Life in MiniatureDon't Sweat the Small Stuff!

Looking For Jan Dec ? Then This is Where You Want to Be

How to pick fresh in season fruit and veggies

Go Green by buying in season fruits and veggies

Looking to go green? It's important for us Australians, who are already blessed with great climate for agriculture, should keep it in our minds to buy fruit and veggies when they're in season. Not only do they tend to be cheaper because of reduced transport and refrigeration costs, but buying in season means your produce is fresh, local and better for the environment.

So just what should you buy and when?

In season Fruit Guide

Australia is blessed in that many of our favourite fruits and veggies are actually available year round. Fruits like bananas and oranges are available most of the year. Berries tend to peak in December/January, along with most stone fruits. And of course, summer is the perfect time to dive into a ripe and juicy watermelon. When picking fruit, firmness and colour are usually the best determinants. Too firm and it's probably not ripe enough - too soft and it's probably about to spoil.

Apple: March - May

Banana: Jan - Dec

Blackberry: Jan - Feb

Blueberry: Jan - Feb

Cherry: Dec

Figs: Apr

Grapefruit: May - Oct

Grapes: Jan - May

Honey Dew: Dec - Jan

Kiwi: May

Lemon: May - Nov

Mandarin: Jul - Aug

Nashi Pear: Mar - May

Nectarine: Jan - Mar

Orange: Jul - Feb

Pearch: Jan - Mar

Pear: Feb - Mar

Persimmon: May

Plum: Jan - Mar

Quince: Apr

Raspberry: Dec - Jan

Rockmelon: Jan

Strawberry: Dec - Feb

Watermelon: Jan - May

In season Veggie Guide

In Australia, we have quite a wide variety of fresh veggies to choose from. The classic staples, bean shoots, mushrooms and broccoli are available throughout the year. When picking green leafy veggies, examine the colour of the leaves, you want a darker and rich shade of green. Try snapping a leaf to test its crispness, if you hear a definite snapping sound, you've got a fresh bunch.

Artichoke: Sept - Nov

Asparagus: Oct - Apr

Beans: Jan - Apr

Beanshoots: Jan - Dec

Beetroot: Sept - Apr

Broccoli: Jan - Dec

Brussel Sprouts: Jul - Oct

Cabbage: Oct - Apr

Capsicum: Dec - Feb

Carrot: Jan - Jul

Cauliflower: Mar - Oct

Celery: Dec- Apr

Corn: Feb - Apr

Cucumber: Nov - Apr

Eggplant: Jan - Apr

Fennel: Jun - Sept

Leek: Oct

Lettuce: Nov - Apr

Mushroom: Jan - Dec

Potato: Mar - Jul

Pumpkin: Feb - Jun

Rhubarb: Oct - Jan

Silverbeet: Jun - Oct

Snow peas: Feb - Apr

Spinach: Sept - Oct

Spring Onion: Mar - May

Tomato: Jan - Feb

Turnip: Jan - May

Zucchini: Dec - Apr

About the Author