Editorial

Citation

Blades, M. (2003), "Editorial", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 33 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2003.01733daa.001

Editorial

There are a number of factors, which are said to affect food choice. In the long list of factors which includes social and religious aspects, price, convenience and availability (to mention but a few) there is seasonality.

But with a global food market and endless choice I wondered just how much the seasons of the year really do affect what we eat.

Suddenly, with the nice spring weather we experienced in March, the shops became full of garden items like seeds, onion sets, potato tubers and grow bags. The gardening programmes on TV and radio inspire one to dig and plant and weed.

Yet in actual truth the majority of us probably derive little food from our gardens or from local produce and so season has little to play as regards food choice.

Some people, especially in the countryside, do grow a large proportion of their vegetables, potatoes and fruit. But such gardening relies on having the space to grow things and newer homes seem to be built with ever-smaller garden plots. Obviously there are allotments for hire for those with inadequate garden space who want to grow vegetables but in my area the majority of these have become weed infested tangles which nobody wants to take on.

There are excellent initiatives like local markets for farmers to sell their produce to local people. Also there are vegetable box schemes which enable households to sign up to purchase a regular delivery of a selection of seasonal vegetables which are usually organically grown.

The main thing that seems important is to try to encourage individuals to consume more fruit and vegetables. If they are home grown or locally grown then so much the better.

It is recommended that we take at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. The National Health Service Plan suggests that "Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day could lead to estimated reductions up to 20 per cent in overall deaths from chronic diseases of strokes and cancer." Current consumption is only about three portions of fruit and vegetables per person per day.

The Department of Health has just launched an initiative to encourage people to consume more fruit and vegetables. They have launched a logo, which shows that a product contains at least a portion (80g) of fruit or vegetables. The logo will initially be used to promote fruit and vegetables, which have no added fat, sugar or salt. It will apply to fresh, chilled, frozen, canned and dried fruit and vegetables. Also 100 per cent fruit and vegetable juices will be included.

The use of this logo is considered to assist consumers to achieve the consumption of five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

Anyway it is back to the garden where no doubt the slugs and my hens will enjoy more of the fruit and vegetables than I will!

Mabel Blades