Eating seasonally isn’t just great for the environment, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the freshest flavors in your cooking all year long. In-season produce typically doesn’t have to travel hundreds (or thousands) of miles to get to your table, so you can enjoy it at its freshest.
Plus, eating in-season keeps you from falling into a cooking rut. You’re constantly introducing new vegetables and fruits as their seasons start, and “retiring” produce for the year when the season ends. If you’re new to eating seasonally, though, it’s helpful to know what vegetables are in season right now to guide your meal planning.
So read on to learn what vegetables and fruits are in season throughout the year — and all the recipe inspiration you need to enjoy them
What Produce Is In Season Right Now?
Spring Produce Guide
What Vegetables Are In Season During Spring?
Depending where you live in the country, fresh spring vegetables start showing up between February and June, with warmer climates getting spring produce the earliest. Look for delicate asparagus, crunchy snap peas, peppery radishes and hearty artichokes. Check out farmers markets for unconventional fare, such as fiddleheads — a relative of asparagus — or garlicky ramps.
Make the most of your spring produce — and anticipate the sunnier months ahead — by pairing your veggies with bright, energizing flavors like citrus and dill.
The Best Spring Vegetable Recipes To Try
- Lemon Herb Asparagus
- Parmesan Herb Asparagus Fries with Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
- Orange and Radish Salad with Cinnamon Vinaigrette
- Artichoke Basil Grain Bowl
- Sugar Snap Pea Crisps
Learn More About Cooking With Spring Vegetables
- Spring Produce Guide
- The Best Ways To Cook Fresh Spring Carrots
- 7 Chefs On Their Favorite Way To Cook Asparagus
- Buying Artichokes Only For The Hearts? Don't Toss The Leaves
- All About Blanching
Summer Produce Guide
What Fruits And Vegetables Are In Season During The Summer?
Summer’s bounty brings plenty of seasonal veggies to the market. From refreshing cucumbers, zucchini and bell peppers to ripe, savory tomatoes to leafy green spinach, you’ve got plenty of vegetables to choose from.
You’ll also find local markets bustling with seasonal fruit. Chances are, you never forget strawberry picking season — but seasonal blueberries, raspberries, peaches and plums are just as delicious.
Summer harvest are varied, so experiment with a range of seasonings to keep your backyard BBQs interesting. Try turning up the heat by seasoning your meals with cayenne, or pair fruits with warming spices for comforting desserts.
The Best Summer Fruit And Vegetable Recipes To Try
- Summer Squash Saute
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Charred Tomato Salsa
- Roasted Chickpeas and Spinach
- Spiced Strawberry Shortcakes
Learn More About Cooking Summer Produce
- Summer Produce Guide
- 12 Blueberry Recipes You Must Try For Summer
- Grilled Peach Salad Is A Taste Of Summer
- 6 Tasty Green Tomato Recipes
- Guide To Roasted Summer Vegetables
- Pineapple Season Guide
Autumn Produce Guide
What Fruits And Vegetables Are In Season During Autumn?
Dipping temperatures usher in heartier autumn fruits and vegetables. You’ll find farmer’s markets and grocery stores packed with autumn and winter squash, including butternut and acorn squashes and pie pumpkins. You’ll also find heartier greens, like kale, along with Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
Autumn also means apple picking season, and now’s the best time to buy Honeycrisps when they’re the freshest. You’ll also find pears of all varieties, from creamy barletts to crispy anjous, along with fresh-off-the-vine grapes.
Pair autumn produce with warm, comforting flavors. You can’t go wrong with classic cinnamon, and try creamy dijon or North African harissa for a tasty dish.
The Best Autumn Fruit and Vegetable Recipes to Try
- Pumpkin Bread
- Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apples
- Brussels Sprout and Kale Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
- Harissa Roasted Acorn Squash
- Homemade Apple Butter
Learn More About Cooking Autumn Produce
- Guide To Autumn Squash
- 7 Simple Ways To Ready Your Kitchen For Fall And Winter
- How To Make Perfect Pumpkin Muffins
- How To Cook Brussels Sprouts
- Kids Will Fall In Love With This Broccoli Recipe
Winter Produce Guide
What Fruits And Vegetables Are In Season During The Winter?
Like autumn, winter means treating yourself to heartier produce. You’ll still find plenty of the same squash you found in autumn (so PSL season doesn’t have to end!). But you’ll also find starchy veggies like sweet potatoes, rutabagas/turnips, cabbage, carrots and parsnips.
You’ll also still be able to get apples and pears, as well as cranberries — the star of the holiday season.
Like autumn produce, winter fare pairs best with warm, comforting flavors. Cumin, coriander and rosemary are your best friends for winter cooking.
The Best Winter Fruit And Vegetable Recipes To Try
- Maple Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
- Harvest Roasted Vegetables
- Apricot Rosemary Roasted Parsnips and Carrots
- Creamy Carrot Soup with Toasted Cumin and Coriander
- Cranberry Rum Brie
Learn More About How To Cook Winter Produce
- The Savvy Sweet Potato Guide
- Why Cabbage Is One Of Our Favorite Cold Weather Vegetables
- Why Roasted Vegetables On Toast Are The New Sandwich Lunch
- How To Pick Apples And The Top Apple Recipes
- How To Make Hot Cranberry Juice
Check Out More Tips On Cooking With Fruits And Vegetables
- How To Start A Vegetable Garden
- How To Make Green Sauce With Any Greens
- 19 Vegetarian Recipes That Are Anything But Boring
- This Tropical Fruit Is The Star Of The Show
- How To Eat Dragon Fruit
- How To Poach Fruit
- What Is Monk Fruit
- How To Grill Fruit
- How To Make A Fruit Tart
Getting hungry? Create a Flavor Profile and start saving your favorite recipes for delicious meals all year long.
