The Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Produce

There's a reason your grandmother's tomatoes tasted better than anything you can buy in January — they were picked at the peak of summer when tomatoes are naturally at their best. Eating seasonally is one of the simplest ways to improve the flavor of your meals, save money at the grocery store, and support local agriculture. When produce is in season, it doesn't need to travel thousands of miles to reach your plate, which means it's fresher, more nutritious, and significantly more affordable.

Spring is the season of renewal in the produce aisle. Look for tender asparagus, sweet peas, artichokes, and the first strawberries of the year. These early-season gems are perfect for light salads, quick sautés, and simple preparations that let their natural flavors shine. Spring is also the time for leafy greens like spinach, arugula, and butter lettuce, which are at their most tender and mild before the summer heat makes them bolt and turn bitter. A simple spring salad with fresh peas, shaved asparagus, and a lemon vinaigrette is one of the most satisfying dishes you can make.

Summer brings an abundance that can feel almost overwhelming. Tomatoes, corn, peaches, berries, zucchini, peppers, and watermelon flood the farmers' markets and grocery aisles. This is the time to indulge in fresh-eating produce — ripe tomatoes sliced with mozzarella and basil, sweet corn grilled on the cob, and peaches eaten straight over the sink as the juice runs down your chin. It's also the perfect time to preserve the bounty for later. Make a big batch of tomato sauce, freeze bags of sliced peaches, or pickle your surplus cucumbers. You'll be grateful for these summer flavors when February rolls around.

Fall and winter have their own treasures that are often overlooked. Autumn brings hearty squash, crisp apples, pears, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and cranberries. These ingredients are the backbone of comfort food season — roasted butternut squash soup, apple crisps, and caramelized Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze. Winter narrows the field but delivers powerhouses like citrus fruits, root vegetables, kale, and pomegranates. A bright winter citrus salad with fennel and pomegranate seeds can lift your spirits on the darkest January day.

At TheShop, we make it easy to shop seasonally by highlighting what's in peak season right on our product pages. Look for the "In Season" badge to find produce that's at its freshest and most affordable. We also partner with local farms within 100 miles of our stores to bring you the very best regional produce. Check our weekly circular for seasonal specials, and don't be afraid to try something new — you might discover that your new favorite vegetable is one you've been walking past for years.