A Guide to Seasonal Produce: What to Buy and When
Finding the best organic produce for your business can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to timing. If you’re not picking produce at its peak, you might miss out on all the great flavor, nutrition, and cost savings that come with it. That can mean higher food costs, lower quality dishes, and even unhappy customers. But when you know what’s in season, you get the freshest, most flavorful ingredients that not only make your menu shine but also help keep your budget in check.Â
Whether you run a restaurant, catering service, or organic grocery store, buying seasonal produce can make a big difference in the quality of what you offer and how much you save. Your customers deserve the best, and so does your menu. Let Summers Wellness Farm provide you with the freshest organic produce, perfectly timed for the season. Place your order today and experience the difference in every bite!
The Power of Eating With the Seasons
Before we get into the details, it’s important to understand why seasonal produce is a game-changer for your business. First off, seasonal produce is at its peak flavor and nutrient density. The fruits and vegetables that are in season are picked at the right time so they retain the highest possible quality and freshness.
On top of that, seasonal produce is more affordable. When a crop is in season, it’s more abundant, which can reduce prices. This means that buying in-season produce can help keep your food costs down while still offering the freshest ingredients.
Lastly, seasonal produce supports sustainability. By purchasing organic produce from local farms like Summers Wellness Farm, you’re contributing to the local economy and promoting environmentally friendly practices. Now that we’ve established why seasonal produce is so important, let’s examine what you should buy throughout the year.
Spring: The Start of Freshness
As the temperatures warm up, spring brings a variety of new produce options that can breathe life into your menu or store shelves. Spring is all about fresh greens and tender vegetables.
What to Buy:
- Asparagus – Fresh asparagus is tender and vibrant in the spring. Perfect for roasting or grilling, it adds a beautiful touch to any dish.
- Lettuce – Leafy greens like arugula, spinach, and kale thrive in spring. Use them for fresh salads, wraps, or as a garnish.
- Radishes – A crunchy, peppery bite that adds a nice contrast to spring dishes. They can be roasted or used raw for extra crunch.
- Peas – Sugar snap peas and snow peas are delicious in spring dishes. Their crisp texture makes them a perfect addition to salads and stir-fries.
- Strawberries – Nothing says spring like fresh strawberries. They’re perfect for desserts, smoothies, or even savory dishes like salads.
Freshen up your offerings with the crisp, tender flavors of spring! From asparagus to strawberries, Summers Wellness Farm has all the seasonal produce you need to create light, healthy dishes your customers will love. Get in touch today and let’s make this season unforgettable!
Summer: The Peak of Abundance
Summer is when the bounty of the earth really comes into play. Fruits and vegetables are in full swing, and you can expect vibrant, colorful produce that’s perfect for creating dishes that celebrate the season.
What to Buy:
- Tomatoes—Juicy, ripe tomatoes are abundant during summer. They’re perfect for salads, salsas, and sandwiches.
- Corn – Sweet corn reaches its peak in the summer months. Use it in salads, soups, or as a side dish.
- Berries – Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are at their sweetest in summer. Use them for desserts, smoothies, or as a topping for yogurt.
- Zucchini and Summer Squash – These versatile vegetables are great for grilling, baking, or stir-frying. They’re also perfect in pasta dishes or as a side.
- Stone Fruits – Peaches, plums, nectarines, and cherries are abundant in summer. They add a juicy sweetness to any menu, whether used in desserts, salads, or even savory dishes.
Summer’s abundance allows you to get creative with your dishes. With so much variety, you can add something fresh and exciting to your menu or product lineup, catering to customers who want to enjoy the vibrant flavors of the season.
Fall: Harvest Time
As the weather starts to cool, fall brings in a whole new range of produce that’s perfect for heartier dishes. Think about root vegetables and squash—these are the staples of fall.
What to Buy:
- Pumpkins – Pumpkins aren’t just for pies. They’re perfect in soups, roasted, or used in savory dishes. They’re also a great addition to baked goods.
- Sweet Potatoes – Nutritious and hearty, sweet potatoes are perfect for fall dishes. Use them in casseroles, mashed, or roasted.
- Beets – Earthy and sweet, beets are perfect for roasting or adding to salads. They also make a great addition to juices and smoothies.
- Apples – Fall is apple season! Use them in pies, crisps, salads, or even savory dishes like roasted pork with apples.
- Pears – Much like apples, pears are perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with cheeses or in baked goods.
Cozy up your menu with the rich, earthy flavors of fall! With everything from beets to apples, Summers Wellness Farm has the perfect seasonal produce for your fall dishes. Reach out today and let’s fill your shelves with the season’s best!
Winter: Freshness in the Cold
While winter might seem like a time when fresh produce is sparse, there are still plenty of options that are perfect for the colder months.
What to Buy:
- Citrus Fruits – Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are in season during winter. They’re perfect for brightening up dishes or adding a refreshing twist to drinks.
- Brussels Sprouts – These little gems are perfect for roasting or sautéing, and they add a unique flavor to winter dishes.
- Kale and Collard Greens—These hearty greens thrive in winter and are perfect for soups, stews, and salads.
- Carrots – Root vegetables like carrots are perfect for winter. Use them in soups, stews, or as a side dish.
- Pomegranates – While not as common, pomegranates come into season in late fall and winter, adding a burst of color and flavor to any dish.
Winter produce may seem sparse, but it’s the perfect time to focus on hearty, nutrient-dense options that will sustain your customers through the colder months.
Your Source for Fresh, Organic Ingredients
When the seasons change, so do the flavors—and at Summers Wellness Farm, we’re here to help you make the most of every harvest. Our fresh, organic, locally grown produce supports your business and the community, all while providing your customers with ingredients they’ll love. From spring’s vibrant greens to fall’s hearty crops, we’ve got what you need to keep your menu fresh and your dishes delightful. Let’s get started—order your seasonal produce today and watch your menu come to life!