Editor LauraSeasonal eating is not only more delicious, it’s also better for you. When produce is in season, it’s at its peak ripeness and nutritional value. Not to mention, it’s also more affordable. To help you plan your meals around what’s in season, we’ve created a chart with all the fruit and vegetables available in South Africa, month by month.
So whether you’re looking for something to add to your winter soup or summer salad, we’ve got you covered.
January
January is a great month for fresh produce in South Africa. There are plenty of fruits and vegetables in season, so you can enjoy a wide variety of healthy and delicious meals.
Some of the fruits and vegetables that are in season during January include: apples, avocados, bananas, carrots, grapes, lemons, oranges, potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes. This is just a small sampling of the many different types of produce that are available during this month.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to use these fruits and vegetables in season, be sure to check out our recipes section. We have plenty of delicious and healthy recipes that make use of seasonal produce. So whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, we’ve got you covered.
February
February is the peak season for citrus fruits in South Africa. Oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes are all at their best during this month. Other fruits that are in season in February include mangoes, papayas, pineapples, and avocados.
As for vegetables, February is a great month for leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. Cabbage, carrots, and potatoes are also in season. So if you’re looking to stock up on fresh produce this month, be sure to take advantage of the wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are in season.
March
In South Africa, the following fruits and vegetables are in season during the month of March:
– Apples
– Apricots
– Bananas
– Blackberries
– Blueberries
– Cherries
– Grapefruit
– Grapes
– Guavas
– Lemons
– Limes
– Mangoes
– Melons
– Nectarines
– Oranges
– Papayas
– Peaches
– Pears
– Pineapples
– Plums
– Pomegranates
Winter is drawing to a close in South Africa, and with it comes an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. March is the perfect time to stock up on all your favourites, from citrus fruits to stone fruits to tropical delights. Whether you’re looking for something to snack on or wanting to add some extra vitamins and antioxidants to your diet, these fruits and vegetables will definitely hit the spot!
April
In South Africa, the following fruits and vegetables are in season during the month of April:
Fruits: apples, apricots, Avocados, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, kiwifruit, lemons, oranges, papayas, strawberries
Vegetables: artichokes, asparagus, beans (green), beets. broccoli. carrots. celery. chard. cucumbers. garlic. kale. lettuce. mushrooms. onions (spring). peas (green). peppers (bell). spinach. squash (summer). tomatoes
May
May is the time for asparagus, artichokes, avocados, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, chives, garlic, lettuce, mushrooms, peas, radishes, spinach and turnips. This is also the last month for apples and pears.
June
In June, the following fruits and vegetables are in season in South Africa:
– Apricots
– Artichokes
– Asparagus
– Avocados
– Beets
– Broccoli
– Cabbage
– Carrots
– Cauliflower
– Celery
– Chives
– Colored peppers
– Corn
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Fennel
Garlic
Ginger
Green beans
snap peas snow peas sugar snaps
July
July is the month for watermelons, apricots, cherries, strawberries, and raspberries. Peaches, nectarines, and plums are also in season in July. As for vegetables, July is the month for carrots, peas, beans, corn, and potatoes.
August
August brings with it an abundance of fresh produce, perfect for summer salads and dishes. In season during August are apricots, beans, blackberries, cherries, cucumber, figs, grapes, nectarines, peaches, plums, raspberries, rocket (arugula), watercress and zucchini.
Now is the time to take advantage of peak ripeness and flavour by incorporating these fruits and vegetables into your meals. Try a summery salad of watercress, rocket and cherry tomatoes; or roasted figs with honey and mascarpone. For something different, try grilling peaches or nectarines as a dessert or side dish. Add zucchini to pasta dishes or gratins; or cucumber to yogurt-based dips or sauces. Whatever you do with them, enjoy the seasonal bounty while it lasts!
September
September is a great month for fruit and vegetables in South Africa. There are plenty of options to choose from, so you can easily find something to suit your taste.
Some of the most popular fruits and vegetables in September include apples, apricots, berries, cherries, grapes, melons, peaches, plums, and watermelons. This is also a good time to stock up on leafy greens such as cabbage, spinach, and Swiss chard. Tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and turnips are also in season.
October
October brings with it an abundance of fresh produce, perfect for making the most of the autumnal weather. In season this month are plenty of hearty vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and squashes. These can be used to make warming soups and stews, or simply roasted in the oven with some seasonal herbs. October is also a good time to stock up on fruits for the winter months ahead, such as apples, pears, and citrus fruits.
November
November is the month for abundance in South Africa, with an array of fruit and vegetables coming into season. This includes some of the country’s favourites, such as oranges, mangoes and avocados. In addition, November sees the start of the stone fruit season, with apricots, nectarines and peaches all becoming available. As the weather cools down, there are also plenty of hearty vegetables to enjoy, such as spinach, cabbage and potatoes. So make the most of the seasonal produce on offer this month and fill your plate with healthy goodness.
December
In South Africa, December is the month when many fruits and vegetables are in season. This includes some of the most popular produce items like apples, oranges, pears, grapes, tomatoes, and potatoes. If you’re looking for fresh and affordable produce this month, be sure to check out your local farmers market or grocery store for these in-season items.
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