"Hey, so why is everyone talking about 'seasonal recipes'? What's so special about them?"

Great question! Basically, when we talk about "seasonal recipes," we're referring to those dishes that make the most of the flavors of the ingredients that nature offers us at a specific time of year. Instead of using tasteless tomatoes in December or pumpkin in June, we choose to cook with what's fresh, ripe, and at its peak right then.

But why all this interest in seasonality? Well, there are many reasons, and they're all pretty valid.

First of all, the flavor. Have you ever tasted a strawberry in July, just picked, sweet and juicy? That's the difference! A tomato ripened in the summer sun will have an intense and vibrant flavor, completely different from the pale and watery one you find out of season. Nature does things right, at the right time, and our dishes benefit enormously.

Then there's the matter of cost. When a fruit or vegetable is in season, it's plentiful, and that means the price is lower. Buying strawberries in December, when they have to come from the other side of the world, costs a fortune, while in spring/summer they're a pleasure everyone can afford.

The nutritional properties are also an important factor. Seasonal foods tend to be richer in vitamins and minerals because they've ripened naturally and haven't been stored for long periods.

And let's not forget sustainability. Eating seasonal produce means reducing the environmental impact linked to transporting food from one end of the planet to the other, the intensive use of heated greenhouses, and the use of preservatives. It's a choice that's good for our bodies and the planet.

So, how does it work in practice? Well, each season has its stars.

In spring, for example, asparagus, strawberries, peas, fava beans, and fresh herbs triumph, perfect for light and colorful dishes.

Summer is the realm of tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants, peppers, and juicy fruits like peaches, apricots, and melons, ideal for salads, grilling, and preserves.

Autumn brings us the warm and enveloping flavors of pumpkin, mushrooms, chestnuts, grapes, apples, and pears, perfect for soups, risottos, and desserts.

And in winter, even if the choice may seem more limited, we can enjoy citrus fruits, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, radicchio, and dried fruits and nuts, for nutritious and comforting dishes.

In short, seasonal recipes are a way to rediscover the pleasure of eating in harmony with nature, respecting the rhythms of the seasons and bringing authentic and genuine flavors to the table. An invitation to rediscover the connection between food, the land, and well-being.