A Seasonal Produce Guide

Eating seasonal produce not only means that your fruits and vegetables are tastier and retain more of their nutrients, but it also means that you save tons as they are so much cheaper.

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Nowadays we have been spoiled by having a plethora of fruits vegetables that have probably been transported, imported or grown in artificial environments so that they are available to us year-round.

In today’s fast-paced society full of modern conveniences, we have forgotten that the availability of fruits and vegetables change with the seasons.

Choosing seasonal produce guarantees that they have been harvested at their peak ensuring freshness and nutrient density and that they are not forced to undergo any chemical processes and are much more affordable.

It also reduces the environmental impact that farming them off-season presents which in turn encourages the consumption of local produce and encourages local farming communities.

Why you should eat seasonal produce?

1.    They are better for you

Research has shown that fruits and vegetables that are eaten during their peak seasons are nutritionally superior to out of season produce.

Long transport times and the length of time that produce remains on shelves means that more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are leaked out.  University of California studies show that vegetables can lose 15 to 55 per cent of vitamin C within a week.

2.    Chemical and preservative-free

Out of season fruits and vegetables do not follow their natural growing and ripening cycles and could be grown in artificial environments.

In order for fruits and vegetables to be available year-round ripening agents such as pesticides, waxes and preservatives are used so that they can arrive on your supermarket shelves looking fresher and so that they stay artificially fresher for longer.

In addition, imported fruits and vegetables may be subjected to fumigation for biosecurity reasons.

3.    Tastes amazing

Who hasn’t sampled a friend’s homegrown tomato crop and been blown away by their wonderful tomatoey aroma and intensity of flavour? That is because they have been allowed to ripen naturally.

Mass production has forced commercial farms to forgo taste in favour of quantity and appearance when it comes to fruits and vegetables.

4.     Environmentally friendly

Eating seasonal produce reduces the environmental impact that farming them off-season presents and encourages the consumption of local produce and local farming communities. Which means that your fruit and veg doesn’t have to travel as far so fuel emissions and transportation costs are negligible.

5.     It’s cheaper

In-season fruits and vegetables are in plentiful supply which in turn means that they can be bought at a cheaper price. So, if you are craving strawberries in winter or grapefruits during summer just expect to pay more for them than if you had bought them when they were in season.

Following is a general guide to the most common seasonal produce available worldwide during each season.

Seasonal Produce Guide

Spring SEASONAL PRODUCE

Vegetables for Spring

SUMMER SEASONAL PRODUCE

Vegetables for Summer

AUTUMN / FALL SEASONAL PRODUCE

 Vegetables for Autumn / Fall

WINTER SEASONAL PRODUCE

 Vegetables for Winter

SEASONAL FRUIT

Spring & Summer Seasonal Fruit

Autumn/Fall & Winter Seasonal Fruit

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This is just a general guide to assist you in selecting fresh seasonal produce you will find variations depending on where you are located and how good each year’s harvest has been.

The seasonal produce that you are able to find where you are will also vary depending on growing conditions and the weather. I have only included fruits and vegetables that are at their peak. If a vegetable/fruit was available during one month of the season I have included it in that season.