In New Zealand, we grow some of the best meats, veges and fruits in the world. If we buy produce when it’s in season (i.e. when there’s more of it around because of harvest times etc.), we can get our fruit and veges at seasonal low pricing which is a great way to keep down the weekly grocery budget.
We have well established farmers’ markets throughout the country and they bring us very fresh produce. More and more Kiwis are becoming big fans of visiting these markets in the weekend as it’s a fun thing to do on a Saturday or a Sunday to jump in the car and go shopping for the best that’s on offer this week. It’s also a great way to learn tricks and tips from the sellers that will help you get the best out of their produce and products. I strongly encourage everyone to use produce at its peak when it’s in season for the best quality and fullest flavour possible.
The following lists are a general vegetable guide for looking for what’s good in what season:
| Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|
Artichokes
Asparagus
Avocado
Beans
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumber
Leeks
Lettuce
Peas
Potatoes
Radish
Silverbeet
Snow peas
Spinach
Sugar snap peas
Sweetcorn
Tomatoes
Zucchini
|
Asparagus
Avocado
Beans
Capsicum
Celery
Cucumber
Eggplant
Green beans
Leeks
Lettuce
Peas
Radishes
Snow peas
Squash
Sugar snap peas
Sweetcorn
Tomatoes
Zucchini
|
Asian greens
Avocado
Beans
Beetroot
Borlotti beans
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Capsicum
Carrot
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumber
Eggplant
Fennel
Leeks
Lettuce
Mushroom
Onions
Parsnip
Peas
Potato
Pumpkin
Silverbeet
Spinach
Squash
Swede
Sweet potato
Sweetcorn
Tomato
Turnip
|
Asian greens
Avocado
Beetroot
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower
Celeriac
Celery
Fennel
Horseradish
Jerusalem artichoke
Kale
Kohlrabi
Leek
Okra
Olive
Onion
Parsnip
Peas
Potato
Pumpkin
Silverbeet
Spinach
Swede
Sweet potato
Turnip
|
Written by New Zealand Gluten-Free Chef Jimmy Boswell, food writer, chef, food stylist and author of The New Zealand Gluten-Free Cookbook. For more info on Jimmy, visit his Facebook page.
Image / FreeDigitalPhotos.net – kratuanoiy