On Saturday mornings, I tuck my daughter into her stroller and we make our way to our neighborhood farmers market to buy seasonal produce and other wares from local makers. Not only does food taste better when it’s sourced locally and purchased during its growing season, I’ve also found that children are more likely to try food they have a connection to. When you’re able to include your children in shopping for and cooking food, it will make tasting the finished product feel like a reward. Use the guide below to help you identify seasonal produce to incorporate into your family’s meals each month.
The list below is a general guide to when veggies and fruits are in season in the Northeast.
January: Apples, Beets, Cabbage, Dried beans, Herbs, Onions, Parsnips, Pears, Potatoes, Turnips, Winter squash
February: Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Dried beans, Herbs, Onions, Parsnips, Pears, Potatoes, Turnips, Winter squash
March: Apples, Cabbage, Carrots, Dried beans, Herbs, Onions, Parsnips, Potatoes, Turnips
April: Apples, Carrots, Dry beans, Herbs, Onions, Parsnips, Potatoes
May: Apples, Asparagus, Beet greens, Dried beans, Herbs, Lettuce, Onions, Parsnips, Potatoes, Radishes, Rhubarb, Spinach, Turnip greens
June: Apples, Asparagus, Beet greens, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Dried beans, Garlic, Herbs, Lettuce, Mustard greens, Onions, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Swiss chard
July: Apples, Beet greens, Beets, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cherries, Collard greens, Dried beans, Garlic, Herbs, Lettuce, Mustard greens, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radishes, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Snap beans, Spinach, Strawberries, Summer squash, Swiss chard, Tomatoes, Turnip greens, Zucchini
August: Apples, Beet greens, Beets, Blackberries, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collard greens, Corn, Cucumbers, Currants, Dried beans, Eggplant, Garlic, Grapes, Herbs, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustard greens, Onions, Peaches, Pears, Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Prunes, Radishes, Snap beans, Spinach, Summer squash, Swiss chard, Tomatoes, Turnip greens, Turnips, Winter squash, Zucchini
September: Apples, Beet greens, Beets, Blackberries, Blueberries, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collard greens, Corn, Cucumbers, Dried beans, Eggplant, Garlic, Grapes, Herbs, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Lima beans, Mustard greens, Onions, Peaches, Pears, Peas, Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Prunes, Pumpkin, Radishes, Raspberries, Snap beans, Spinach, Summer squash, Swiss chard, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watermelon, Winter squash, Zucchini
October: Apples, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collard greens, Corn, Cucumbers, Dry beans, Eggplant, Garlic, Grapes, Herbs, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Lima beans, Mustard greens, Onions, Parsnips, Pears, Peas, Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Raspberries, Snap beans, Spinach, Summer squash, Swiss chard, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watermelon, Winter squash, Zucchini
November: Apples, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Collard greens, Corn, Cucumbers, Dried beans, Eggplant, Garlic, Herbs, Kale, Leeks, Mustard greens, Onions, Parsnips, Pears, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Turnips, Winter squash
December: Apples, Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Collard greens, Dried beans, Herbs, Leeks, Onions, Parsnips, Pears, Potatoes, Turnips, Winter squash