Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables Calendar: A Guide to What’s in Season Each Month
Eating seasonally is a wonderful way to support local agriculture, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy fruits and vegetables at their peak flavor and nutrition. However, knowing which fruits and vegetables are in season can be a challenge. This comprehensive seasonal fruits and vegetables calendar will guide you through the year, helping you understand what’s available month by month, and encouraging you to enjoy fresh, delicious produce throughout the seasons.
Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of the fruits and vegetables that are typically in season, making it easier for you to plan your meals, shop smarter, and experience the best that each season has to offer.
January
In the dead of winter, fresh produce options might seem limited, but there’s still a variety of hearty and nutritious options.
- Fruits:
- Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and tangerines are in full swing, offering a burst of freshness and vitamin C.
- Pears and apples are also in season, with many varieties remaining at their best in cold weather.
- Vegetables:
- Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, turnips, and sweet potatoes are perfect for winter stews and soups.
- Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and spinach thrive in the colder months, providing hearty greens packed with nutrients.
February
The winter season continues, but February brings an abundance of fruits and vegetables that thrive in cold temperatures.
Fruits:
- Citrus fruits remain in season, with varieties like lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins being at their sweetest.
- Pears continue to be available, as do some late-season apples.
Vegetables:
- Winter squash such as butternut and acorn squash are abundant.
- Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and chard are still in season and perfect for warming, hearty dishes.
- Beets, carrots, and celery root offer a sweet, earthy flavor perfect for soups and roasts.
March
As winter begins to give way to spring, March introduces a few early spring vegetables alongside the remaining hearty winter varieties.
Fruits:
- Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges remain in season.
- Some late-season apples and pears are still available.
Vegetables:
- Asparagus begins to make its appearance, along with early spring spinach, lettuce, and radishes.
- Brussels sprouts and winter cabbage are still in season, making them perfect for transitioning from winter to spring recipes.
April
April marks the arrival of the first real spring produce, with new vegetables making their way into markets.
Fruits:
- Citrus fruits like grapefruit and oranges are still available but begin to wind down.
- Early strawberries begin to appear in warmer climates.
Vegetables:
- Asparagus is at its peak and is widely available.
- Lettuce, spinach, and peas make their way into the season, perfect for fresh salads.
- Radishes and spring onions are great additions to lighter, fresh spring dishes.
May
May is a time of transition, with the full swing of spring vegetables coming into season and more fruits becoming available.
Fruits:
- Strawberries are in full season, followed closely by early cherries.
- Some late apples and pears can still be found.
Vegetables:
- Asparagus and peas are still at their best, and spring onions continue to flourish.
- Spinach, lettuce, and radishes remain staples in spring salads and side dishes.
- Artichokes begin to arrive, offering a tender, flavorful addition to meals.
June
June is a peak month for fresh summer produce, with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables coming into full season.
Fruits:
- Strawberries are abundant, with cherries and blueberries entering the season.
- Peaches, nectarines, and apricots begin to make an appearance.
- Raspberries also start becoming available.
Vegetables:
- Zucchini, cucumbers, and eggplant are in full swing.
- Tomatoes begin to ripen, and peppers start appearing in markets.
- New potatoes and corn start making their way onto the scene.
July
July brings an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that are perfect for light summer meals.
Fruits:
- Berries like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are plentiful.
- Peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots are in their prime.
- Melons like watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew are abundant and refreshing.
Vegetables:
- Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and zucchini are plentiful and perfect for salads and grilling.
- Green beans, corn, and summer squash are also great for summer dishes.
August
August is one of the best months for fresh, peak-season produce, with the summer harvest in full swing.
Fruits:
- Berries, especially blueberries and blackberries, continue to be in season.
- Peaches, nectarines, and plums remain available, along with melons like watermelon and cantaloupe.
- Figs and grapes start coming into season.
Vegetables:
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini are in abundance.
- Bell peppers, eggplant, corn, and green beans are all perfect for quick summer meals.
September
As summer winds down, September brings the last of summer fruits and vegetables along with the first tastes of fall.
Fruits:
- Apples start to come into season, alongside grapes and figs.
- Pears are also available, and blackberries remain in season.
- Plums, peaches, and nectarines are still available in late-season varieties.
Vegetables:
- Tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini continue to be available.
- Pumpkins and squash begin to make an appearance, signaling the start of fall.
October
October ushers in fall, bringing cooler temperatures and a wealth of seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Fruits:
- Apples are at their peak, with varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp ready for harvest.
- Pears also remain in season.
- Pomegranates and grapes continue to be plentiful.
Vegetables:
- Squash varieties such as butternut, acorn, and pumpkin take center stage.
- Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale are perfect for hearty fall meals.
- Carrots and beets continue to be in season, offering earthy sweetness for soups and stews.
November
November marks the heart of fall, with a variety of root vegetables and winter squash dominating the produce section.
Fruits:
- Apples and pears are still in season.
- Pomegranates and grapes remain available.
Vegetables:
- Squash, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes are perfect for autumn dishes.
- Brussels sprouts, kale, and root vegetables like carrots and turnips are great for roasts, soups, and stews.
December
As the year closes, December offers hearty, warming fruits and vegetables that help you enjoy the holiday season.
Fruits:
- Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are in full swing.
- Apples and pears remain available, offering a variety of flavors for winter desserts.
Vegetables:
- Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage continue to be in season, making them perfect for cold-weather dishes.
- Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and turnips are hearty additions to soups and roasts.
Conclusion
Eating seasonally has numerous benefits, from supporting local farmers to enjoying produce at its peak flavor. By following this seasonal fruits and vegetables calendar, you can incorporate fresh, delicious ingredients into your meals all year round. Whether it’s the bright citrus of winter or the colorful bounty of summer, there’s always something new and exciting to enjoy with each season.