There are a growing number of veg box options available in the UK from hyper local schemes located in a field or market garden near you, to national companies such as Riverford and Abel and Cole specialising in organic veg boxes sourced globally. In between there are many companies trying to make it super easy for consumers to buy better veg outside of the supermakets. Whether you are want to reduce food waste by buying up wonky veg, looking to reduce your food miles, prioritising eating organic, or want to support your local farmers there are plenty of options out there. So how do you choose a veg box which is right for you and your family?
Firstly, why get a veg box at all?
Veg boxes are a great way of getting a range of more sustainable and fresher veg delivered to your door. Having a veg box will definitely increase the amount, and just as importantly the range of veg in your diet. Latest health advice is you should consume 30 different plants each week (Link to Guardian Article). Getting a veg box packed full of different varieties of vegetables will help ensure you aren't just eating the same veg over and over again.
Only 23% of the fruit and vegetables consumed in the UK are grown here (Link to article in I). Although there are crops which have become mainstays of our diet which can't be grown here such as bananas, the UK climate is great for growing many of the fruits and vegetables we eat. The UK, which once had an abundance of orchards & has a good climate for apple production, is reduced to importing them from across the world including from Australia and New Zealand. We now import around 70% of all the apples we consume! These apples are stored in cold rooms for up to a year before they reach the supermarket shelves and only varieties which last well are stocked meaning the loss of traditional varieties with their complexities of taste and nutritients.
Buying a veg box is more environmentally friendly as you are generally getting more sustainably grown from small farms plus the veg won't be graded out for wrong sized, wonky, or other minor differences which means the supermarkets reject them. Seasonal veg uses far less energy consumption in terms of light, heat and water so is far more environmentally friendly than out of season veg.
So in short getting a veg box delivered is a fantastic idea for anyone looking to enhance their health, support local farmers, and reduce their environmental impact.
Organic or local or both?
For most people the pinnacle of veg boxes would be to have both organic and totally local veg boxes packed full of a great range of hierloom vegetables with year round variety of all the things they love to eat! In the UK, as for most other countries, that simply isn't going to be possible. Seasonality and the vagaries of the British weather mean you will get lots of root veg and cabbages in the winter and throughout the year odd sized, occasionally blemished and sometimes veg you simply don't enjoy. That is part of the joy and challenge of seasonal eating. What it definitely will be is better for your health, make you more flexible in your cooking, and introduce you to new and varied varieties most of which you'll learn to love.
Organic veg boxes generally contain a much higher percentage of imported veg and fruits. During the summer most of what you get will be grown in the UK or your local area but throughout the winter and the spring there are limited crops available and organic crops are even more scarce than conventionally grown crops. Getting an entirely organic and completely local veg box is extremely rare and if doable will have very limited variety for about half the year, or may be unavailable during the winter and spring meaning you are back to the supermarkets for your veg.
Local seasonal produce does of course have it's seasonality and at times especialy during the hungry gap there is definitely less variety available. The large number of farmers growing vegetables conventionally - especially for the field veg - means there is greater range and variety available throughout the year.
Which is the right veg box for you?
If you are looking for the right veg box how do you choose the best for you and your family?
Everyone has the own prioritIes when it comes to the food we eat. For some convenience comes out top, for others it will be about health and nutrition, or environmental impacts. For most of us considering where and what we buy is a combination of lots of factors. Many people want to do the right thing but are also confused on all the options out there.
The Organic One: Your top priority is making sure all the veg you get is unsprayed with pesticides and artificial fertilizers and is grown in healthy soils which supports the environment. Remember that not all veg that is grown in this way is registered so often terms such as agro-ecologic, regenerative or naturally grown is used where a producer is not registered organic. For many very small producers the costs of registration means they choose not to be registered with the Soil Association but their veg may be grown to the same or better standards. Check with the grower or seller to find out more. The veg you get is more likely to have variations in size and colouring as often heritage varieties are used. This veg is likely to be grown for taste and so may not keep as well as varieties grown to last on a supermarket shelf.
The Local Supporter: Making sure your veg has come from just down the road is the No. 1 priority. Supporting local farmers and growers and keeping down food miles comes out on top everytime for these veg boxers. Buying a local veg box is a great way to support local farmers of all sizes and can include a range of growing techniques from small market gardeners to larger conventional farmers. These boxes will be truly seasonal and will ensure you get the best produce in season. Going 100% local can mean a lack of variety during the hungry gap so often these boxes will have to be supplemented during the spring to ensure a reasonable variety at this time. During the winter your box will feature lots of root vegetables and cabbages while in the summer you get delicious tomatoes and salad items.
5 Great Reasons To Get A Veg Box Delivered
Convenience: One of the most significant advantages of getting a veg box delivered is the convenience it offers. Instead of having to visit multiple stores or farmers' markets to source fresh produce, you can have a curated selection of seasonal vegetables delivered directly to your doorstep. This saves time and effort, making meal planning and preparation a breeze. Many companies also sell a wide range of other high welfare foods such as free range meat and dairy.
Freshness: Veg boxes are typically filled with locally sourced, seasonal produce that is harvested at its peak ripeness. This means you're getting vegetables that are bursting with flavour and nutritional value. By getting fresh produce which has been harvested for your order you'll know it is much fresher and you will enjoy more vibrant and satisfying food.
Supporting Local Farmers: When you subscribe to a veg box delivery service, you're not just getting fresh produce—you're also supporting local farmers and producers in your community. By choosing to buy this way you're helping to sustain small-scale agriculture, preserve farmland, and promote food sovereignty.
Reducing Food Waste: Veg boxes often contain a variety of fruits and vegetables, including seasonal items that you may not typically buy. This encourages you to try new recipes and incorporate a wider range of produce into your meals, reducing the likelihood of food waste. Additionally, many veg box schemes offer customizable options, allowing you to tailor your box to suit your preferences and avoid receiving items you won't use.
Environmental Benefits: By opting for a veg box delivery, you're also reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional food distribution channels. Local sourcing means fewer food miles, which translates to lower carbon emissions from transportation. Additionally, many veg box schemes prioritize sustainable farming practices, such as organic or regenerative agriculture, further reducing environmental harm.
Promoting Healthier Eating Habits: Having a regular supply of fresh, seasonal vegetables readily available can inspire you to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. This can lead to a host of health benefits, including improved digestion, weight management, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
