4 Easy Steps to Meal Plan

For a year of eating seasonal produce!

Save time and money with nutritious meals using in-season produce.

Do you juggle a packed schedule with your teenagers’ activities and a full-time job? Do you want to serve nutritious meals with farm-fresh produce but struggle to find the time? I’ve been there too. Over the years, I’ve found time-saving ways to make the most of farm-fresh produce during peak seasons so I can enjoy my favorite meals all winter long.

I’ve experimented with freezing, preserving and dehydrating produce I get from local farmers, allowing me to enjoy fresh-tasting food year-round. I wanted meals I could quickly heat in the microwave, crock pot, or on the stove during our busy seasons, and I figured out how to make that happen.

My approach: Plan around seasonal vegetables to create ready-to-go meals for winter. In the summer and fall, I roast or sauté peak-season veggies, freeze them, and then use them in my favorite chili or soups. This way in the middle of January, I can enjoy the farm-fresh taste of summer vegetables.

Why Eat Seasonal Produce?

First let's talk about eating produce at its peak season. They are more than just delicious; they’re also nutritious, cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Seasonal meal planning helps you save time and money while reducing food waste by focusing on fresh, local ingredients at their best.

When produce is purchased in-season and locally grown, it has more time to mature on the plant, resulting in richer flavors and higher nutrient content. Plus, by supporting local farmers, you’re cutting down on the environmental impact of long-distance shipping.

Peak-season produce is usually more affordable, too. I have learned when fruits and vegetables are abundant, prices drop, making it easier to stick to your budget while enjoying fresh, flavorful ingredients.

Step-by-step instructions for maximizing the benefits of seasonal produce

1. Meal planning: Dedicate some time to review the recipes your family enjoys. Grab your favorite hot beverage, get comfortable by the window, and while watching the snowfall, explore your recipe app or books to compile a list of your preferred meals.

2. List of essential produce: In my family's favorite dishes, I rely heavily on peppers, carrots, celery, garlic, and onions—my top five vegetables for cooking throughout the year.

3. Seasonal produce calendar: Determine the seasons when the produce you use is available in your region. I reside in Minnesota and recognize that August and September are the peak months for these vegetables. By preserving them during their abundance, I can savor these flavors even during the depths of winter.

4. Schedule: Develop a schedule indicating when this produce is in season. Include important holidays and family vacations in this calendar.

Bringing Summer’s Harvest to Winter

Now sit back and imagine it’s next January. You’re enjoying a warm bowl of wild rice soup made with August’s peak season produce. The soup you made today with the frozen veggies bring a touch of summer to your winter meal—full of flavor and nutrients.

Each step you take toward eating more seasonal produce is a step toward better nutrition, sustainability, and time savings. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned over the years—no more endless internet searches, no more trial and error. Just practical, proven ways to feed your family with the best the seasons have to offer.

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Bonus Giveaway:

To help you get started on your journey, I’ve created a free 5-Step Guide to Planning Nutritious Meals for 2025, and discover just how easy it can be to embrace sustainable, seasonal cooking.

Enjoy the season you’re in, while dreaming of the meals to come.

Until next time!

AnnaBelle