounts. We’re looking forward to seeing them back on the market lists again.
10. Broccoli: A good source of vitamin A, BI and D, magnesium, protein, zinc, iron and dietary fibre. Also a quick and easy lunch box snack.
11. Chilli: Helps to prevent cancer, reduce the chance of blood clots & fight colds  The red varieties have the highest nutritional content. No so good for those with haemorrhoids!
12. Spring Onion: The green tops of spring onions are a good source of vitamin C and betacarotene.