Have you ever stood in the supermarket wondering whether strawberries should really be available in December, or why asparagus suddenly seems to appear everywhere for a few weeks each spring?
The answer is simple: while supermarkets stock many fruits and vegetables all year round thanks to imports from around the world, most produce has a natural growing season. Choosing fruit and vegetables when they’re in season often means they’re fresher, tastier and, quite often, cheaper too.
That doesn’t mean you should never buy imported produce. Modern food supply chains mean we can enjoy a huge variety of foods throughout the year, which is something many of us appreciate. But if you’re looking to save money, support local growers where possible or simply enjoy ingredients at their very best, knowing what’s naturally in season is a great place to start.
This seasonal fruit and vegetables calendar is a handy guide to help you discover what’s typically in season during each month of the year.
Please note: Growing seasons can vary depending on the weather, your location and whether produce is grown outdoors or in protected environments. This guide is based on typical UK growing seasons.
Why eat seasonal produce?
Eating seasonally has plenty of benefits.
Better flavour
Fruit and vegetables picked at the right time of year are often sweeter, juicier and more flavoursome than those grown out of season.
Think of the difference between a locally grown summer strawberry and one that’s travelled thousands of miles in the middle of winter.
Often better value
When produce is plentiful, prices often fall. Shopping around seasonal ingredients can be a simple way to reduce your grocery bill without changing your eating habits too much.
More variety
Seasonal eating naturally encourages you to try different fruits and vegetables throughout the year instead of buying the same items every week.
Supports local growers
Buying seasonal produce grown closer to home can help support local farmers and reduce the distance food travels before reaching your plate.
Seasonal Fruit Calendar
| Month | Fruit Typically in Season |
|---|---|
| January | Apples, pears |
| February | Apples, pears |
| March | Apples, pears, forced rhubarb |
| April | Rhubarb |
| May | Rhubarb, early strawberries |
| June | Strawberries, cherries, gooseberries |
| July | Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, cherries, gooseberries |
| August | Blackberries, plums, raspberries, blueberries, apples, pears |
| September | Apples, pears, plums, blackberries, damsons |
| October | Apples, pears, quinces |
| November | Apples, pears |
| December | Apples, pears |
Seasonal Vegetable Calendar
| Month | Vegetables Typically in Season |
|---|---|
| January | Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale, leeks, parsnips, swede |
| February | Cabbage, carrots, kale, leeks, parsnips, swede |
| March | Purple sprouting broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, spring greens |
| April | Asparagus, spinach, spring greens, radishes |
| May | Asparagus, broad beans, lettuce, new potatoes, peas, spring onions |
| June | Courgettes, peas, broad beans, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes |
| July | Courgettes, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, runner beans, French beans, lettuce |
| August | Sweetcorn, tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, peppers, beans |
| September | Pumpkins, squash, sweetcorn, beetroot, carrots, tomatoes |
| October | Pumpkins, squash, beetroot, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks |
| November | Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, parsnips, swede, leeks |
| December | Brussels sprouts, carrots, cabbage, parsnips, sprouts, swede |
Seasonal highlights throughout the year
Spring
Spring is one of the most exciting times for fresh produce after the winter months.
Look out for:
- Asparagus
- Rhubarb
- Spring greens
- Spinach
- Radishes
These ingredients work beautifully in salads, pasta dishes, risottos and light lunches.
Summer
Summer brings the widest variety of colourful fruit and vegetables.
You’ll often find:
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Raspberries
- Blueberries
- Tomatoes
- Courgettes
- Peas
- Cucumbers
- Runner beans
It’s the perfect time for salads, barbecues, picnic food and simple meals that let fresh ingredients shine.
Autumn
Autumn is all about comforting flavours and harvest produce.
Popular choices include:
- Apples
- Pears
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Beetroot
- Plums
- Blackberries
These ingredients are ideal for soups, crumbles, roasting and hearty family dinners.
Winter
Winter vegetables may not seem quite as exciting, but they’re incredibly versatile.
Keep an eye out for:
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
- Leeks
- Parsnips
- Swede
- Cabbage
- Carrots
They’re perfect for casseroles, roasted dinners, soups and slow cooker recipes.
How to make the most of seasonal produce
Plan meals around what’s available
Instead of deciding on recipes first, try seeing what’s in season and planning meals around those ingredients.
This can help keep shopping costs down and introduce more variety into your weekly menu.
Freeze extras
Many fruits and vegetables freeze well.
If you find strawberries, peas or raspberries on offer during their peak season, freezing some for later means you can enjoy them long after the season ends.
Preserve what you can
Seasonal gluts are perfect for making:
- Jam
- Chutney
- Pickles
- Fruit compotes
- Tomato sauces
These can help reduce food waste while giving you homemade ingredients to enjoy throughout the year.
Visit local markets
Farm shops, greengrocers and farmers’ markets often stock produce picked much closer to home than larger supermarkets.
You may even discover varieties that aren’t commonly available in major stores.
Does seasonal eating mean giving up your favourite foods?
Not at all.
One of the joys of modern food shopping is having access to a wide range of produce throughout the year.
Eating seasonally isn’t about following strict rules or never buying imported fruit and vegetables.
Instead, think of it as making seasonal choices where it makes sense for you. If British strawberries are in abundance during June and July, that’s a great time to enjoy them. If you’d rather buy blueberries in January because you love them with your breakfast, that’s absolutely fine too.
It’s about flexibility, not perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is seasonal produce cheaper?
Often, yes. When fruit and vegetables are in plentiful supply, prices frequently fall, although this can vary depending on weather conditions and supermarket promotions.
Does seasonal produce taste better?
Many people find that fruit and vegetables picked during their natural growing season have better flavour and texture because they’ve had the opportunity to ripen more naturally.
Are frozen vegetables seasonal?
Many frozen vegetables are picked and frozen shortly after harvesting, helping to preserve their flavour and nutrients. They can be a convenient and affordable option all year round.
Do all supermarkets follow the seasons?
Most supermarkets stock a mixture of seasonal British produce alongside imported fruit and vegetables, so you’ll often find many items available throughout the year.
Final thoughts
Learning what’s in season doesn’t mean completely changing the way you shop. It simply gives you another way to make informed choices.
Choosing seasonal fruit and vegetables can help you enjoy produce at its freshest, discover new ingredients, save money and add more variety to your meals throughout the year.
Whether you buy everything from your local greengrocer, grow your own vegetables or simply pick up a few seasonal bargains in the supermarket each week, following the seasons is an easy habit that can make cooking feel more enjoyable.
Keep this guide handy throughout the year, and you’ll soon start recognising the natural rhythm of the seasons every time you go shopping.
