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Florida Harvest: What's in Season by Month
Cooking with seasonal ingredients is one of the best ways to improve the taste and quality of your food. Our real estate agents have been spending a lot of time perfecting their favorite fall recipes, and seasonal ingredients play an important role. Some of our clients have also been inspired to improve their cooking skills after seeing the big bright kitchens in these Sarasota homes for sale.
Because Florida is a tropical climate, our growing season is a bit unique when compared to other areas of the country. The majority of our crops come into season in the fall and winter, which is why now is the best time to start preparing your menu. Here is a quick guide to what's in season by month:
- November
As we near the end of fall and those hot temperatures begin to dip, you'll start to see some of Florida's best fruit start to ripen. Mid-to-late November is the start of grapefruit, orange, tangerine, and passion fruit season. Florida is actually one of the leading providers of these crops. You'll also start to see radishes and squash start to mature as well. - December - January
Once December arrives, our grapefruits, oranges, and tangerines are in full season. In addition to our November crops, you'll also start to notice leafy greens like kale, collard greens, lettuce, and broccoli become ready for harvest. These are all great ingredients to use as healthy side dishes or to work into stews. - February - March
Spring starts early in Florida, and so does the spring harvest. Once February rolls around, it's time to start picking your typical spring fruits and vegetables like strawberries, papaya, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, cauliflower, celery, and cucumbers. These crops remain in season all the way through May. - April - May
Towards the end of spring and early into the summer is when you'll start to see hot summer temperatures set in, and some of the more tropical fruit start to flourish. Expect to see fresh blueberries, cantaloupe, and watermelons at the grocery down the street from these Bradenton homes for sale. This is a great time to eat guava, lychees, and longan as well. - June - October
In mid-to-late summer, tropical Florida weather and the hottest temperatures usually bring an end to the harvest season. However, some fruits like mangos and grapefruit continue to thrive during this time of year. Also, some crops, such as tomatoes, peanuts, avocados, and mushrooms, are in season all year long.
For the freshest produce possible, be sure to stop by the Sarasota Farmers Market, or if you live closer to Siesta Key homes for sale, there's the Siesta Key Farmers Market.
Knowing what's in season in your area can help you ensure your family is eating the freshest ingredients all year long. Our climate supports long harvest seasons throughout most of the year. Contact us today to schedule a tour of one of our local listings.