Little by little, consuming seasonal foods is becoming a habit for more and more people. Because more and more of us are taking advantage of the seasonality of food to make more sustainable and environmentally friendly purchases. In addition to much more economical and healthy. And the fact is that consuming products at their optimum time brings us many benefits and advantages, both to us and to the environment. So, if you also want to start buying food that is in season and forget about greenhouse products, today, we are going to focus on fruits, with this annual calendar of seasonal fruits.
But before we begin, here are some advantages of consuming seasonal foods
Seasonal products are much healthier foods, full of vitamins and minerals, with a better taste and aroma, and a perfect texture. In short, they are of higher quality. And this is due, first of all, to the fact that their natural ripening cycle is respected. It is also due to the fact that, as a general rule, these products are more ecological, being cultivated in a more traditional way; therefore, the use of chemical products and pesticides is much reduced or, in some cases, they are not even used. This also results in a better quality of these foods, in addition to being much more respectful of our health.
Another great advantage of seasonal fruits is that they are much more environmentally friendly. Large greenhouses are not used for their production; they are also more environmentally friendly because no chemicals are used. They are products of proximity, so transport is significantly reduced, thus reducing the CO2 footprint that this entails. All this makes them more environmentally friendly foods, while we also notice it in their cost; being these foods more economical. So, in addition to respecting the environment, we will notice it in our pocket.
Seasonal fruits are healthier, environmentally friendly and economical
Finally, if we take into account the season of each product and avoid buying foods out of season (which, as we have already seen, have a higher cost, are of lower quality, and their production harms the environment); we will also be making a much more balanced diet. We will be accustomed to eat in each season what nature gives us. In this way, our diet will be much more varied. In addition, in each season we find the foods that our body needs most. For example, in summer watery fruits predominate, essential to maintain good hydration. While in autumn and winter we find many citrus fruits, essential to maintain a strengthened immune system; in order to avoid colds or flu.
If after seeing all the benefits of consuming seasonal fruits, you are encouraged to take into account the seasonality of each product, keep the following calendar to have it always at hand. This way, you will be able to consult month by month, which fruits are in season.
Annual Seasonal Fruit Calendar
Each month and each season brings us different fruits. Perfect fruits for desserts, for breakfast, for a very healthy snack… We can even include these fruits in our savory recipes. For example, in salads. Let’s see which fruits are in season each month, and we will discuss some ideas to use these fruits in our best recipes, both sweet and savory.
We start the year finding in January seasonal fruits such as persimmon, apple or the original Tamarillo. In January citrus fruits are in season, such as grapefruit, orange or tangerine, fruits rich in vitamin C, so important at this time of the year. We will also find in the market papaya, pineapple, banana, kiwi, custard apple and avocado, one of the most versatile fruits in the kitchen. With avocado, combined with other seasonal fruits, we can prepare original sauces such as Kiwi Guacamole or Orange Guacamole.
February begins and with it we say goodbye to apples and persimmons; but in exchange we find lemons, one of the fruits with more properties that we can find. It is also perfect for use in baking, for example, in classic Lemon Bars. Along with lemons, in February grapefruit, tangerine, tamarillo, papaya, pineapple, banana, kiwi, custard apple and avocado are still in season.
In March, grapefruit, tangerine, tamarillo, papaya, pineapple, banana, kiwi, custard apple and avocado are still in season. We will also begin to find blueberries and strawberries.
And in Spring…
At the end of March we welcome spring. Seasonal changes usually bring more novelties, so we can add currants, cherries, loquats, apricots and grapefruit to our shopping list. In addition, grapefruit, tangerine, papaya, pineapple, banana, kiwi, custard apple and avocado are still in season. However, we will say goodbye this month to the tamarillo, as it is no longer in season.
We continue the month of May with many delicious seasonal fruits. However, we also say goodbye to some delicacies, such as custard apples, which are no longer in season. However, we continue with blueberries and currants, two very healthy berries. Also with oranges, nectarines or peaches. Fruits loaded with vitamin C, perfect to avoid colds that usually bring us these changes in temperatures that spring has.
Regarding the seasonal fruits of June, we will find blueberries, blackberries, plums, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, oranges, bananas, lemons and pears. The tomato season begins, one of the most used fruits in the kitchen, and the season for salmorejos and gazpachos begins.
We will also see the first watermelons and melons. Two of the star fruits of the summer, which begins at the end of this month.
Start the summer with the best seasonal fruits
July is a very varied month, this month we will find in season cherries, raspberries, tomatoes, strawberries, watermelons, plums, figs, figs, fig berries, blueberries, blackberries, oranges, apricots, nectarines, peaches, umbrellas, pears, melons, bananas and quinces.
In August the list is also very extensive. So we will not get bored at all with the fruits on offer. We will find in season in August apricots, nectarines, peaches, paraguaya, apples, pears, melon, quince, banana…
Tomatoes are still in season, perfect to fight the heat with refreshing recipes such as tomato cream if we take it cold. Also, take advantage of its season to make preserves and have homemade tomato sauce throughout the year. We also welcome pomegranate, which joins our list of seasonal products along with raspberries, watermelon, currants, strawberries, plums, figs, grapes, blueberries and blackberries.
Seasonal fruits at the gates of Autumn
September arrives, and the list of seasonal fruits expands even more. This month pears are in season, a food with a multitude of properties and benefits. Perfect for making spectacular desserts such as these pears in wine.
Kiwi, cherimoya, melon, apples, peach, banana, quince, apricot, nectarine, paraguaya… are also in season.
The mango season is starting, and so is the cold weather. So we propose for this month a warm, comforting and very healthy recipe: Chickpea curry with mango. A spectacular mixture that will not leave anyone indifferent.
Tomatoes are still in season, and if in summer we used them to make fresh creams, in September we can start making warmer soups; like this tomato soup.
We also continue to find avocado, pomegranate, raspberry, watermelon, currants, strawberries, plums, figs, blackberries, grapes and blueberries. And, combining two of the seasonal fruits, we propose an original, simple and, at the same time, delicious starter: duck ham, mango and grape skewers.
Seasonal Fruits in October
In October we find in season pineapple, banana, quince, lemon, grapes, raspberries, pomegranates, persimmon, tangerine, peach, kiwi…
The strawberry tree season is starting, so go get them and prepare this spectacular homemade strawberry tree liqueur. It is very easy to make and you will get a spectacular homemade liqueur.
And, although the cold weather arrives, we cannot forget salads, as they are very healthy dishes that we should eat all year round. We suggest this delicious Fig and Goat Cheese Salad.
Avocado, tomatoes, apple, mango, orange, papaya, custard apple and pear are also in season.
In November we have persimmons, tangerine, mango, orange, papaya, grapes, pomegranate, strawberry, tamarillo, apple, avocado, kiwi, pear, custard apple, pineapple, banana and lemons in season. Although the variety is decreasing slightly, we still have many fruits in their optimum season.
Fruits in season in December are persimmons, tangerine, papaya, orange, grapefruit, pineapple, banana, lemon, avocado, kiwi, pear, custard apple, grapes, pomegranate, strawberry, tamarillo and apple.
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Gastronomic Calendar 2023: Gastronomic Events Month by Month in 2023
And you, are you encouraged to take into account the season of each food when buying?
After seeing all the benefits and advantages of consuming seasonal fruits, I encourage you to do so. Or, if you already do, tell us about your experience, or why you decided to buy only seasonal foods. Below, in the comments box, you can leave us your ideas, opinions, tips… We love to read them!
Besides, as we have seen, we have a great variety every month of the year, we won’t get bored!
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