Buy Produce in Season

Having groceries packed with the same produce year-round does a real disservice to our taste buds. We are accustomed to having every flavor of the rainbow available at our recipe book's beck and call. Part of this odd phenomenon stems from our ignorance of which produce blooms during each season. And we miss out on cycling through vegetables, enjoying the various flavors at regular intervals. In other countries where fruits and vegetables only grow seasonally, you don't use the pineapple recipe in winter. The fake juiciness of November strawberries leaves much to be desired.

A lot more goes on behind the scenes to bring out-of-season produce to your neighborhood store than you may be aware of. If you try to buy those mouthwatering strawberries in the winter one of two things happens. Either you purchase inferior berries that have been grown in artificial conditions or they have been flown in from a farm across the world. Both of these practices consume much more energy than simply waiting to buy those bite-sized treats in the spring. You'll be hard pressed to find good fruit in the off-season anyway. Reduce your "food miles" by buying what naturally grows close to you each month.

Not only will you help save on energy costs and buy food full of flavor, but you'll also save big on your grocery bill. When the supply is higher, e.g. in-season, you'll take advantage of a lower price. Plus you'll keep your taste buds on their toes when you get in touch with optimal growing seasons. Check out when your favorite fruits and veggies grow (in North America) to save some green:


Spring ushers in a breath of fresh air and many delicious foods. Each geographical area has specialty foods—make sure you are familiar with specific produce that grows naturally around you.

Continue enjoying a plentiful crop during the hot months. Fresh produce is in abundance, especially berries. Take advantage of the variety before the cooler months creep in.

The fall brings an equally unique bundle of veggies that define the autumn season. Load up on delicious apples and gourds as they are in full supply.

The fall brings an equally unique bundle of veggies that define the autumn season. Load up on delicious apples and gourds as they are in full supply.

Additional Resources for Seasonal Cooking:

Eat. Drink. Better.
This great resource invites readers to explore the environmental and health issues surrounding their food choices. Find information on farming practices and local markets, along with hundreds of free recipes!

All Recipes Seasonal Recipes
Every recipe I have tried from this site has been delicious. Read the reviews of each recipe to get additional hints and always read the reviews. Cooking seasonally has never been so tasty!

Harvest Eating
This site not only offers delicious, seasonal recipes for free, learn secret tips and tricks for preparing food. Browse hundreds of videos and posts on everything kitchen--how to properly season vegetables, create the perfect basil pesto, and locate your nearest farmer's market.

Feel Good Eats
Sue Bette, food writer and chef, has dedicated this site to helping people cook whole, seasonal, and healthy foods. Find great recipes and resources at Feel Good Eats and learn how to cook without sacrificing taste.