Living in Harmony with Nature: The Benefits of Seasonal & Local Filipino Produce

The nutritional needs of the human body change with the changing seasons. That’s why consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables is best to stay healthy and in harmony with nature. Nature is home to a vast variety of plants, fruits, and vegetables. It provides food ingredients that are sufficient to fulfill our nutritional needs in every season. Consuming local and seasonal produce can be beneficial for one’s overall health and wellness in many ways.

Benefits of Consuming Fresh, Locally Harvested Filipino Produce

Consuming locally produced and seasonally harvested fruits and vegetables has many advantages:

1. Higher Nutritional Value

The nutritional value of plants, fruits, and vegetables starts declining right after they are harvested. By consuming freshly harvested local produce, you get most of its nutritional value as the travel distance and need for chemicals are eliminated. Local produce is harvested at peak ripeness, when it contains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

2. Lower Exposure to Chemicals

With locally produced fruits and vegetables, there is no need for chemicals for long-distance transport or artificial ripening agents. Moreover, they are grown without any harmful pesticides, making them much safer and healthier to consume. 

3. Better Taste

The local Filipino fruits and vegetables are allowed to ripen fully on the plants without any artificial ripening agents or early harvesting. It gives them a rich taste and a much better flavor. Moreover, these ingredients also align with your body’s nutritional needs during a particular season. 

4. Support to Local Community

Purchasing food directly from the local Filipino farms supports the local community and strengthens the connection between the consumers, farmers, and the land. It also creates new job opportunities for local people and supports the local economy. 

5. Environmental Sustainability

Last but not least, consuming local and seasonal produce can also benefit the environment. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions as local produce requires little to no transportation. Moreover, the need for harmful chemicals and ripening agents is also eliminated, reducing the overall carbon footprint. It also reduces food waste and spoilage as local produce is more easily available and does not need to be stored for long.

How The Farm Integrates Fresh, Locally Produced Ingredients Into Its Cuisine

The wellness restaurants at the Farm at San Benito follow the Farm-to-Table approach, ensuring that the guests get maximum nutrition value with healthy meals. The Farm’s ALIVE! restaurant serves 100% vegan meals prepared with fresh, locally produced fruits and vegetables. All the ingredients are directly sourced from the Farm’s organic gardens, fruit orchards, and herb gardens, giving guests a rich flavor free from harmful chemicals. The meals are prepared with no or very little amounts of cooking to preserve maximum nutrition.

Guests get to enjoy meals crafted with seasonal, freshly harvested Filipino ingredients like Malunggay, Camote, Sitaw, Kalabasa, Calamansi, Niyog (coconut), and more. All these ingredients have multiple health benefits, such as:

• Malunggay (Moringa) is considered a miracle vegetable. It has high amounts of Vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron, fiber, protein, and antioxidants.

• Camote (Sweet Potato) is rich in fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps prevent diseases.

• Sitaw (Yardlong Beans) has high amounts of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that together promote digestive health and protect the body’s cells.

• Kalabasa (Squash) is a low-calorie, low-fat vegetable that promotes better health and has great antioxidant properties.

• Calamansi is a citrus fruit with high Vitamin C that promotes immune health.

• Niyog (coconut) contains minerals and healthy fats that give energy to the body and promote overall health.

The Farm also introduces Filipino cuisine to other countries through healthier renditions of local dishes like Vegan Lomi, Banana Heart Fritters, and the traditional Filipino dish Sinigang. These dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients harvested from the Farm’s own gardens onsite.

Apart from this, guests can benefit from a range of herbal teas and wellness drinks prepared with locally grown herbs and plants, such as Pandan, Lemongrass, and more. Many of these dishes and their preparation methods are given in the Farm’s RAW book that the guests can access. Moreover, interested guests can also opt for the online classes or off-site food prep sessions held by the wellness chefs and wellness talks by the nutritionists. 

Maximizing the Benefits of Endemic Fruits and Vegetables By Consuming Them at the Right Time

The Farm at San Benito not only incorporates fresh, local produce in its meals, but also educates guests about the right time of the day to consume specific endemic fruits and vegetables. 

• Morning: Hydrating and energizing fruits like Saging (bananas), Niyog (coconuts), or Papayas, should be consumed in the morning as they provide the right amount of energy and nutrients to start off your day.

• Midday: Midday or lunch time is the best time to consume leafy greens like Kangkong and Malunggay paired with energy-efficient foods like Camote, as they make you feel full without feeling sluggish.

• Afternoon Snack: This is when you should opt for refreshing and hydrating options like watermelon or calamansi juice that boost immune health. 
• Evening: The evening meal or dinner should include light and easy-to-digest vegetables, such as Upo (bottle gourd) or Sayote (chayote), that support digestion and promote quality sleep.

The Farm at San Benito not only offers wellness experiences but also believes in educating its guests and encouraging them to adopt a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle starts with healthy eating habits. At the Farm, guests get to experience the Farm-to-Table concept at its best. Moreover, all the wellness programs include one-to-one sessions with nutritionists where guests are educated about healthy ingredients, their benefits, and the right time and way to consume them. 

Individuals planning a small vacation, a weekend getaway, or a wellness retreat that focuses on nature, healthy habits, and multidimensional wellness are wholeheartedly welcome to visit the Farm at San Benito resorts.