April National Garden Month - Produce for Season!
Southern California and Baja California are known for their year-round growing climates, which provide a wealth of in-season produce for each month of the year. Here's a month-by-month guide to some of the freshest and most delicious fruits and vegetables available in the region:
Cheers! Jenica
January:
Winter vegetables are at their peak, including carrots, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Other in-season items include oranges, tangerines, and avocados.
February:
February brings an abundance of citrus fruits, including lemons, grapefruits, and pomelos. Other in-season items include celery, broccoli, and cauliflower.
March:
As the spring begins to arrive, you'll find an increase in the variety of produce, including strawberries, asparagus, and artichokes.
April:
The warmer weather in April brings an explosion of color and flavor, with peaches, nectarines, and cherries making an appearance. Other in-season items include lettuce, snap peas, and radishes.
May:
Summer fruits are starting to ripen, including strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Other in-season items include corn, squash, and tomatoes.
June:
Summer is in full swing, and produce like watermelons, cantaloupes, and apricots are ripe for the picking.
July:
July is a great month for fresh stone fruits like plums, nectarines, and peaches, as well as sweet and juicy melons.
August:
August is the height of summer, and you'll find plenty of ripe, sweet berries like raspberries and blackberries, along with juicy peaches and nectarines.
September:
As fall begins, you'll see a change in the produce available, with apples, pears, and persimmons making an appearance.
October:
October is a great time for root vegetables like beets, carrots, and sweet potatoes, as well as leafy greens like kale and chard.
November:
November brings a bounty of winter squash, as well as crisp apples and pears.
December:
Winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts and kale are once again in season, along with sweet and juicy citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines.
Eating in-season produce not only supports local farmers, but it also guarantees that you are getting the freshest and tastiest produce available. So next time you're at the farmers market, take a look at what's in season and get creative with your cooking!