Cheapest Fruits and Vegetables

**emily_hope** · 01-09-2008, 01:21 PM

A tip on when it's the best time to purchase certain fruits/vegetables. I found this list on about.com. It is a month-by-month list of the best produce deals.

The Cheapest Fruits and Vegetables Month-By-Month

An easy way to save on fruits and vegetables is to buy what's in season. Here's a guide to help you identify the best produce deals month-by-month:

January
oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, tangelos, lemons, papayas, cabbages: red, white and green; leeks, broccoli, cauliflower

February
oranges, tangelos, grapefruit, lemons, papayas, broccoli, cauliflower
March
pineapples, mangoes, broccoli. lettuce
April
pineapples, mangoes, zucchini, rhubarb, artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, broccoli, lettuce
May
cherries, pineapples, apricots, okra, zucchini, rhubarb, artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, broccoli, lettuce
June
watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cherries, blueberries, peaches, apricots, corn, lettuce
July
watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, blueberries, peaches, apricots, kiwi, raspberries, plums, cucumbers, tomatoes, summer squash, corn, green beans, lettuce
August
watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, blueberries, peaches, apricots, kiwi, raspberries, plums, cucumbers, corn, eggplant, tomatoes, summer squash, green beans, lettuce
September
grapes, pomegranates, persimmons, eggplant, pumpkins, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce
October
cranberries, apples, pomegranates, grapes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, broccoli, spinach, lettuce

November
cranberries, oranges, tangerines, pears, pomegranates, persimmons, pumpkins, winter squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, spinach

December
pears, oranges, tangelos, grape fruit, tangerines, papayas, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower
Always a Good Deal
bananas, potatoes, celery

**bclements514** · 01-09-2008, 01:28 PM

Thanks for the post. That's really good to know.

**perSue** · 01-09-2008, 01:31 PM

thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

i've actually been looking around for something like this!

thanks

**nodmicks** · 01-09-2008, 01:44 PM

Thanks Emily Hope!

**Momto2Boyz** · 01-09-2008, 02:39 PM

Does anyone know if any of the seasons vary by region?

**Jskell911** · 01-09-2008, 04:22 PM

That's great info for menu planning. Thanks

**Darlene** · 01-09-2008, 04:23 PM

Thanks for the list!
Another tip is to talk to the produce manager and ask when they mark down their produce that isn't quite as fresh. You can get some awesome deals. One of my favs is getting marked down peppers, I don't care if they are perfect, they are just going to be put into casseroles or sauteed. I just cut them, pop into freezer bags & freeze. No blanching or anything. Easy peasy.

**lwlynch** · 01-09-2008, 04:35 PM

neat thanks..

**AmyBoz** · 01-09-2008, 04:36 PM

That's a GREAT list!

**larabelle** · 01-09-2008, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Darlene

Thanks for the list!
Another tip is to talk to the produce manager and ask when they mark down their produce that isn't quite as fresh. You can get some awesome deals.

You know my mother did this. She found out that they mark the produce down every Tuesday and Thursday morning. She makes a point of going shopping on these mornings and brings home GREAT deals!!!!!!!!!

**monkeywrangler71** · 01-09-2008, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by Momto2Boyz

Does anyone know if any of the seasons vary by region?

I think the list is of when these things are in season in the places that they generally come from. If you buy local produce, there will be some differences depending on where you are. For example, I wouldn't find any blueberries here in June, by August all the strawberries are gone, and apples are a good price most of the year. On the other hand, the dates for oranges are probably accurate, as they are not grown here so I assume that is when they are most plentiful in Florida/California and should be cheapest here as well.

**acidcookie** · 01-09-2008, 10:34 PM

Thanks! "They" always say to buy in season, but not everyone knows what's in season!

**Squirt** · 01-09-2008, 11:03 PM

Most of the fruit in our stores are labeled "Product of Chile" I bet their seasons are different.

Maybe I haven't paid enough attention, but I swear the prices of produce at the local Giant Eagle are always the same.

**Jessesbride** · 01-10-2008, 02:03 AM

I once heard that produce is in season if it is less than $1/lb or each... so that is how I pretty much look at it... less than $1 you can be in my budget, if not... oh well!

Kim

**kestrel91316** · 01-10-2008, 04:27 PM

By shopping for produce at my local farmer's market (here in SoCal they run year-round) I always shop seasonally/locally, which is the most socially and environmentally responsible choice. Not the cheapest way to go, but always the best quality.

Now I just need to make myself GO EVERY WEEK unless it's pouring rain. I haven't gone since before Christmas, lol. But even in the grocery stores our citrus is all local this time of year.