In today’s society we have access to an amazing variety of fruits year-round, but this does not mean that all fruits are in season year-round. There are many benefits to buying fruits that are in season: better taste, cheaper cost, and adding variety to your diet. I never paid much attention to which fruits were in season by month until recently, but once you do, you will taste the wonderful difference.
Taste the Difference
When fruits are in season, they have more nutrients and are full of flavor. On the other hand, when fruit is not in season, it must be shipped in from around the world or grown in a heated greenhouse. Both of these alternative methods affect the taste of your fruit.
When transporting fruit, the crop has to be harvested early and prepared for travel so it doesn’t rot before arrival. If your fruit is grown in a heated greenhouse, or hothouse, it may not develop its full flavor since it is not in its natural environment.
Unfortunately, transportation of fruit is something that will always affect flavor. The best way to combat this is to find grocery stores whose produce is locally grown. Also, you can create your own beautiful garden, or find a Farmers’ Market nearby.
Saving Money
If the taste alone does not make you shop seasonally, the savings definitely should. This is one of the many ways to save money on groceries. When fruits are in season, there is an abundance of crop, typically resulting in a lower cost to the consumer. A great example is a large, mouthwatering pineapple stacked on top of 50 others just like it for under $2 in the beginning of the year. Now, fast-forward towards the Fall when all you can find is a short, stumpy brownish yellow pineapple that will cost you $4 to $5.
Variety
Using the seasonal fruit chart below is one way to help your family become more adventurous and try a variety of fruit rather than the typical apple a day. Make it a challenge to try a new fruit during their season and soon you will find yourself craving a kumquat or kiwi for dessert.
“Our minds are like our stomachs; they are whetted by the change of their food, and variety supplies both with fresh appetite.” – Quintilian
Please note that this chart is to be used a general reference guide. Different regions and temperature changes may affect the availability of fruits during each season.
Fruits in Season by Month
January: Dates, Guava, Kiwi, Kumquats, Persimmon, Pineapple, Pomegranate
February: Dates, Guava, Kiwi, Kumquats, Persimmon, Pineapple, Pomegranate
March: Avocado, *Dates, Guava, Kiwi, Kumquats, Pineapple
April: Avocados, Guava, Kiwi, Pineapple
May: Avocados, Berries, Cherries, Peaches, Plums, Kiwi, Pineapple
June: Avocados, Berries, Cherries, **Grapes, **Mango, Melons, Peaches, Plums, *Pineapple, Rhubarb, **Tomatoes, Watermelon
July: Apples, Avocados, Berries, Grapes, Mango, Melons, Peaches, Plums, Rhubarb, Tomatoes, Watermelon
August: Apples, Avocados, Berries, Figs, Grapes, Mango, *Melons, Peaches, **Pears, Plums, Rhubarb, Tomatoes, Watermelon
September: Apples, Avocados, Cranberries, **Dates, Figs, Grapes, Melons, *Peaches, Pears, *Plums, **Pomegranate, *Rhubarb, Tomatoes, *Watermelon
October: Apples, Coconut, Cranberries, Dates, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Pomegranate, Pears, Tomatoes
November: Coconut, Cranberries, Dates, *Grapes, **Kiwi, Kumquats, Melons, Pears, Persimmon, Pomegranate
December: Coconut, Cranberries, Dates, Guava, Kiwi, Kumquats, Melons, *Pears, **Pineapple, Pomegranate
*Fruit in season for first half of the month
** Fruit becomes in season in middle of the month
