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.

Source: Shutterstock

Blood Oranges
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Blood Oranges

Depending on the variety, blood oranges are at their peak anywhere from December to May.

Bok Choy
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Bok Choy

Bok choy is at the peak of its seasonality in Winter, though it's available year-round.

Broccoli
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Broccoli

Broccoli is available year-round but is at its peak during the chilly Fall and Winter months.

Broccoli Rabe/Broccolini
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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
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Brussels Sprouts

The peak season for brussels sprouts is September to February.

Butternut Squash
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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.

Cardoons
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Cardoons

Cardoons, an Italian staple, are available in Winter, Spring, and early Summer.

Carrots
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Carrots

Carrots are available year-round and are at their sweetest during the Winter months.

Chanterelle Mushrooms
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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
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Cherimoyas

The exotic cherimoya can be found from January to May in a good year.

Chestnuts
Camilla Salem

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
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Daikon Radish

Daikon radishes are available year-round and are sweetest and mildest during the cold-weather months.

Escarole
Flickr user wickenden

Escarole

Escarole is abundant in the Fall and Winter months.

Ginger
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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
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Grapefruit

Zingy grapefruit can be found at farmers markets from September through April.

Guava
Flickr user eikoeikoeiko

Guava

Guava has a long, luxurious season that kicks off in November and lasts until April.

Kale
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Kale

While kale is generally available year-round, the peak of its season is in Fall and Winter.

Kiwi
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Kiwi

Kiwi (actually a large berry) is typically available September through April, with its peak season running through early Winter.

Kumquats
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Kumquats

Tiny kumquats' peak season runs from January through April, with harvest sometimes starting as early as October.

Lemons
Nicole Perry

Lemons

Lemons are available year-round, with their peak availability in the cooler months.

Limes
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Limes

Limes are typically at market from October through April.

Mustard Greens
Flickr user sackton

Mustard Greens

Bitter mustard greens are at farmers markets from October to March.

Nettles
Sara Yoo

Nettles

Stinging nettles are available in markets January through July.

Oranges
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Oranges

Oranges, like most citrus, are at their peak in the Winter months, though they are available year-round in California.

Persimmons
POPSUGAR Photography

Persimmons

Both hachiya and fuyu persimmons are in season between November and February.

Pomegranates
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Pomegranates

Depending on the harvest, pomegranate season typically runs from October through February.

Pomelos
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Pomelos

Pomelos, grapefruits' larger cousins, are available from November through April.

Pumpkin
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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
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Radicchio

Bitter radicchio is available year-round and is at its peak during the cooler Winter and early Spring months.

Satsumas
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Satsumas

Satsumas and their close cousins mandarin oranges and clementines are typically available November through April.

Sweet Limes
Susannah Chen

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
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Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are typically available September through March, with their peak season ending in December.

Tangerines
Thinkstock | Martin Poole

Tangerines

Tangerines are in season roughly from late October through January.

Turnips
Flickr user ghirson

Turnips

Turnip season runs from September through April.