What is the best time of year to buy fruit?

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2025 survey revealed that over 70% of people believe seasonal produce tastes better. Knowing what is the best time of year to buy fruit allows you to enjoy produce at its freshest, most flavorful, and most affordable.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the benefits of seasonal shopping, providing a comprehensive overview of which fruits are at their peak during each season to help you maximize freshness, flavor, and value.

Key Points

Peak Freshness: The best time to buy fruit is during its peak season for maximum flavor and ripeness.
Cost-Effective: Seasonal fruits are generally cheaper due to abundance and lower transport costs.
Nutrient-Rich: Fruits harvested in season retain higher levels of essential vitamins and nutrients.
Seasonal Variety: Spring offers strawberries and apricots, summer provides mangoes and berries, autumn features apples and pears, and winter is best for citrus.
Frozen is a good option: For fruits out of season, buying frozen is a great alternative as they are frozen at peak ripeness.
Local is Better: Shopping locally reduces environmental impact and supports regional farmers.
Use Your Senses: Judge ripeness by vibrant color, firm texture, and sweet aroma.

Why Buy Fruit Seasonally?

Choosing to buy fruit in season offers a range of benefits that go beyond just saving a few dollars. When produce is picked and harvested at its peak, it has developed its full-bodied flavors and natural sweetness, unlike off-season fruits that may be harvested early and ripened artificially. Furthermore, seasonal produce is often more nutritionally dense because it has absorbed the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals from the plant before being picked. The abundance of fruit during its peak season drives down market prices, making it a more cost-effective option for consumers. Finally, purchasing local, seasonal fruit reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping and supports local farmers and agricultural practices.

The Seasonal Fruit Calendar

While specific availability varies by region, general seasonal trends apply worldwide. Here is a breakdown of peak fruit seasons:

Spring (March - May)

Strawberries: Look for brightly colored, firm berries with green caps.
Apricots: Best in late spring, they should be golden-orange and yield to gentle pressure.
Cherries: Plump, firm, and shiny with green stems are signs of freshness.
Rhubarb: Although a vegetable often used as a fruit, it peaks in May.

Summer (June - August)

Mangoes: Peak season runs through August, with ripe ones feeling slightly soft and having a sweet aroma.
Watermelons: Tap the melon; a dull, hollow sound indicates ripeness.
Peaches and Nectarines: Look for a sweet fragrance and slight softness.
Berries (Blueberries, Raspberries): Firm, plump berries with uniform color are best.
Bing Cherries: Peak season for this variety is June and July.

Autumn (September - November)

Apples: Most varieties are crispest and best from late summer through fall.
Pears: Comice and D'Anjou pears peak in fall, with ripe Bartlett pears being best in September and October.
Grapes: Plump, firm grapes with green stems are ideal.
Figs: The second, and often best, season for fresh figs runs from August through October.
Pomegranates: Vibrantly colored and juicy, they are best from November to January.

Winter (December - February)

Citrus Fruits: Oranges, mandarins, clementines, and grapefruits are at their juiciest and most flavorful.
Apples: Many cold-hardy varieties remain available throughout the winter.
Pears: Comice and D'Anjou pears are still excellent choices.

Comparison of In-Season vs. Out-of-Season Fruit


Feature	In-Season Fruit	Out-of-Season Fruit
Flavor	Richer, fuller, and sweeter; harvested at peak ripeness.	Less flavorful; can taste bland, watery, or starchy.
Nutritional Value	Higher concentration of vitamins and antioxidants.	Can have lower nutrient density due to storage and transit.
Price	More affordable due to higher abundance and lower transport costs.	More expensive due to lower supply, storage, and shipping.
Sourcing	Often local, resulting in fresher produce.	Typically shipped long distances, requiring refrigeration and extended transit.
Environmental Impact	Smaller carbon footprint due to local sourcing.	Larger carbon footprint from energy-intensive storage and shipping.

Expert Tips for Smart Fruit Shopping

To ensure you're getting the best quality fruit, keep these tips in mind:

Shop local: Visit farmers' markets to find out what's currently in season in your specific area. Regional availability can differ greatly from general seasonal trends.
Check for freshness: Look for produce that is vibrant in color, firm to the touch, and free of bruises or mold.
Use your senses: A ripe peach should smell like a peach. A ripe watermelon should have a dull, hollow sound when tapped.
Consider frozen: When fresh produce isn't in season, frozen is an excellent alternative. It is picked and flash-frozen at peak ripeness, locking in nutrients and flavor.
Plan your purchases: Buy what you can eat within a week to minimize food waste and optimize freshness.
Look for sales: Stores will often have sales on fruits when they are in peak abundance, so keep an eye out for discounts.

The Best Month to Buy Fruit

While the seasons provide a general guide, monthly variations exist. For example, some berries peak only for a short window during the summer. Knowing the specific monthly availability can further help you pinpoint the best time to buy fruit. Some fruits, like apples and lemons, have longer peak seasons or are available year-round due to storage and varied growing regions, but their taste and quality are still at their best during peak local harvest. For many items, the freshest and most flavorful produce is found right after the initial harvest.

Conclusion

While a variety of fruits are available year-round, the best time of year to buy fruit is during its peak season. This ensures you are getting the most flavor, the highest nutritional value, and the best prices. By aligning your grocery shopping with the seasonal calendar and taking advantage of local farmers' markets, you can enjoy delicious, fresh, and budget-friendly produce all year long. Embrace seasonal eating to enjoy the natural rhythm of nature's harvest and the vibrant flavors it offers with every changing season.

Visit a local farmers' market to discover fresh, seasonal fruits near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, seasonal fruit typically tastes better because it is harvested at its peak ripeness, having developed its full natural flavor and sweetness. Out-of-season fruit is often picked prematurely for long-distance transport.

Yes, buying fruit in season is usually cheaper. The increased supply of fruit during its peak harvest season drives down market prices, making it more affordable for consumers.

You can determine what's in season by visiting your local farmers' market, checking online seasonal food guides for your region, or observing what produce is in abundance and priced affordably at the grocery store.

Yes, frozen fruits are an excellent alternative when fresh is out of season. They are flash-frozen shortly after being harvested at their peak ripeness, which helps to preserve nutrients and flavor.

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that there is a 'best' time to eat fruit. Fruit is healthy at any time of day and provides a consistent source of nutrients and energy.

Oranges and other citrus fruits are best to buy during the winter months, typically from December to February, when they are in their peak season.

Buying seasonal fruit, especially locally grown, reduces the environmental impact by minimizing the energy and fuel required for long-distance transportation and refrigeration.

Yes, some fruits, like apples and bananas, are available year-round due to long storage life or global sourcing. However, their peak flavor and nutritional content are best during their specific harvest season.