While it's fun to relish seasonal delights as they come to market, we hold a special place in our hearts for the fruits and vegetables we can find all year-round. From tender greens perfect for wilting or tossing in a salad to a big chunk of the allium family (onions, scallions, shallots, etc.), these staple items can be relied on to bring their fresh flavor no matter the season.
Apple harvest season runs from August through November with some varietals like Gravensteins coming to markets as early as the end of July. The rest of the year, these fruits are available thanks to cold storage.
Bok choy is at the peak of its seasonality in Winter, though it's available year-round.
Broccoli is available year-round but is at its peak during the chilly Fall and Winter months.
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.
Carrots are available year-round and are at their sweetest during the Winter months.
Cauliflower is typically available all months, but its peak is in Summer (July and August).
Celery is typically available year-round.
While kale is generally available year-round, the peak of its season is in Fall and Winter.
While kohlrabi is available year-round, it really peaks in the colder months: October, November, and December.
Leeks are generally available year-round, with their peak during the Spring season.
Lemons are available year-round, with their peak availability in the cooler months.
Peak long bean season runs from late Summer to early Fall. However, in California and Mexico, they grow year-round.
Cultivated mushrooms like cremini (pictured), button, shiitake, and portobello are available year-round.
Oranges, like most citrus, are at their peak in the Winter months, though they are available year-round in California.
Because they're a kitchen staple, it's easy to assume that potato season runs year-round. Rather, they're typically harvested from July till early September (and are a real treat as "new potatoes"); the rest of the year, they're available via cold storage.
Bitter radicchio is available year-round and is at its peak during the cooler Winter and early Spring months.
Although radishes are available year-round, it's during Spring and Summer months when one can truly appreciate them for their crisp texture and spicy, juicy bite.