What Fruits Are In Season Right Now?

Here's how you can take advantage of the freshest fruit throughout the year.

While you can get almost any fruit all year long, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should. That’s because produce that’s not in season goes through a very different process where it’s picked early, cooled, and then heated to preserve freshness and flavor. But in reality, these fruits taste vastly different than what’s in season, and they don’t have as many health benefits either. If you needed another reason to shop for only the freshest produce, you should know that in-season produce is more affordable, costing just a fraction of the price it does in off-peak months.

To help you know what fruits are in season when, we’ve broken it down by season and used the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a guide.

What Does It Mean For Fruit To Be In Season?

Have you ever bought a carton of strawberries during the winter months and realized they’re not as vibrant and lack that deliciously sweet flavor? And to make matters worse, they likely cost upwards of $5, which simply is not worth it. In-season produce is all dependent on climate and growing conditions, which differ in every region. California is known for growing the most delicious avocados, Florida is famous for its surplus of oranges, and everyone knows the best apples come from New York. And while you may have noticed that you can purchase certain fruits year-round despite a limited season, that’s likely because that produce is being harvested in other states or countries where it is in-season, and then shipped to where you live.

Still, understanding the best season to enjoy certain fruits will ensure you’re getting the best quality product, at the most reasonable price. Plus, since in-season produce doesn't need to travel as far to reach your kitchen, you're reducing your carbon footprint, too!

Related:The 12 Healthiest Fruits To Eat, According to the Pros

What Fruits Are in Season in Winter?

A variety of citrus fruits are harvested in the winter, which helps us get necessary vitamin C to ward off seasonal colds and other germs. Pineapple, kiwi, and bananas are also great options to enjoy during the winter, and they are just what you need to make a Tropical Fruit Salad that will transport you to a white sand beach. You can also enjoy heartier foods, like pumpkin and winter squash varieties, which are technically classified as fruits!

Apples
Avocados
Bananas
Grapefruit
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Oranges
Pears
Pineapples
Pumpkin
Winter squash

What Fruits Are in Season in Spring?

As the bright spring season approaches, more delicious fruit becomes available. Apricots may be small, but they’re a great source of potassium and fiber, and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Strawberries and pineapples are also ready to be devoured in everything from fresh tacos to homemade pies, while peas, which are a fruit, thrive in lighter pasta dishes.

Apples
Apricots
Avocados
Bananas
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Peas
Pineapples
Strawberries

Related:What Vegetables Are In Season Right Now?

What Fruits Are in Season in Summer?

There’s really nothing quite like enjoying fresh summer fruit on a beautiful, sunny day. Now’s the time to gorge on all the berries, melons, and stone fruit you can stomach. And don't forget to stock up on watermelon!

What's more? Many foods you may think are vegetables are actually classified as fruits. This includes cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, lima beans, okra, summer squash, tomatillos, tomatoes, and zucchini.

Apples
Apricots
Avocados
Bananas
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Cherries
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Green beans
Honeydew melon
Lemons
Lima beans
Limes
Mangos
Okra
Peaches
Plums
Raspberries
Strawberries
Summer squash
Tomatillos
Tomatoes
Watermelon
Zucchini

What Fruits Are in Season in Fall?

When you think of autumn, you probably think of apple picking. And it’s pretty much the only time of year where you can find every apple variety in existence, so it’s a good idea to stock up. Pears and grapes are also perfectly ripe in the fall, and make for a great snack, especially on a cheeseboard.

Related:15 Easy Vegetable Side Dishes That Go With Everything

And again, you'll find some foods you may have thought were veggies on this list, such as green beans, peas, pumpkin, and winter squash.

Apples
Bananas
Cranberries
Grapes
Green beans
Kiwifruit
Lemons
Limes
Mangos
Pears
Peas
Pineapples
Pumpkin
Raspberries
Winter squash

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