Which Vegetables Are In Season Right Now?

If you visit the supermarket or farmer's market towards the end of summer, you'll find an abundance of fresh corn and green beans. But as fall approaches, it's time for broccoli, rutabagas, and sweet potatoes to take center stage. Vegetables are in season at different times throughout the year, and those in-season tend to be fresher and more flavorful. Plus, choosing seasonal produce can help you reduce your carbon footprint. To guide you, we've organized a list of vegetables by season, using the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a reference. Some veggies, like bell peppers, have long seasons, while others, such as rhubarb, are only in season for a short time.

When Do Vegetables Become In-Season?

In general, vegetables that are in season are those that are available for purchase and consumption around the time they are harvested—when they are at their freshest and often their most flavorful. However, the availability of seasonal produce can vary depending on growing conditions, weather, and your location. For example, while residents of California can enjoy freshly harvested asparagus (grown locally) from January through May and again in the fall, those living in the Northeast typically only get to experience this vegetable during the warmer months.

You may have noticed that certain vegetables are available year-round despite having a specific season. This is likely because the produce is being harvested in other regions or countries where it's currently in-season, then shipped to your area.

Which Vegetables Are In Season During Winter?

Winter is the time for root vegetables, which grow beneath the surface and draw nutrients from the soil. These hearty and nutritious vegetables include beets, cabbage, and rutabagas. In addition, you'll find plenty of cruciferous vegetables, tubers, and alliums. (By the way, butternut squash and several other foods, botanically considered fruits, are also in-season during the winter.)

• Beets
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery
• Collard greens
• Herbs
• Kale
• Leeks
• Onions
• Parsnips
• Potatoes
• Rutabagas
• Sweet potatoes and yams
• Swiss chard
• Turnips

Which Vegetables Are In Season During Spring?

Spring vegetables are typically lighter, vibrant, and often have a delightful crunch. While root vegetables are still present, it's also the season for leafy greens, hearty mushrooms, and tangy radishes. (By the way, although you might consider peas a vegetable, they are technically a fruit, and spring is when they're at their prime.)

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery
• Collard greens
• Fennel
• Garlic
• Herbs
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Radishes
• Rhubarb
• Spinach
• Swiss chard
• Turnips

Which Vegetables Are In Season During Summer?

Summer is the season when fresh vegetables (and fruits!) truly come into their own. Visit the farmer's market and gather up fresh corn, green beans, okra, and more. (Cucumbers, lima beans, green beans, summer squash, and tomatoes are all excellent summer fruits.)

• Beets
• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Celery
• Corn (while some classify corn as a fruit, the USDA recognizes it as a vegetable)
• Fennel
• Garlic
• Herbs

Which Vegetables Are In Season During Fall?

As the weather starts to cool, the vegetables become heartier. Cruciferous options like broccoli and cauliflower return, alongside root vegetables such as radishes and rutabagas. While pumpkin is a favorite fall ingredient, it’s technically a fruit since it grows from a flower. This is also true for other squash varieties like kabocha and acorn squash, as well as green beans.

• Beets
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Collard greens
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Herbs
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Parsnips
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Rutabagas
• Spinach
• Sweet potatoes and yams
• Swiss chard
• Turnips