Ever ask, “When are fruits and vegetables in season?” If you’re having a hard time keeping track of which produce is available when, you can use this guide!
When Are Fruits and Vegetables in Season?
When Are Vegetables in Season?
We want certain fruits and vegetables to be available all year round, but sadly, they aren’t. I’ve been growing my fruits and veggies for years now in my homestead and I have to admit, I sometimes still forget which one is in season. That’s why I started keeping a farmers journal. It’s a very helpful tool that will make things so much easier for a homesteader. But enough about that…
If this is your first time planting or just want to know what fruits and vegetables are available for whatever time of the year, let this be your guide. Growing them when they are in season is a guarantee that the taste will be top notch, and the crop will flourish!
1. Pepper
April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Pro-Tip: For the best tasting peppers, choosing ones that look heavy for their size. This indicates the most ripe and juicy pepper, great!
2. Carrots
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Pro-Tip: To maximize the freshness of carrots over the longest period of time, store them wrapped in moist paper towel or in a sealed plastic bag. Stored this way they can last for weeks.
3. Corn On The Cob
June, July, August, September, October
Pro-Tip: If broiling your corn, first soak the corn in the husk beforehand to bring out the natural flavor and moisture.
4. Spinach
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Pro-Tip: After purchasing spinach, do not wash before storing as this will increase the time to spoilage. Store in the fridge immediately and only wash prior to serving.
5. Broccoli
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Pro-Tip: For optimal flavor and nutrition, consider steaming broccoli. This has the lowest risk of causing the nutrients to leech out from the broccoli.
6. Kale
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Pro-Tip: If you steam your kale, it will provide extra cholesterol lowering benefits, so anyone who is concerned with heart health should use this cooking technique.
7. Tomato
April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Pro-Tip: When preparing your tomatoes, avoid cooking in aluminum foil as this can cause some of the acid to interact with the metal causing aluminum to move into the food being cooked.
8. Winter Squash
January, February, March, April, October, November, December
Pro-Tip: Always peel your squash before steaming (with the exception of Kabocha and butternut squash). You can peel it with a regular potato peeler or knife.
9. Green Beans
June, July, August, September
Pro-Tip: Green beans may cause you to reduce your absorption of calcium after eating them, so avoid eating this food with dairy. Save your calcium-rich dairy for another time during the day for maximum calcium retention.
10. Egg Plant
June, July, August, September, October
Pro-Tip: Choose eggplants that are heavy for their size and that have shiny and smooth skin that’s a deep rich purple in color.
When Are Fruits In Season?
1. Apples (All Year)
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Pro-Tip: To prevent cut apples from browning, drizzle over a little citrus fruit juice—orange juice, lemon juice, or even pineapple juice all work.
2. Banana (All Year)
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Pro-Tip: Have some extra ripe bananas you won’t eat in time? No problem! Wrap them up in plastic wrap and stick them in the freezer. They’ll work perfectly for banana bread, great!
3. Orange (All Year)
December, January, February, March, April, May
Pro-Tip: When shopping, look for oranges that feel heavy for their size. This indicates a juicier orange and excellent taste.
4. Kiwifruit
December, January, February
Pro-Tip: To find the sweetest tasting kiwifruit, when in the store, hold one between your thumb and forefinger and apply slight pressure. If it gives, you’ve got a good one!
5. Honeydew (Year Round)
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Pro-Tip: While honeydew is available year round, you’ll find it tastes best during the months of January and February. Indulge in these months most often.
6. Strawberries
March, April, May, June, July, August
Pro-Tip: Strawberries won’t ripen at all after they’ve been picked, so make sure that you select bright red strawberries that look full and unwrinkled in the store.
7. Pineapple
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Pro-Tip: Pineapples don’t last long so eat them fast. A fully ripe pineapple will only last for about two days if it’s stored at room temperature or around a week it it’s placed in the fridge.
8. Grapes
June, July, August, September, October, November
Pro-Tip: Don’t be so quick to spit out the seeds! Grape seeds are actually edible and will provide a wealth of antioxidants, so are good to consume with the grape.
9. Raspberries
June, July, August
Pro-Tip: After purchasing a pint of raspberries, always remove any berries that have gone bad as if left in the container, they will increase the speed the other fresh berries perish.
10. Blueberries
June, July, August
Pro-Tip: Blueberries tend to be quite fragile, so after washing, simply pat dry to keep them in their best form.
These are some of the healthiest fruits and veggies you can grow (or buy from the store.) And with this helpful guide, you can now have them when they are TOP NOTCH! Looking for more ways to eat healthy year-round? Here are some helpful dinner ideas under 600 calories. And while you’re at it, check out these breakfast ideas – also under 600 calories!
Need more tips?
Get more here: When to Plant a Garden
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