4 Non-Eating Ways to Use Seasonal Vegetables
Seasonal eating is not a new phenomenon. For years, people have been advocating for seasonal eating of fruits and vegetables to promote sustainability and local businesses. Seasonal eating is the idea that a specific location on the globe plus a specific time of year determine which vegetables or fruits are ready for harvest and best for human consumption.
For example, here are some seasonal, fall vegetables found in North Carolina in Late October:
Apples
Beets
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Carrots
Lettuce
Pumpkins
And winter vegetables:
Brussels sprouts
Cabbages
Leeks
Oranges
Swiss chard
Turnips
Winter squash
There are websites that help to determine seasonal produce for any respective location and/or month. Seems pretty specific but could be definitely be useful for future event planning.
Research shows that consuming local and seasonal foods could benefit and relieves environmental implications like, water stress, land use change, pollution, biodiversity and climate change. Buying seasonal vegetables has shown to be better for your health, fresh vegetables tend to taste better, and what is in season is typically cheaper than what is imported. Eating seasonally is even possible when you’re a frugal college student!
All that to say, seasonal vegetables are not only for eating, although they never disappoint. But seasonal foods can also be used for DIY beauty products!
With the chilly, fall weather and fun holiday season right around the corner, what better time to (safely!) gather some friends for an at-home spa night with DIY skincare recipes and some music?
Here are a few innovative ways to use your seasonal vegetables for beauty and wellness at-home!
PUMPKIN BODY SCRUB
“This Fall favorite is incredibly dense in skin-healthy nutrients like beta-carotene, vitamin A, and zinc. It also works as a gentle, natural exfoliator thanks to its alpha-hydroxy content. Mixing this member of the squash family into masks and scrubs can help fight against premature signs of aging and also may brighten the skin to the high levels of vitamin C.”
SKIN PAMPERING CARROT FACE MASK
Carrots are great for skin because they are filled with vitamin C and antioxidants. They also help to stimulate cellular renewal.
“Cut into pieces, steam and mash the carrot, then combine with other natural ingredients like coconut oil and your flour of choice for a hydrating, anti-aging mask.”
ORANGE PEEL SKIN REVITALIZER
Oranges have a high content of citric acid which aids in skin exfoliation and helps to dry out acne. Keep your peels because they are higher content of Vitamin C than the orange itself. Grind it up and use it for a body scrub, or try this orange face mask.
Mix together 1/8 cup fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 egg yolk and 1 packet plain gelatin. Apply to skin for 20 minutes and then rinse.
SQUASH MASK
“This mask packs a big anti-acne punch with the help of squash to boost collagen production, tea-tree oil to fight blemishes, and honey to brighten the skin. Apply it once a week for a glowing and more even complexion.”
Ingredients: 1 butternut squash, pureed in a food processor, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 drops of tea tree oil
Enjoy these seasonal vegetables that double as skincare ingredients, and be sure to show us what you make!