What defines seasonal foods?

Seasonal foods are defined by their availability during specific times of the year when they are at the optimal stage of their natural life cycle for harvest. This means fruits, vegetables, and other produce are picked at their peak ripeness, offering the best flavor, nutritional value, and freshness. Understanding the seasonal availability of foods can enhance culinary practices, as well as promote sustainability and local farming practices.

The other options relate to food characteristics but do not accurately reflect the definition of seasonal foods. Stored foods may not be seasonally fresh, imported foods may come from various harvest times, and processed foods typically lose their connection to the seasonal cycle of natural growth. Therefore, the defining factor for seasonal foods is their alignment with the harvest times that correspond to their natural growth cycles.