Why Eating Seasonal Foods Could Be the Best Health Decision You’ll Make This Year







Have you ever wondered why mangoes taste sweeter in certain months or why the price of tomatoes suddenly drops? That’s the magic of seasonal foods. Eating what’s in season isn’t just kinder on your pocket—it’s also a powerful, natural way to boost your family’s health. In today’s post, we’ll explore the importance of eating seasonal foods in Nigeria, answer your pressing questions, and help you make healthy eating a joyful part of your lifestyle.


Let’s dig in.



Q1: What exactly are seasonal foods?




A: Seasonal foods are fruits, vegetables, and crops that are harvested at their natural peak during specific times of the year. In Nigeria, examples include fresh corn during the rainy season, mangoes around March to July, and garden eggs, okra, and ugu (pumpkin leaves) in abundance during various months. Eating them fresh means better flavor, higher nutrients, and a stronger connection to the land.



Q2: Are seasonal foods more affordable in Nigeria?





A: Absolutely! Seasonal eating is a budget-friendly strategy for healthy eating in Nigeria. When a food is in season, it's produced in large quantities, making it cheaper in local markets. For example, tomatoes can be as low as ₦1,000 per basket during the glut period. Planning your meals around these affordable, nutritious local foods is a smart way to eat healthy on a budget.



Q3: Is seasonal eating more nutritious than eating imported or off-season food?


A: Yes. Foods eaten in their natural season are usually fresher and retain more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Off-season foods are often preserved artificially or imported, which may reduce their nutritional quality. Local leafy greens like fluted pumpkin leaves (ugu) and bitter leaf are excellent sources of iron and folate when eaten fresh and in season.




Q4: How does eating seasonally benefit your overall health and immunity?


A: Seasonal foods naturally provide the nutrients your body needs most during specific times. For instance:


Mangoes in their season offer vitamin C to support immunity during cold weather.

Corn and yams provide energy during planting season.

Leafy greens during the rainy season help replenish iron and detox the body.


This rhythm supports your immune system and helps prevent lifestyle diseases.




Q5: How can I start a family meal plan based on seasonal foods?



A: Start by visiting your local markets regularly to see what’s fresh and abundant. Create weekly meal plans that revolve around these items. For example:


Monday: Yam pottage with ugu

Wednesday: Corn and pear (ube)

Friday: Boiled plantain with garden egg sauce

Sunday: Jollof rice with fresh tomatoes and steamed bitter leaf


This approach supports family meal planning and introduces variety, which keeps everyone excited about healthy food.



Q6: What if I want to store seasonal foods for later?


A: Great question! You can preserve seasonal foods in healthy ways:


Dry vegetables like bitter leaf or scent leaf


Freeze mangoes or blended tomatoes


Sun-dry fish, okra, or pepper



This method ensures you eat nutritious foods year-round, even when they are out of season—without relying on harmful preservatives.


Q7: What are some Nigerian seasonal foods to watch out for all year round?






Here’s a quick seasonal guide to help you plan your meals:


Month Range Seasonal Foods


Jan - Mar Tomatoes, spinach, tangerines

Apr - Jul.  Mangoes, corn, garden eggs,  ugu waterleaf

Aug - Oct Okra, pawpaw, African pear (ube)

Nov - Dec Yams, citrus fruits, 



This helps you embrace the benefits of seasonal eating while aligning with your family's nutrition needs.



Seasonal eating in Nigeria isn’t just a trend—it’s a return to nature’s wisdom. From improving your family’s health, supporting your immunity, saving money, and eating more delicious meals, eating what’s in season is one of the most nourishing decisions you can make today.



Ready to start your healthy eating journey with foods you already know and love?

Share this post with friends and family—you just might inspire someone to eat healthier.

Drop a comment below: What’s your favorite seasonal food in Nigeria and why?

Don’t forget to subscribe for more family-friendly tips on nutrition and healthy living.






I remain your nutrition coach,

Odeyori Sekinat

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