Your Ultimate Winter Produce Guide
Winter at the farmers markets may not boast juicy berries or snappy stalks of asparagus, but it does offer up many seasonal delights. From blood oranges to turnips, this guide will get your ready for what to expect on your next shopping trip.
Blood Oranges
Depending on the variety, blood oranges are at their peak anywhere from December to May.
Bok Choy
Bok choy is at the peak of its seasonality in Winter, though it's available year-round.
Broccoli
Broccoli is available year-round but is at its peak during the chilly Fall and Winter months.
Broccoli Rabe/Broccolini
Whether you call it broccoli rabe, broccoli raab, broccolini, or broccoletti, its season runs year-round and is at its peak in the Winter months.
Brussels Sprouts
The peak season for brussels sprouts is September to February.
Butternut Squash
Winter squashes like butternut squash are typically harvested October through December and are available as late as early April thanks to their hearty nature.
Cabbage
Cabbage is available year-round, with its seasonal peak in the colder months.
Cardoons
Cardoons, an Italian staple, are available in Winter, Spring, and early Summer.
Carrots
Carrots are available year-round and are at their sweetest during the Winter months.
Chanterelle Mushrooms
Earthy chanterelle mushrooms have a season dictated largely by rainfall — they're a foraged rather than cultivated food — and while available intermittently throughout the year, they are most common during the rainy seasons of Fall and Winter.
Cherimoyas
The exotic cherimoya can be found from January to May in a good year.
Chestnuts
As one might guess from their cultural ties to the holiday season, chestnuts are typically available during blustery Fall and Winter months, roughly October through January.
Daikon Radish
Daikon radishes are available year-round and are sweetest and mildest during the cold-weather months.
Endive
Endive is available from September to May, but its peak season begins in November.
Escarole
Escarole is abundant in the Fall and Winter months.
Ginger
Ginger's harvest season runs August through November, and it is available through cold storage all the way into February. During the rest of the year, try substituting ginger juice 1:1.
Grapefruit
Zingy grapefruit can be found at farmers markets from September through April.
Guava
Guava has a long, luxurious season that kicks off in November and lasts until April.
Kale
While kale is generally available year-round, the peak of its season is in Fall and Winter.
Kiwi
Kiwi (actually a large berry) is typically available September through April, with its peak season running through early Winter.
Kohlrabi
While kohlrabi is available year-round, it really peaks in the colder months (October, November, and December).
Kumquats
Tiny kumquats' peak season runs from January through April, with harvest sometimes starting as early as October.
Lemons
Lemons are available year-round, with their peak availability in the cooler months.
Limes
Limes are typically at market from October through April.
Mustard Greens
Bitter mustard greens are at farmers markets from October to March.
Nettles
Stinging nettles are available in markets January through July.
Oranges
Oranges, like most citrus, are at their peak in the Winter months, though they are available year-round in California.
Parsnips
Parsnips' peak season runs October through April.
Persimmons
Both hachiya and fuyu persimmons are in season between November and February.
Pomegranates
Depending on the harvest, pomegranate season typically runs from October through February.
Pomelos
Pomelos, grapefruits' larger cousins, are available from November through April.
Pumpkin
Pumpkins are available as early as late September and as late as early April, with their peak falling in the Fall and Winter months.
Radicchio
Bitter radicchio is available year-round and is at its peak during the cooler Winter and early Spring months.
Satsumas
Satsumas and their close cousins mandarin oranges and clementines are typically available November through April.
Sunchokes
Sunchokes (also known as Jerusalem artichokes) are typically available during the cooler months of September through April.
Sweet Limes
Sweet limes, otherwise known as the hardy lime or the Palestine sweet lime, are harvested in the Winter and early Spring.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are typically available September through March, with their peak season ending in December.
Tangerines
Tangerines are in season roughly from late October through January.
Turnips
Turnip season runs from September through April.