Negros Oriental-- Philippines is a tropical country that produces a lot of fruits. There are lists of fruits that are ripe or “in season” in particular months of the year. The only fruits that are available all year-round in the country are bananas, papayas, and pomelos.

Eating fruits provide health benefits. Fruits as part of a healthy diet may reduce the risk of some chronic diseases. Fruits provide excellent sources of nutrients that are necessary for the maintenance of good health. Some of its nutrients include potassium, dietary fiber and vitamin C. 

Diets rich in potassium may help in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Dietary fiber from fruits helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is also important to proper bowel function while Vitamin C is important helps heal wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.

The seasonality of fruits or fruit production relies on its environment’s temperature and humidity. Fruits naturally grow in cycle and ripen during a certain season every year. When fruits are ripe, they are at their best taste, compared to fruits that are out of season, fresher and provide highest nutritional value. 

Seasonal fruits are very cost-effective as they are grown locally and are readily available. Consuming fruits in season also supports local farmers and farming aside from its environment-friendly.

Eating fruits in season helps and ensures that our bodies are properly nourished throughout the year by eating the best that the season can offer. The same with the other foods; no single fruit can provide all the nutrients that our bodies need so we should eat a different variety of fruits every day.

We should also include other nutritious foods such as vegetables to keep our immune systems strong, especially now that we are in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. // ND II Chutsvieka May Pacatang, RND