Fruits and vegetables ALWAYS taste better when they are fresh and when they are in season. Knowing when to buy produce not only ensures great taste, but also saves you money. This is due to the basic law of supply and demand. When crops are in season and there is an abundance of produce, the cost of the fruit or vegetable is generally less expensive. The reverse is true when produce is out of season, the supply is lower and the cost higher.
The United States Department of Agriculture publishes a Seasonal Produce Guide. The guide can help you explore different fruits and vegetables throughout the year. As stated on the USDA website - "Seasonal produce in your area will vary by growing conditions and weather."
| WINTER | SPRING | SUMMER | FALL |
| Fruits: | Fruits: | Fruits: | Fruits: |
| Apples | Apples | Apples | Apples |
| Avocado | Apricots | Apricots | Bananas |
| Bananas | Avocado | Avocado | Cranberries |
| Grapefruit | Bananas | Bananas | Grapes |
| Lemons | Pineapple | Blackberries | Mangos |
| Oranges | Strawberries | Blueberries | Pears |
| Pears | Cantaloupe | Pineapple | |
| Pineapple | Vegetables: | Cherries | Pumpkins |
| Pumpkins | Asparagus | Honeydew Melon | Raspberries |
| Broccoli | Kiwifruit | ||
| Vegetables: | Cabbage | Mangos | Vegetables: |
| Beets | Carrots | Muskmelons | Beets |
| Brussels Sprouts | Celery | Nectarines | Bell Peppers |
| Cabbage | Collard Greens | Peaches | Broccoli |
| Carrots | Garlic | Plums | Brussels Sprouts |
| Celery | Greens (cooking) | Raspberries | Cabbage |
| Kale | Lettuce | Strawberries | Carrots |
| Leeks | Mushrooms | Watermelon | Cauliflower |
| Onions | Onions | Celery | |
| Parsnips | Peas | Vegetables: | Collard Greens |
| Potatoes | Radishes | Beets | Garlic |
| Rutabagas | Rhubarb | Bell Peppers | Ginger |
| Sweet Potatoes | Spinach | Carrots | Greens (cooking) |
| Turnips | Swiss Chard | Celery | Green Beans |
| Winter Squash | Turnips | Collard Greens | Kale |
| Yams | Corn | Lettuce | |
| Cucumbers | Mushrooms | ||
| Eggplant | Onions | ||
| Garlic | Parsnips | ||
| Green Beans | Peas | ||
| Lima Beans | Potatoes | ||
| Okra | Radishes | ||
| Summer Squash | Rutabagas | ||
| Tomatillos | Spinach | ||
| Tomatoes | Sweet Potatoes | ||
| Zucchini | Swiss Chard | ||
| Turnips | |||
| Winter Squash | |||
| Yams |
Source:United States Department of Agriculture
As usual, should you be interested in buying or selling a home, or for any further information regarding your home, please contact me, Karen Borden, your North Alabama Real Estate Professional!
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