Midwest Seasonal Produce Guide for Food Shelf Shoppers

In the Midwest, we have an incredible array of fresh produce available all-year-round. Midwestern states, especially Minnesota, grow and distribute a broad range of fresh fruits and vegetables. 

While most produce is available year-round in Minnesota, there are benefits of shopping seasonally. First and foremost, is taste. Fresh produce in season is at its peak flavor. Out-of-season produce is stored longer, which saves the shelf-life, but not always the flavor.

Fresh produce in season also comes at a lower cost. A high supply means the produce is often cheaper to purchase. Out-of-season produce isn't as readily available, especially locally. Importing produce increases the prices due to transportation and preservation costs.

Finally, nutrients are abundant in fresh produce. When preserving produce to extend shelf-life, sometimes those nutrients aren't always preserved.

Below is a guide to what produce is available seasonally here in the Midwest. Whether it's fresh berries in the summer, or amazing apples in the fall, there's always a great choice to be made.

Spring in Season Produce

Fruit: Peppers

Vegetables: Asparagus, Beets, Carrots, Leafy Greens (arugula, lettuce, salad greens, spinach), Mushrooms, Parsnips, Radishes, Rhubarb

Summer in Season Produce

Fruit: Apples, Berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries), Grapes, Melons (cantaloupe, watermelon), Pears, Peppers, Stone Fruits (cherries, peaches, plums), Tomatoes

Vegetables: Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Leafy Greens (arugula, chard, kale, lettuce, salad greens, spinach), Leeks, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radishes, Rhubarb, Squash, Turnips, Zucchini

Fall in Season Produce

Fruit: Apples, Pears, Tomatoes

Vegetables: Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Leafy Greens (chard, kale, lettuce, salad greens, spinach), Leeks, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnips, Pumpkins, Radishes, Squash (acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti), Turnips, Zucchini, Sweet Potatoes

Winter in Season Produce

Fruit: Citrus (clementines, grapefruit, lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines), Kiwi, Pear, Pineapple

Vegetables: Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Celery, Leafy Greens (collards, kale, lettuce, mustard greens, spinach), Turnips, Winter Squash (acorn, butternut, delicata, spaghetti)

**Besides Mushrooms, most fresh produce must be imported during the cold winter months in the Midwest region. The items listed are in season elsewhere and readily available.

Year-Round Produce Readily Available

Apples, Avocados, Bananas, Carrots, Celery, Grapes, Melons, Oranges, Peppers (bell & hot), Potatoes, Lemons, Limes, Peas, Onions