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Seasonality of food refers to the times of year when the harvest or the flavour of a given type food is at its peak. This is usually the time when the item is the cheapest and the freshest on the market. The food's peak harvest time usually coincides with when its flavour is at its best. There are some exceptions; an example being sweet potatoes which are best eaten quite a while after harvest. It also appeals to people who prefer a low carbon diet that reduces the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from food consumption (Food miles).
History
There has been considerable controversy about how far people should be encouraged to eat seasonal food. In 2008, chef Gordon Ramsay attracted media coverage when he stated that restaurants should be fined for serving non-seasonal food. In September and October 2008, Valentine Warner presented a program for BBC Two, entitled What to Eat Now, persuading people to consume seasonal food.