In today’s globalized world, it can seem like a mystery as to when fruits and vegetables are actually in season. The supermarket has become a global marketplace where you can get fruit from Central America and vegetables from Africa, so it’s no wonder that many of us are likely to forget when our favorite produce is in season. That’s why we’ve compiled this list to serve as your friendly reminder.

The advantages of eating produce in season

There are a couple of key reasons it’s better to eat produce in season, and perhaps the biggest is cost. When usually expensive blueberries or strawberries are being delivered to your local supermarket in boatloads during mid-summer, you can easily save two or three dollars on a pint of them. Seasonal produce also tastes better, and has significant health benefits, because of its freshness. And produce grown in season needs fewer pesticides and chemicals; your body will therefore be exposed to less toxins.

So without further ado, here’s the list of when some of today’s most popular produce is in season.

In season year-round

Undoubtedly, there are a couple tried-and-true produce options that are in season all year. Some of the more popular of these are carrots, spinach, broccoli, kale, apples and bananas.

Seasonal produce

For those fruits and veggies that are enjoyed best during specific months, here’s when you should run out to the supermarket to buy them, and a tip to get the most out of eating them.

Strawberries, March-August
Tip: Unlike other fruits, strawberries will not continue to ripen after picked. Therefore, make sure you choose the brightest, freshest looking strawberries your store has on offer.

Green Beans, June-September
Tip: Because green beans can lower the amount of calcium your body can absorb after you eat them, avoid munching on them with dairy products and save that tall glass of milk for later.

Grapes, June-November
Tip: Eat the seeds! Yes, the seeds are in fact loaded with antioxidants, which are great for your health.

Raspberries, June-August
Tip: Notice a few bad raspberries in your batch? Pluck them out fast! If you don’t, they’ll make the raspberries surrounding them perish more quickly.

Blueberries, June-August
Tip: Little does the average consumer know, these delicious blue bundles of joy are fragile. To maintain their best form, gently pat them dry after washing them.

Pineapple, March-November
Tip: Pineapples have a short shelf life, and once they are completely ripe they are no good after only a few days. If you just bought an armful of fully ripe ones and are unsure if you’ll be able to eat them fast, toss them in the fridge to extend their edibility to a week.

Tomatoes, April-November
Tip: Tomatoes are chock full of a nutrient called lycopene, which is believed to boost your immune system and prevent cancers. To get the most of this nutrient from tomatoes, cook them.

If you want more tips on how to incorporate your favorite fruits and veggies into your diet, talk to our nutritional experts. We’ll be happy to help you develop a diet plan that achieves your long term health goals.