Fruits and vegetables that are in season tend to have a more pronounced and delicious flavor. They are harvested at the right time when they are fully ripened and have reached their optimal taste. The flavors are often more vibrant and satisfying compared to produce that is out of season or picked prematurely. Eating Georgia produce at its peak season is a rewarding experience that offers superior flavor, maximum nutrition, and benefits for local communities and the environment.
Here are some of the best produce options available in Georgia by month:
January:
- Collards: These leafy greens are hearty and nutritious, perfect for cooking into comforting dishes.
- Kale: Another nutritious green, kale is versatile and can be used in salads, soups, or sautéed as a side dish.
- Turnips: Both the roots and greens of turnips are delicious and can be used in a variety of recipes.
February:
- Collard Greens
- Kale
- Turnips
- Radishes
- Carrots
March:
- Strawberries: As the weather begins to warm up, strawberries start to ripen, offering a sweet and juicy treat.
- Asparagus: This spring vegetable is tender and flavorful, perfect for roasting or adding to salads.
- Lettuce: Various lettuce varieties, such as romaine, leaf lettuce, and butterhead lettuce, thrive in Georgia’s mild spring weather.
- Spinach: Spinach is rich in nutrients and can be used in salads, sautés, or added to smoothies.
- Snap Peas: These crisp and sweet peas are enjoyed both raw and cooked in stir-fries or vegetable dishes.
- Radishes
- Carrots
April:
- Blueberries: Georgia’s blueberry season begins in April, offering sweet and antioxidant-rich berries.
- Strawberries
- Asparagus
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Snap Beans
- Radishes
- Carrots
May:
- Snap Peas: Fresh green beans are abundant during this time, perfect for sides or as additions to main dishes.
- Peaches: Georgia peaches are at their best during the summer months, with May marking the start of the season.
- Watermelons: As temperatures rise, juicy and refreshing watermelons become widely available.
- Tomatoes: Georgia’s warm climate produces delicious tomatoes in a variety of colors and sizes.
- Cucumbers: Crisp and cooling, cucumbers are great for salads, pickling, or refreshing beverages.
- Squash: Summer squash varieties like zucchini and yellow squash start to appear in May.
- Blueberries
- Zucchini
- Peppers
June:
- Peaches: Georgia peaches are at their peak in June, offering sweet and juicy fruit perfect for eating fresh or using in various recipes.
- Blueberries: Blueberry season continues into June, providing antioxidant-rich berries for snacking, baking, or adding to breakfast dishes.
- Tomatoes: The warm weather brings a bountiful harvest of flavorful tomatoes, perfect for salads, sandwiches, or sauces.
- Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing cucumbers are widely available in June and can be enjoyed in salads, pickles, or as a hydrating snack.
- Squash: Zucchini and yellow squash are abundant during this time, offering versatile options for sautés, grilling, or roasting.
- Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers are in season and can be used in stir-fries, salads, or stuffed with various fillings.
July:
- Corn: Sweet corn is at its peak in July, providing juicy and sweet kernels that are great for grilling, boiling, or incorporating into summer dishes.
- Okra: This Southern favorite thrives in the heat of July, and it can be fried, added to stews, or pickled for a tangy treat.
- Peaches
- Blueberries
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Bell Peppers
August:
- Melons: Watermelons and cantaloupes reach their sweetest and juiciest state in August, providing refreshing options for summertime enjoyment.
- Peaches
- Blueberries
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Bell Peppers
- Corn
- Okra
September:
- Apples: Apple season begins in September, offering a variety of crisp and flavorful options for eating fresh or using in baking.
- Pears: Pears also come into season in September, providing sweet and fragrant fruit that can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into desserts.
- Muscadine Grapes: These sweet and thick-skinned grapes are native to the Southeast and are often used for making juice, jelly, or wine.
- Pumpkins: As fall approaches, pumpkins start appearing, making them perfect for carving, baking, or using in festive recipes.
- Sweet Potatoes: Georgia is known for its delicious sweet potatoes, which are harvested in the fall and can be roasted, mashed, or used in pies and casseroles.
October:
- Butternut Squash: This winter squash is sweet and nutty, ideal for roasting, soups, or incorporating into hearty dishes.
- Collard Greens: As temperatures cool, collard greens become abundant and are often cooked with smoked meat or used in traditional Southern dishes.
- Apples
- Pears
- Muscadine Grapes
- Pumpkins
- Sweet Potatoes
November:
- Kale: Kale is a hardy green that thrives in cooler temperatures and can be used in salads, soups, or sautés.
- Brussels Sprouts: These miniature cabbage-like vegetables are at their best in the fall and can be roasted, sautéed, or used in side dishes.
- Apples
- Pears
- Muscadine Grapes
- Pumpkins
- Sweet Potatoes
- Butternut Squash
- Collard Greens
December: