Seasonal Food
Monthly Seasonal Food Guides
Click on a month. You’ll find a list of seasonal food, favorite recipes and tips for storing those foods.
Based on general growing conditions in North America.
Can’t I Get All Veggies All Year Long ?
Sure, in our global economy, you can pretty much get whatever you want, whenever you want. But it’ll cost you – both in dollars and loss of flavour and quality.
Choosing produce that’s in in season where you live is a more sustainable, affordable and tasty way of eating.
When you choose fresh produce grown as close to home as possible you get the best flavour, nutrients and price. Enjoy instant variety as you move throughout the seasons and in general leave a lower environmental footprint. All good reasons to choose seasonal!
Of course, the schedules I post have a lot of wiggle room! Fruits and veggies grow on their timeline, not ours! Look at these seasonal lists with a little bit of give and take. Generally speaking, in North America, you should be able to find the produce listed in a particular month in your local grocery store. And the bonus, when you shop seasonal food, there’s a good chance it’ll be on sale!
Fruits and Vegetables Available All Year
Green houses or hot houses, hydroponics and other growing methods mean that some produce can be grown quite sustainably year round. I buy this produce regularly to add to the monthly list of seasonal produce.
- cucumbers
- tomatoes (not as good as garden fresh, but available)
- sweet peppers
- herbs
- sprouts
- mushrooms
- lettuce
- dark leafy greens
Where to Get Seasonal Food
Good news, seasonal food is available just about everywhere. Most grocery stores will stock seasonal fruits and vegetables because they look great, are readily available and are a good price.
During peak growing season, I highly encourage you to shop at local markets for fresh, locally grown food. You’ll support the local economy, reduce food miles and get truly fresh vegetables. Consider visiting local farms, farmers markets, seasonal markets, U-Pick farms or local garden clubs that sell extra veggies. If you’re really keen, you could also sign up for a weekly or monthly produce box from a CSA – Community Supported Agriculture. This is where you subscribe to get a regular delivery of fresh garden produce grown by a local market gardener/farmer. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy home grown veggies – without growing them yourself.
Here in Manitoba, check out the Prairie Fruit Growers’ Association for info on U-pick farms and Direct Farm Manitoba for farmers markets, CSA’s or farmers that sell direct. Check your Extension office or local Agriculture department for listings in your area.
More on Seasonal Food
7 Reasons Why
Seven reasons why I think eating seasonal food matters. Flavour and saving money are just the start, there’s more to why I choose seasonal foods.
READ MORE…
Seasonal Chart
If you live on the prairies and are a fan of local, seasonal produce, these charts of when our local fruits and veggies are in season are ideal for you.
READ MORE…
Listen
I shared my thoughts on seasonal eating and sustainability on a recent podcast with Kristina Hunter on Live. Well. Green. It’s on spotify.
LISTEN HERE…