You should already know that it is best to buy organically grown fruits and vegetables, but do you know that you should try to buy as many of them as you can locally and in season.   Local means that your organic produce will be less damaged via long distance shipment and storage; and as an added bonus, locally grown seasonal fruits and vegetables will usually be less expensive.

Of course, depending on the area you live in, it can be challenging to find fresh local organic produce, not only because of geographic location, but also because of climate differences. For example, in NY, variations in yearly temperature makes it difficult to buy local produce all year long, in which case you should at least try to buy your organically grown produce in season.

So, if you want to enjoy 100 % of the benefits of organic fruits and vegetables, buy them local and in season.

Many of the seasonal vegetables and fruits listed below do not need to need to be purchased organic, but for some seasonal fruits and vegetables, buying organic is MANDATORY – for example: imported grapes should be purchased as organic ONLY.  You can learn which seasonally grown produce MUST be purchased as organic at Super Simple Detox, which you can use to learn how to use the seasons to cleanse smart and detox naturally using organic cleansing detox fruits and vegetables.

Use our list below to find when the most common fruits and vegetables are typically picked and harvested:

Apples – are in season from October to about late April.

Apricots – are in season from late spring to early summer.

Artichokes – are in season in spring and early fall.

Arugula – available all year long, best in spring and fall.

Asparagus – is in season from March to about June.

Bananas – are imported year-round.

Beets – are in season from about mid-June to mid-October.

Blackberries – are in season in Summer.

Blueberries – are in season from about mid-June to mid to late August.

Bock Choy – is in season from fall through spring.

Broccoli – is in season from July to October.

Brussels Sprouts – are in season late fall and winter.

Cabbage – is available all year around, but best in late fall and winter.

Cantaloupes – are best in summer.

Carrots – are available year-round, but are best from July to September.

Cauliflower – is best in fall and winter.

Celery is best in fall and winter.

Cherries – are in season from late Spring to early Summer.

Collard Greens – are available all year around.

Cranberries are in season in fall.

Cucumbers – are in season from June to September.

Eggplant – are in season from August to September.

Fennel is in season from fall through spring.

Fresh Figs (not dried) – are in season from about mid-May to mid-October.

Garlic – is in season from August to October.

Grapefruit is in season in winter and spring.

Grapes – are in season from August to September. Note: : Imported grapes are available year-round, but if you buy organic imported grapes, make sure they are organically grown.

Green Beans are in season in summer and fall.

Hass Avocados – are in season from February to October.

Honeydew Melons – are in season from August to October.

Kale is best in fall and winter.

Kiwis are in season from winter to spring.

Leeks – are in season from August to November.

Lemons are in season from winter to spring.

Lettuce is best in spring.

Mangos are in season in summer.

Mushrooms – are in season from October to November.

Onions – dry onions are in season from September to December; green onions are in season from July to September.

Oranges – California navel oranges are in season from about mid-November to late spring. They are sweetest from about January to early March.

Parsnips are in season from fall through spring.

Peaches – are in season from July to September.

Pears – are in season from August to December.

Plums are in season in summer.

Pomegranates are in season in fall.

Potatoes – are in season from September to January.

Pumpkins are in season in fall.

Radishes are in season from March to September.

Raspberries – are in season from July to September.

Red Peppers – are in season from about May to September.

Spinach – is in season from June to October.

Squash is in season in summer (summer squash).

Strawberries – are in season in June and early July.

Sweet potatoes – are in season from October to February.

Tomatoes – are in season from August to September.

Turnips – are in season from October to February.

Watermelon – peak season for watermelons is from mid-May to late August.

Winter Squash – acorn and butternut squash are in season from September to December.

Yams – are in season from October to about March.

Zucchini – are in season from July to September.

If you would like to find out what fruits and vegetables are in season is in your state right now, check Eat Local.

Breathe, smile and be happy.

©Irina Wardas, HHC

Women’s Holistic Health, Nutrition Coach Counselor and Radio Show Host

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2. Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables That We Don’t Need to Buy Organic
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