High gas prices and adverse weather across the country have definitely had an effect at the super market checkout. These conditions make it the perfect time to choose produce that is in season to get the best bang for your buck.


Peak of season: In my humble opinion: Peaches, nectarines and apricots are the star players for this month. Ripe blueberries should be making their way to the cold section of the produce aisle. Fresh red onions, corn, summer squash and zucchini are a good foundation for a tasty Succotash.

New in season: Apples and Valencia oranges should start making a showing. You should also see the first of the Calimyrna figs, Asian and Bartlett pears, ripe and ready for a summer fruit salad. All varieties of peppers, including sweet and bell, should be arriving along with black-eye peas, plums, shallots and eggplant.

Season ending: The last of the fresh sweet Vidalia and Walla Walla onions should be making their way to the market along with your last opportunity to enjoy a handful of ripe cherries.

Also in season for July: Green beans should be plump and plentiful. Many other fruits such as blackberries, boysenberries, raspberries, strawberries, limes, table grapes, Kadota and Mission figs, will be in strong supply. This is also a great time to enjoy pasta with a touch of fresh green onions, basil and roast artichoke garlic.

July is also a great time for a simple salad of basil, dill, cucumbers and tomatoes. For the melon fans, cantaloupes, honeydews and watermelons should be in good supply. Lastly, now is a good time for a delicious gumbo or your favorite country fried okra dish.


Peak of season: Peaches will still be in their peak in August. Plums, raspberries, Valencia oranges, cantaloupes, honeydews and watermelons will be at their best.

If you are a fan of the fig, then this grilled fig recipe would be excellent with the Calimyrna, Kadota or Mission figs.

The vegetable section will be teaming with the best of the crop including green beans, tomatillos, artichoke, garlic, green onions, okra, summer and zucchini squash, corn and cucumbers.

New in season: Asparagus should be coming back into season as the milder weather approaches. Cranberry beans make a showing for their short seasonal run. Haas avocado will return along with kale, mustard & collard greens. Fresh varieties of radishes should be a welcome addition to summer salads.

Season ending: Sadly, we will see the last apricots and nectarines. Now is the time to enjoy the remaining fresh blackberries and blueberries in addition to the last of the tree ripened limes.

Also in season for August: Apple varieties will be taking up more space in the produce aisle as the month goes on. This is also a great time to enjoy fresh, black-eye peas, boysenberries, strawberries. Maybe try a little grilled eggplant with fresh basil and dill? Table grapes, red onions, peppers, shallots, and tomatoes are all available fresh from the farm.


Peak of season: As summer comes to a close, Apples should be at their best. Valencia oranges are perfect for a late summer Sangria. Cool cucumbers, eggplant and black-eye peas will also be in their prime. Table grapes and Asian pears make exceptional finger food and what better time for a cool cucumber, basil and tomato salad.

New in season: All sizes of artichokes will be coming back around. Just in time for fall soups, you should start seeing leeks, parsnips and winter squash. Thoughts of fresh pumpkin pie should be making themselves known this month: even tastier with this pumpkin puree recipe!

Fall fruits such as persimmons, quince and pomegranates should be making their way towards the shelves.

Season ending: Boysenberries will be leaving with the end of summer along with fresh strawberries. September is a great time for entertaining around the BBQ with grilled corn, red onions, summer squash and zucchini. Just a small drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt will bring out the best of their grilled flavor.

We should also look forward to enjoying the remainder of the Bartlett pears, plums, figs and melons. And if you haven’t tried it yet, this is the last time to experiment with okra. Try this easy Indian style okra recipe.

Also in season for September: Asparagus should be going strong and reasonably priced. Hass avocados, green onions, shallots and fresh dill are the makings for your favorite version of guacamole.

Peaches and raspberries should still be available, in addition to artichokes, garlic, kale, and green beans. Bell and chili peppers should be in good supply, along with fresh, spicy radishes. Most of this month’s entries are stars in this robust vegetable salad recipe.

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Would you like to take it with you? Click on the image to download a PDF of the in season chart Click here to download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat

Once again, I've done my best to give a general idea of when certain crops can be found in the market but no two harvest seasons are ever the same. Many foods can be stored for a considerable amount of time so you may still see them on super market shelves in the off season. Remember, just because they are available, doesn't mean that they are in season, are local or taste good.

Don’t forget to watch your purchases once you get them home. After all, it is never Budget Savvy to throw away food because you overlooked it in the vegetable bin!

Mark Parker is Budget Savvy's food columnist.  If you have questions or need advice about food or organizing your kitchen, feel free to contact Mark at .