Every season comes with its respective perks: Enjoying a hearty bowl of soup filled with potatoes or celery in winter; harvesting rhubarb from your garden each spring, biting into a refreshing slice of watermelon poolside during the summer, and of course, everything pumpkin-flavored each fall.
What do all of these memories have in common? The enjoyment of seasonal produce! Eating seasonally has numerous benefits for both your health and the environment.
Seasonal produce is typically fresher, more flavorful, and more nutritious than out-of-season produce, which is often shipped long distances and may have been picked before it is fully ripe.
We’ve taken the time to explore and outline the benefits of seasonal eating and provide a guide to some common fruits and vegetables that are in season during each season.
We’ve also included tips on where you can find in-season produce — from farmers markets and CSA programs to your own backyard.
Whether you’re looking to eat with the seasons, support local farmers, or reduce your carbon footprint — eating seasonally is a delicious and sustainable way to enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
What are the benefits of seasonal eating?
- Improved Nutrition — Seasonal fruits and vegetables are typically harvested at the peak of ripeness, which means they are packed with nutrients and flavor.
- Increased Variety — Eating seasonally means you'll get to try a wide range of different fruits and vegetables, rather than relying on the same few types all year round.
- Lower Cost — Fruits and vegetables that are in season are typically cheaper because they are more abundant.
- Better Flavor — Seasonal produce tends to taste better because it is fresher and has had more time to ripen on the plant.
- Environmental Benefits — Eating seasonally can reduce the carbon footprint of your food because it doesn't have to be shipped long distances.
- Supporting Local Farmers — Buying seasonal produce from local farmers helps to support your local economy and can build a sense of community.
Seasonal Produce: What fruits and vegetables are in season right now?
The specific availability of each vegetable may vary depending on your location and the specific growing conditions in your area.
Winter
Fruits in season in winter:
- Clementines
- Grapefruits
- Kiwis
- Kumquats
- Mandarin Oranges
- Oranges
- Tangerines
Vegetables in season in winter:
- Beets
- Bok Choy
- Brussels Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Broccolini
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Celeriac
- Garlic
- Kale
- Leeks
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Potatoes
- Radicchio
- Rutabagas
- Shallots
- Sweet Potatoes
- Turnips
- Winter Squash
Spring
Fruits in season in spring:
- Avocados
- Cherries
- Lemons
- Limes
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Strawberries
Vegetables in season in spring:
- Asparagus
- Artichokes
- Arugula
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Collard Greens
- Fennel
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Peas
- Radishes
- Rhubarb
- Spinach
- Turnips
Summer
Fruits in season in summer:
- Apricots
- Bananas
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Nectarines
- Peaches
- Plums
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
- Passionfruit
Vegetables in season in summer:
- Artichokes
- Arugula
- Beans
- Beets
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Celery
- Corn
- Cucumbers
- Eggplant
- Fennel
- Green beans
- Okra
- Onions
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Radishes
- Summer Squash
- Tomatoes
Autumn
Fruit in season in fall:
- Apples
- Cranberries
- Figs
- Grapes
- Melons
- Pears
- Persimmons
- Pomegranates
Veggies in season in fall:
- Arugula
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Chicory
- Collard Greens
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Potatoes
- Radicchio
- Radishes
- Rutabagas
- Spinach
- Sweet Potatoes
- Turnips
- Winter Squash
Want to explore more fruits? Explore our complete list of fruits from around the world
Where can you find in-season produce?
Local Farmers Markets
You can find a wide variety of in-season produce, be surrounded by other people who are interested in buying local and in-season produce, and you can often talk directly to the farmers who grew it.
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs
These programs allow you to purchase a “share” of a farm’s produce, which is then delivered to you on a regular basis. Some CSAs come as, essentially, food subscription boxes delivered to your home. Others require you to visit a local co-op or pick it up in-person.
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
Many supermarkets and grocery stores now feature a selection of in-season produce — but even if they don’t, you can simply bookmark this article to skim the next time you’re browsing the produce aisles.
Specialty Produce Stores
These stores often have a wider selection of in-season produce, and may also offer more organic options. Don’t be surprised if you even see signs indicating which local farm each fruit or veggie came from.
Street Markets and Roadside Stands
Not unlike a farmers market, street markets or roadside stands can be a great place to find fresh, in-season produce, especially if you’re in a rural area. You can even download the Farmstand app to locate farm fresh produce near you and save your favorite vendors.
Grocery Boxes and Produce Delivery Services
There are a number of amazing produce delivery services that will ship fresh fruits and vegetables straight to your house, no matter where you live. These include Imperfect Foods, Misfits Market, and Hungryroot. (Check out our review of Misfits Market.)
Your Own Backyard
If you have a garden (or a big enough patch of land to start a garden), you can grow your own in-season produce and enjoy the freshest possible options. There are even a number of indoor growing options for smaller fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
