What's In Season
Eating seasonally means better flavor, lower prices, and supporting local farmers. This guide shows you what to look for at the farmers market throughout the year.
Why Eat Seasonally?
Better Taste
Produce picked at peak ripeness and eaten quickly has more flavor than anything shipped across the country.
Lower Prices
When produce is abundant and local, prices drop. Strawberries in June cost less than strawberries in December.
More Nutrients
Freshly harvested produce retains more vitamins and minerals than items that have been in transit for weeks.
spring
March - May
Asparagus
April-MayLook for firm, bright green spears with tight tips
Artichokes
March-MayHeavy for their size means more heart
Peas
April-JuneEat snap peas the day you buy them for max sweetness
Spinach
March-MaySpring spinach is sweeter than summer
Radishes
March-MayGreens are edible too - great in salads
Rhubarb
April-JuneRedder stalks aren't sweeter - just different varieties
Strawberries
April-JuneSmell them - fragrance indicates ripeness
Fava Beans
April-MayDouble-shelling required but worth the effort
Green Onions
March-MayUse the green tops for garnish
Morel Mushrooms
April-MayAsk vendors about their foraging areas
summer
June - August
Tomatoes
July-SeptNever refrigerate - it kills the flavor
Corn
July-AugCook same day for maximum sweetness
Peaches
June-AugSmell the stem end - should be fragrant
Blueberries
June-AugDusty coating (bloom) indicates freshness
Zucchini
June-AugSmaller ones (6-8") have better flavor
Cucumbers
June-SeptFirm and dark green, not yellowing
Green Beans
June-SeptShould snap cleanly when bent
Peppers
July-SeptHeavy for size means thick walls
Eggplant
July-SeptShiny skin and heavy for size
Watermelon
June-AugYellow spot on bottom = ground ripening
Basil
June-SeptStore with stems in water like flowers
Blackberries
June-AugShould be completely black, not red
fall
September - November
Apples
Sept-NovDifferent varieties peak at different times
Pumpkins
Oct-NovSugar pumpkins are best for cooking
Winter Squash
Sept-NovShould feel heavy; dull skin = ripe
Sweet Potatoes
Sept-NovCure for a week at room temp for sweetness
Brussels Sprouts
Oct-NovFrost makes them sweeter
Cranberries
Oct-NovFresh ones bounce when dropped
Pears
Sept-NovBuy firm, ripen at home
Grapes
Sept-OctStems should be green, not brown
Cauliflower
Sept-NovTight, compact heads are freshest
Kale
Sept-FebFrost-kissed kale is sweeter
winter
December - February
Citrus
Dec-MarchHeavy for size means juicy
Root Vegetables
Dec-FebCarrots, beets, parsnips, turnips
Cabbage
Dec-FebDense, heavy heads are best
Leeks
Dec-FebUse the white and light green parts
Potatoes
Year-roundAvoid green spots and sprouts
Onions
Year-roundShould be firm with dry, papery skin
Garlic
Year-roundFirm heads with tight skin
Winter Greens
Dec-FebCollards, chard, and mustard greens
Stored Apples
Dec-FebCold storage varieties stay crisp
Mushrooms
Year-roundIndoor grown available all year
Tips for Shopping Seasonally
- Ask the farmers - They know exactly what's at peak right now
- Look for abundance - If every vendor has it, it's in season
- Buy extra to preserve - Freeze, can, or pickle at peak season
- Be flexible - Let what's fresh guide your meals
- Learn your region - Seasons vary by climate zone
Find What's Fresh Near You
Browse our directory of 8,000+ farmers markets to find seasonal produce in your area.