Why That Out-of-Season Mango Could Be Harming the Planet
At River Cottage, our mission has always been simple: food to inspire change. But that change starts with a question we should all be asking more often… what is on my plate and where did it come from?
Modern food systems have made it easy to get anything, anytime. Strawberries in December? No problem. Pineapples in February? Sure. But the truth is, convenience often comes at a cost and the planet is picking up the tab.
Food Miles and the Bigger Picture
Ever heard of food miles? It is the distance food travels from where it is grown to where it is eaten. When that journey involves planes, lorries and refrigerated storage, the carbon footprint grows fast.
Transporting out-of-season produce from around the world burns fossil fuels, releases carbon dioxide, and adds to the climate crisis. You can calculate the specific food miles for any product here. The solution is to eat with the seasons.
Why Seasonal Eating is a Win-Win
1. Lower Emissions
Eating seasonally reduces the need to ship food across the globe. Less transport means fewer emissions. Simple.
2. Cheaper Prices
In-season produce is more abundant and grown closer to home which makes it more affordable. Ever noticed how expensive a mango is in winter? There is a reason for that.
3. Better Nutrition
Fruit and vegetables start losing nutrients the moment they are harvested. Seasonal food picked at its peak and eaten quickly is fresher, tastier and better for your health. We pick our vegetables and herbs right before our seasonal feasts for just this reason.
4. More Variety
Supermarkets might sell ten types of apples but there are thousands of varieties out there. Seasonal eating introduces you to new foods and helps support biodiversity. Read more about the fantastic work our friends over at Natoora do.
Why Food Provenance Matters More Than You Think
At River Cottage we often hear people say we are too expensive. We understand why it might seem that way but what we offer is real value. Everything we do is organic, from the soil to the food on your plate, and that level of care requires more effort and cost. Organic farming takes more labour but it is better for the environment, supports wildlife, and is healthier for you.
When you know where your food comes from you build a connection with the land and the people who grow it. This connection creates trust, supports local communities, and helps change the food system from the ground up.
The True Cost of Cheaper Food
We have grown used to cheap fast food. But that low price often hides environmental damage, low wages and poor animal welfare. The truth is that cheap food is not really cheap. Someone somewhere is paying the price and often that someone is the planet.
What We Do at River Cottage
We have been on your screens since the 1990s but what we do on the farm is more important than ever.
Everything we grow is seasonal and organic.
We care for the soil as much as we care for the ingredients on your plate.
We are here to show that real food, food with provenance, purpose and flavour, is worth it.
Our mission is not just to cook great meals. It is to help people understand their food, where it comes from, how it is grown and why it matters. This runs through all the things we do here: courses, seasonal feasts, our café, weddings and private events.
What Can You Do?
You do not have to grow your own to make a difference, though we always encourage it. Here are a few easy ways to get started:
- Shop locally. Farmers markets and local veg box schemes are full of seasonal produce.
- Use a seasonal calendar. Stick it on your fridge and plan your meals around what is in season. It is a great way to get inspiration each week if you are always wondering what to cook.
- Ask questions. Talk to your grocer or supplier. Be curious about how your food is grown. The more of us who are curious the more our food providers will care too.
- Try one seasonal swap. Maybe swap imported grapes for British berries in summer or pick up local squash instead of air freighted sweet potatoes in autumn.
Final Thought
The way we eat affects more than just our bodies. It impacts communities, landscapes, ecosystems and the climate. But the good news is you do not have to do everything at once. Every seasonal tomato, every locally grown courgette, every question you ask your greengrocer, it all adds up.
Because good food should feed the planet not drain it.
