In short
- UK-grown produce peaks in summer and autumn; winter relies on roots, brassicas and imports.
- Items such as citrus and bananas are imported all year, with seasons in the growing country.
- Plan menus around the season and ask your supplier what is best this week.
How to use this calendar
The table shows when popular UK-grown fruit and vegetables are typically at their best. Weather changes timing from year to year, and many items are also imported, so availability and prices vary. Use it as a guide for menu planning and tell us what you need.
| Season | Fruit | Vegetables |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Rhubarb | Asparagus (from April), spring onions, radishes, new potatoes, spinach, watercress |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Strawberries, raspberries, cherries, gooseberries | Tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, lettuce and salad leaves, peas, broad beans, runner beans, sweetcorn (late summer) |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Apples, pears, plums, blackberries | Pumpkin and squash, beetroot, mushrooms, carrots, cabbage, leeks, sprouts (from late autumn) |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Forced rhubarb (Jan–Mar), stored apples and pears, imported citrus such as oranges, lemons and blood oranges | Kale, leeks, parsnips, swede, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, stored potatoes |
Imported all year
Bananas, citrus, avocados, pineapples and many other items are imported and available all year, though quality and price still change with the season in the growing country. Citrus is typically at its peak in winter.
Menu ideas by season
Seasonal produce is usually at its best for flavour, and often easier to source.
- Spring: asparagus and new potato salads, rhubarb desserts
- Summer: tomato and cucumber salads, berry desserts, cold soups
- Autumn: squash soups, apple and pear desserts, mushroom dishes
- Winter: root vegetable roasts, kale and leek dishes, citrus-based drinks and desserts
Ordering tips
A few habits make seasonal buying easier.
- Ask what is at its best this week
- Order fast-moving seasonal items little and often
- Have a substitute in mind when a seasonal item is short
- Use citrus and herbs to lift winter menus
