November's Top Seasonal Produce: Nutritious Choices for Health and the Planet

Fill your November shopping cart with these seasonal stars. They're packed with nutrients and far gentler on the environment than off-season alternatives.

Local isn't always best for the planet. Greenhouse production—especially heated ones common in the Netherlands during shoulder seasons like autumn—often has a bigger carbon footprint than transport from sunnier spots like France or Spain. According to the Nature and Environment Foundation, shipping energy pales compared to heating costs. Opting for unheated imports can be more sustainable.

Progress is happening: Many Dutch growers now use energy-efficient methods like geothermal heat, ditching fossil fuels. This makes greenhouse tomatoes and cucumbers a solid, low-impact choice.

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Spinach
• Mandarin
• Fennel
• Radish
• Pumpkin
• Arugula
• Parsnip
• Pear
• Paprika
• Cucumber

More Ways to Eat Sustainably

• Craving green beans off-season? Canned or jarred local ones beat air-freighted imports from Kenya—plus, recycle the packaging.
• Skip air-transported exotics like passion fruit, South American figs or blueberries, Egyptian/Kenyan green beans, African/South American snow peas, or Peruvian asparagus.
• Shop by bike or bus. Driving to the local farm cancels out the eco-gains of fresh, nearby produce.
• Buy only what you'll use. Food waste squanders all the resources poured into growing and shipping it.
• Visit Milieu Centraal for more expert advice.

Image: Getty Images, Source: Nature and Environment Foundation