How-To: Outsmart the Grocery Store
Seasonal sweet spots
See what tastes best and costs less throughout the year
The ideal time to buy fresh fruits and vegetables is when they’re being harvested locally. They tend to taste best and cost less. The rest of the year, canned and frozen products are great options.
See what’s in season in spring, summer, fall, winter and all year
What’s in season: Spring
Some of these will still be available all summer long, but they come into season in springtime.
Asparagus
Broccoli
Cabbage
Lettuce
Spinach
Strawberries
Herbs
Radishes
NopalesTip! You can purchase seeds and plant starts or seedlings with SNAP benefits, and grow them on a windowsill, patio or outdoor garden.
What’s in season: Summer
Fruiting crops (anything with seeds inside) come into their own at the height of summer.
Bell peppers
Berries
Cherries
Corn
Cucumbers
Melons
Peaches
Plums
Tomatoes
Watermelon
Zucchini
EggplantTip! If you have space, freeze or can cut up tomatoes, peppers and fruit—or pickle cucumbers or watermelon rind—to use later in the year.
What’s in season: Fall
Fruits and vegetables of all colors shine as the weather turns cooler.
Beets
Brussels sprouts
Cauliflower
Celery
Grapes
Kale
ParsnipsRadishesCabbage
PapayaTip! Cold weather actually enhances the natural sweetness of kale—being exposed to frost makes the plant produce extra sugars.
What’s in season: Winter
Hardy foods with a long growing season ripen in the cool air.
Collard greens
Grapefruit
Oranges
Pears
Turnips
Winter squash
RutabagasTip! Butternut and acorn squash are delicious roasted whole or cubed—just scoop out the seeds first. Spaghetti squash, when cooked, separates into long strands you can serve just like pasta.
What’s in season: All year
Some foods grow all year or are stored to sell throughout the seasons. Some, like bananas, are brought in from other places to fill customers’ needs.
Apples
Carrots
Bananas
Mushrooms
Onions
Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
PlantainsTip! Even though apples are available year-round, apple picking season is in the autumn. If you’re inclined to freeze apple slices or make applesauce, fall is the time to do it.
Two more tips!
Download this Harvest Chart so you’ll know what’s in season in New York.
Search for easy, affordable recipes that make the most of these foods.
Ready to set a goal for yourself?
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