A Year-Round Celebration of Fresh Ingredients
Farmers’ markets are a celebration of fresh ingredients, bright colors, and local flavors. More than just a foodie utopia, they serve to link local communities with local farmers and fuel seasonal, sustainable eating. But understanding what’s in season is the key to getting the best produce and experiencing its peak flavor and nutritional quality.
This guide to what’s in season at the farmers market breaks it down week by week, month by month, so that you can spot what’s fresh and use your shopping dollars to support true seasonal produce near your home. From the delicate greens of spring to the comforting root vegetables we all crave in winter, there’s deliciousness to be had in any season!
What to Cook This Week: 9 Spring Produce Highlights and Recipes
Spring is in the air, and farmers’ markets are starting to fill with crisp greens and tender shoots. This week’s fresh finds bring sunshine to your meals and wake up your senses after winter’s heavy fare.
What’s in Season in Spring
Here’s what you will find in most spring markets:
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Leafy greens: (spinach, Arugula, Swiss chard)
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Asparagus
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Radishes
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Peas
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Fennel
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Strawberries
A Spring Writ of Inspiration for the Kitchen
Light, springy meals are perfect in the spring. Here are some of the ideas you could whip up! With some spring produce from your local farmers’ market.
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Springtime Salad: Arugula, sliced radish, and peas tossed in a lemon vinaigrette make for a light and refreshing start.
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Roasted Asparagus and Fennel: Drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and roast at 400 (F degrees until soft for an easy side dish.
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Strawberry Spinach Smoothie: Mix together fresh strawberries, spinach, a ripe banana, and almond milk for a healthy morning shake.
Pro Tip: Spring strawberries are sweet and fragrant. Freeze some for smoothies for the rest of the year!
Summer Harvests and Culinary Creations
And then you have summer farmers markets, which are every foodie’s dream. The stalls are bursting with bright fruits and vegetables, ideal for raw dishes or backyard barbecues.
What’s in Season in Summer
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Tomatoes
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Zucchini
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Berry (blueberry, raspberry, blackberry)
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Peppers
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Corn
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Cucumbers
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Peaches
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Melons
Two Ice Cream Ideas to Celebrate Summer
Summer calls for simple recipes that highlight the season’s best flavors.
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Caprese Salad: Perfect with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, fragrant basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and balsamic glaze for an impressive summer salad.
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Grilled Zucchini and Peppers: Marinate in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then grill.
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Peach Salsa: Chop fresh peaches, tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeño. Squeeze lime and add cilantro.
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Cucumber Watermelon Salad: Watermelon cubes, cucumber slices, crumbled feta, and mint leaves.
Pro Tip: Buy extra summer berries and freeze them for winter desserts or jams!
Fall Harvest and Hearty Food
There’s something very comforting about the fall farmers market. The season brings in a bounty of hearty root vegetables, squash, and apples, ideal for warming meals.
What’s in Season in Autumn
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Pumpkins and winter squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti)
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Sweet potatoes
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Cabbages
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Carrots
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Beets
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Apples
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Pears
Food to Feast on for Fall
Autumn produce is made for cozy, hearty dishes brimming with flavor.
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Roasted Root Veggie Medley: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets with olive oil and thyme.
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Butternut Squash Soup: Puree roasted squash with coconut milk, broth, and a bit of nutmeg.
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Apple Crisp: Sliced apples, oats, brown sugar, and butter — bake for a sweet, rustic dessert.
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Stuffed Acorn Squash: Quinoa, cranberries, and sautéed kale make it a festive entrée.
Pro Tip: Don’t throw away squash or pumpkin seeds. Roast them as a healthy snack!
The Wonders of Winter, Tucked in with Good Food
Though winter markets might be perceived as scant, they are hidden treasure troves, great for warming, comforting cold-weather meals.
What’s in Season in Winter
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Root crops (parsnips, turnips, and rutabagas)
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Brussels sprouts
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Leeks
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Kale and collard greens
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Citrus (oranges, grapefruits, lemons)
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Potatoes
Winter Cooking Inspiration
Stay warm with these cozy winter produce dishes.
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Winter Vegetable Stew: Parsnips, potatoes, carrots, and kale in broth with herbs.
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Citrus Salad: Grapefruit and orange segments tossed with mint and honey.
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Brussels Sprouts Gratin: Roasted, topped with cheesy breadcrumbs, and baked.
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Mashed Rutabaga: Nutty and creamy — a twist on classic mashed potatoes.
Pro Tip: Winter greens like kale are sweeter after a frost — great in salads or sautés!
Local Farmers and Eating Seasonal
Helping out our local farmers and eating what is seasonal is the first basic to living sustainably.
Farmers’ markets are not just for shopping. They’re pillars of local communities and essential to small-scale agriculture. Choosing to eat seasonally isn’t only going to make your meals taste better, but it is also better for the planet and supports small farming businesses.
The next time you visit your farmers market, force yourself to buy something new or make a recipe you’ve never made before. Think of it as a chance to broaden your palate and also to get your local growers paid.
Final Thought
Eating seasonally isn’t just a trend — it’s a delicious, sustainable way to live. Hoist your reusable bags and walk to your nearest farmers market this weekend. Who knows what seasonal treasures you’ll find?