Seasonal produce guide: British Columbia
For the travelling food lover visiting local farmers markets with fresh-from-the-field fruit and vegetables grown in the region and in season is usually worth a visit. Even if you do not need to buy anything browsing the stalls with their vibrant colours, shadowy shapes and lively chatter, accepting free samples of fruits and cheeses when offered can be a great way to while away a few hours. You may even end up buying a few items and enjoying a simple, impromptu picnic lunch.
For
the travelling food lover visiting local farmers markets with fresh-from-the-field
fruit and vegetables grown in the region and in season is usually worth
a visit. Even if you do not need to buy anything browsing the stalls with
their vibrant colours, shadowy shapes and lively chatter, accepting free
samples of fruits and cheeses when offered can be a great way to while
away a few hours. You may even end up buying a few items and enjoying
a simple, impromptu picnic lunch.If you are unsure of the best way to store or prepare items you have bought ask the farmer you bought the produce from.
This guide is a sampling of what fruits and vegetables one can typically find at our markets and roadside stands. When using this guide to find out when your favourite fruits and vegetables should be fresh, ripe and have all the best flavours, keep in mind that these dates can vary by a few weeks from year to year depending on the weather.
The British Columbia Association of Farmers Markets has compiled a list on their website to help us find a market to visit when travelling around the province.
Select a month to discover what is in season.
January
Apples, Cabbage, Onions (red & yellow), Parsips, Pears, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Turnips, Winter Squash.
February
Apples, Cabbage, Onions (yellow), Parsnips, Pears, Rosemary, Sage, Turnips.
March
Apples, Onions (yellow), Parsnips, Pears, Rosemary, Sage.
April
Chives, Kale, Pears, Radishes, Rhubarb, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach.
May
Asparagus, Chives, Kale, New Potatoes, Onions (green), Parsleys, Radishes, Rhubarb, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach, Turnips.
June
Asparagus, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cherries, Chives, Cilantro, English Peas, Fennel (bulb), Garlic (fresh), Gooseberries, Green Onions, Kale, Lettuce, Mustard greens, New Potatoes, Parsleys, Peas, Radishes, Rhubarb (field), Rosemary, Sage, Salad Greens, Saskatoon berries, Shallots, Spinach, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Thyme, Turnips, Zucchini.
July
Apricots, Basil, Beans (fresh), Beets, Blackberries, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cherries, Chives, Cilantro, Cucumbers, Currants, Fennel (bulb), Garlic (fresh), Green Onions, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustard greens, New Potatoes, Parsleys, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radishes, Raspberries, Rosemary, Sage, Salad Greens, Spinach, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Thyme, Turnips, Zucchini.
August
Apples, Apricots, Artichokes, Arugula, Basil, Bay Leaves, Beans (fresh), Beets, Blackberries, Blueberries, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chives, Cilantro, Coriander, Corn, Crabapples, Cucumbers, Currants, Fennel (bulb), Eggplant, Endive, Garlic (fresh), Green Onions, Horse Radish, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Melons, Mint, Nectarines, Onions (sweet), Oregano, Parsleys, Peaches, Pears, Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Radishes, Raspberries, Rosemary, Rutabagas, Sage, Salad Greens, Shallots, Spinach, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tarragon, Tomatoes, Thyme, Turnips, Watercress, Zucchini.
September
Apples, Artichokes, Basil, Beans (fresh), Beets, Blackberries, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chives, Cilantro, Corn, Cucumbers, Fennel (bulb), Garlic (fresh), Grapes, Green Onions, Hazelnuts, Kale, Lettuce, Leeks, Melons, Onions (sweet), Onions (cooking), Parsleys, Parsnips, Pears, Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Quince, Radishes, Rosemary, Rutabagas, Sage, Salad Greens, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Thyme, Turnips, Winter Squash.
October
Apples, Artichokes, Beets, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chives, Cilantro, Corn, Cranberries, Fennel (bulb), Garlic (fresh), Hazelnuts, Kale, Lettuce, Leeks, Marjoram, Onions (sweet), Onions (cooking), Parsleys, Parsnips, Pears, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Quince, Radishes, Rosemary, Rutabagas, Sage, Salad Greens, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Thyme, Turnips, Winter Squash.
November
Apples, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Kale, Leeks, Onions (cooking), Parsnips, Pears, Rosemary, Rutabagas, Sage, Thyme, Turnips, Winter Squash.
December
Apples, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Onions (red & yellow), Parsnips, Pears, Rosemary, Rutabagas, Sage, Turnips, Winter Squash.
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Document updated 2011 November 23