One of the many modern conveniences is that our grocery stores are stocked year-round with fruits and vegetables. But there are lots of downsides to this convenience. Have you ever bought tomatoes in January, anticipating a fresh, juicy, tasty treat and then were disappointed by its tough, bland flavor? That's because January is not the season for tomatoes, at least in most of the United States.
To truly enjoy your fruits and vegetables, it's best to eat them in-season. That fresh, juicy peach taste that you remember from your childhood? I'll bet that you didn't eat that in April. More like August or September. That's when peaches are in season.
I found a great resource for knowing when produce is in-season in the different regions and states. I'm posting here the list for South Carolina, for my own reference, but you can look up your own state or area as well.
Better tasting produce is only one reason to eat in-season. You'll not only have fresher fruits and vegetables, but because the produce is grown in your area at that time of year, there are less transportation costs, resulting in a lower costing product. If you don't have a local farmer's market to find in-season produce, your local grocery store usually has the in-season fruits and vegetables on sale.
In-season fruits and vegetables are definitely Things I Love!
- Apples, August through November (may be available from storage into spring)
- Arugula, April through June (may be available from hot houses in winter)
- Asparagus, April through June
- Basil, May through September
- Beans, May through October
- Beets, April through June
- Blueberries, May through August
- Bok Choy, October through June
- Broccoli, May through June and October through December
- Brussels sprouts, November through February
- Cabbage, October through May
- Cantaloupes, June through August
- Carrots, October through May
- Cauliflower, October through December
- Celery, October through Februaru
- Chard, October through May
- Collard greens, October through June
- Corn, June and July
- Cucumbers, June through August
- Edamame, June through September
- Eggplant, June through October
- Figs, July and August
- Garlic, May through October (available from storage year-round)
- Green garlic, March through May
- Grapes, July through October
- Kale, October through May
- Leeks, October through May
- Lettuce, September through June
- Melons, June through September
- Mushrooms (cultivated), year-round
- Okra, May through October
- Onions, March through November (available from storage year-round)
- Parsnips, October through December
- Peaches, May through Auguts
- Peas and pea pods, February through May
- Pecans, September through December
- Peppers, June through September
- Persimmons, September through November
- Plums & pluots, May through July
- Potatoes, May through August (available from storage through winter)
- Radishes, March through June
- Spinach, November through May
- Squash (summer), May through October
- Squash (winter), August through December
- Strawberries, April through June
- Sweet Onions, May and June
- Sweet potatoes, August through February
- Tomatoes, June through October
- Turnips, October through April
- Watermelons, June through September
- Zucchini, May through October
- Zucchini Blossoms, May through September
Photo Credit: stock.xchng
Oh, A great link -- I love shopping seasonal for my fruits and veggies -- we all have a little market here that has organic from local farmers, I love to shop there and buy organic. And, of course I love when Farmer's markets are out!
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blessings,
Bella