Shop Seasonal Produce for Cheap Groceries

Let’s be honest: we all live busy lives, and it’s tempting to just toss whatever’s convenient into your cart—even if it means paying $6 for a sad, out-of-season tomato that tastes like nothing. But here’s a secret that chefs and savvy shoppers swear by: buying produce that’s in season can seriously cut your costs and transform your meals.

In-season fruits and vegetables are more abundant, which usually makes them cheaper and fresher. Since they don’t have to be shipped from halfway across the world, they arrive on your plate in their prime, full of flavor, packed with nutrients, and with more vibrant colors than off-season alternatives. Plus, eating seasonally adds variety to your meals and helps connect you with what’s growing locally.

We’ve put together a year-round guide to help you shop smart, eat well, and get inspired in the kitchen—all while staying within budget.

What to Purchase in Each Season (and What to Make)

Shopping in Spring (March – May)

Spring is a great time to reintroduce fresh greens after a winter of heavier meals. Light, colorful dishes shine with produce like crisp radishes and juicy cherries.

What’s in season:

• Asparagus
• Peas
• Radishes
• Artichokes
• Lettuce
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Rhubarb

What to make:

• Asparagus and pea risotto – Comforting and rich, and full of bright spring flavor.
• Lemon-Ricotta Pasta with Snap Peas – Ultra creamy but not too heavy, the lemon-ricotta combo gives a refreshing brightness, while snap peas give it crunch and color.
• Rhubarb and strawberry crisp – A tart-sweet dessert that is the perfect way to blend bright spring flavors.

Shopping in Summer (June – August)

Summer produce is practically made for no-fuss cooking. Think salads, grilling, and anything that keeps the oven off. If you close your eyes and think of summer, you can practically taste the ripe peaches and corn on the cob cooked right on the barbecue.

What’s in season:

• Tomatoes
• Zucchini
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• Peaches, nectarines, plums
• Bell peppers
• Melons

What to make:

• Grilled corn and zucchini tacos – Add a little cotija cheese and lime for a burst of freshness and you have an easy, healthy dinner. Add some marinated chicken or your favorite meat for some extra protein, or leave it out for a quick vegetarian meal.
• Caprese salad – This simple salad of tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and olive oil bursts with summer flavor and takes just minutes to make.
• Peach cobbler or grilled peaches – Don’t knock it till you try it! Peaches just might be the ultimate summer fruit, and if you haven’t tried them grilled, you’re missing out.

Shopping in Fall (September – November)

Fall produce brings out all the cozy vibes – apple pie, butternut squash soup and pumpkin spice everything are the staples of the season. Root veggies and hearty greens are perfect for roasting, baking, or turning into comforting soups and casseroles.

What’s in season:

• Apples
• Squash (butternut, acorn, delicata)
• Sweet potatoes
• Kale
• Pears
• Grapes
• Brussels sprouts
• Cranberries

What to make:

• Roasted butternut squash soup – A true fall classic that’s silky, cozy, and budget-friendly. Add some nutmeg, cloves, and maple syrup to sweeten things up, or stick to paprika and cayenne for a more savory variant.
• Apple kale salad with walnuts and sharp cheddar – A perfect side for a touch of health at Thanksgiving dinner.
• Brussels sprouts with bacon – A classic answer to sprout skeptics, these baked Brussels with bacon make a great addition to nearly any entree.

Shopping in Winter (December – February)

Winter may seem like slim pickings, but it’s actually a great time to enjoy hearty, long-lasting veggies and the bright punch of citrus. You may not always think of citrus in the colder months, but it’s peak season for that fresh-squeezed OJ. It’s also a great time to cash in on any preserved

What’s in season:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits)
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Beets
• Leeks
• Potatoes
• Parsnips
• Pomegranates

What to make:

• Roasted root vegetable medley – Sweet, earthy, and delicious and perfect for a festive holiday table spread. The best part of this is that you can use any seasonings you like to make a fully customizable dish.
• Citrus salad with mint and honey – While this might sound like more of a summer dish, the seasonal citrus is great for brightening even the darkest winter day.
• Beet and goat cheese quinoa bowls – Grains like rice or quinoa make a great staple year-round. Combine it with beets and goat cheese for a colorful, healthy, and satisfying lunch.

Tips for Year-Round Produce Shopping

1. Hit the farmers’ market (or local produce section):
   Farmers’ markets are your best bet for fresh, in-season fruits and veggies. Can’t make it there? Check labels at your grocery store for “local" tags, or keep a list of in-season produce handy while you’re shipping.
2. Be flexible with your meal planning:
   Rather than planning recipes and then buying ingredients, flip the script by building your meals around what’s fresh and affordable. You'll save more, plus serve more exciting and flavorful meals.
3. Learn to store produce properly:
   Keeping your fruits and veggies fresh longer means more savings. Store greens in damp paper towels to keep them from drying out, keep root veggies in a cool dark place, and separate ethylene-producing fruits (like apples and bananas) out of bags and away from ethylene-sensitive ones (like leafy greens).
4. Explore canning, pickling, and deep freezing:
   If you really want to make that strawberry shortcake full of flavorful berries at any time of year, you can explore canning either whole strawberries or homemade strawberry pie filling. Canning is also great for tomatoes, peaches, peppers, and peas. Pickling cucumbers, carrots and other veggies has been known to have health benefits, plus a way to enjoy your favorite veggies out of season. Finally, use a deep freezer to stock up on sale-priced produce and savor out-of-season flavors.