Seasonal fruits and vegetables

Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is an essential habit for a healthy and responsible diet. Throughout the months, seasonal produce offers a variety of flavours, colours and nutritional benefits adapted to the needs of our bodies. In addition, choosing these products helps reduce environmental impact, notably by limiting transport and greenhouse cultivation.

Why eat seasonal fruits and vegetables?

Support short supply chains and local production: Choosing seasonal products helps support local farmers and limit intermediaries. This ensures better quality and optimised traceability.

Reduced carbon footprint: Out-of-season products are often transported by plane, ship or lorry over long distances, leading to significant CO2 emissions.

Rich in vitamins and nutrients: Eating fruits and vegetables at the right time allows you to benefit from their maximum nutritional value.

Fewer chemical treatments: Products grown out of season are often treated for preservation, which can affect their quality.

The benefits of seasonal produce

Seasonal fruits and vegetables offer several advantages:

Taste and freshness: Harvested at full ripeness, they are more flavourful and packed with nutrients.

Respect for natural cycles: Each season brings what our body needs (vitamin C in winter, hydration in summer).

Lower cost: Seasonal products are often cheaper because their production is more abundant and local.

The list of seasonal fruits and vegetables, for the whole year!

To help you choose seasonal fruits and vegetables in France, our team has designed a detailed calendar based on data from Ademe. This practical guide allows you to identify, month by month, the products to prioritise for healthier, more local and more responsible consumption.

January: seasonal fruits and seasonal vegetables

In the depths of winter, January offers us a selection of fruits and vegetables rich in essential nutrients to strengthen our immune system. Market stalls are filled with cabbages, leeks and citrus fruits, perfect for comforting, vitamin-packed dishes.

February: seasonal fruits and seasonal vegetables

The month of February continues the winter season with root vegetables and citrus fruits. It’s the perfect time to enjoy carrots, turnips, and oranges, bringing warmth and vitality to our plates.

March: seasonal fruits and seasonal vegetables

With the arrival of spring, March brings the first radishes and asparagus of the year. The last grapefruits and winter pears are still available, offering a smooth transition toward fresher flavors.

April: seasonal fruits and seasonal vegetables

April marks the return of green vegetables and the first strawberries. Artichokes, spinach, and strawberries make their appearance, heralding fine weather and lighter meals.

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May: seasonal fruits and seasonal vegetables

In May, nature is in full bloom. Cherries, rhubarb and peas fill the markets, bringing a sweet and crunchy touch to our spring menus.

June: seasonal fruits and seasonal vegetables

The beginning of summer can be felt in June with the arrival of tomatoes, zucchinis, melons and apricots. These sun-drenched fruits and vegetables are perfect for fresh and colorful dishes.

July: seasonal fruits and seasonal vegetables

In the height of summer, July offers us an abundance of watermelons, peaches, raspberries and green beans. It’s the perfect time to enjoy these refreshing delights to stay hydrated and treat yourself.

August: seasonal fruits and vegetables

August continues in the same vein with eggplants, peppers, figs and grapes. Flavours are intense, ideal for barbecues and summer salads.

September: seasonal fruits and vegetables

The transition to autumn begins in September with apples, mushrooms, pumpkins and cauliflowers. Dishes become more substantial, gently preparing the body for the cooler months.

October: seasonal fruits and vegetables

October showcases squashes, turnips, endives and walnuts. Autumn flavours take hold, perfect for warm, comforting dishes.

November: seasonal fruits and vegetables

In November, citrus fruits return alongside root vegetables and cabbages. Clementines, mandarins and potatoes are ideal for facing the cold.

December: seasonal fruits and seasonal vegetables

To close out the year, December offers clementines, mandarins, pineapples and potatoes. These fruits and vegetables bring a festive, vitamin-rich touch to our end-of-year meals.

Going beyond seasonality

How to incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables into your diet?

Basing your diet on seasonal fruits and vegetables doesn’t just mean buying them, but also knowing how to cook and store them. In winter, go for comforting dishes like soups, gratins and purées made with leeks, cabbages and potatoes. In spring, make way for fresh, colourful salads with radishes, asparagus and strawberries. In summer, choose smoothies, gazpachos and light dishes featuring tomatoes, melons and courgettes. Finally, in autumn, focus on velouté soups and stir-fries with pumpkins, mushrooms and grapes.

Tips for keeping fruits and vegetables fresh for longer

Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables doesn’t mean wasting food! Several methods can extend their shelf life. Freezing is ideal for vegetables such as green beans, spinach and leeks, while compotes and jams are perfect for fruits like apples, pears and berries. Lacto-fermentation is also an excellent way to preserve cabbages, carrots and turnips while boosting their nutritional benefits.

Buying local and organic: why is it important?

Favouring seasonal fruits and vegetables often goes hand in hand with local and organic consumption. By buying directly from local producers, at markets or through AMAP-style schemes, you support agriculture that respects natural cycles and reduce the environmental footprint of transport. In addition, products from organic farming are grown without chemical pesticides, which preserves their richness in vitamins and nutrients.

The health benefits of a seasonal diet

The impact of seasonal fruits and vegetables on health is considerable. In winter, citrus fruits such as oranges, clementines and grapefruits provide an essential dose of vitamin C to strengthen the immune system. In spring and summer, vegetables rich in antioxidants and fibre, such as tomatoes, peppers and courgettes, promote good digestion and hydration. In autumn, root vegetables and nuts provide essential minerals to prepare the body for winter.

Towards more responsible consumption with Eli

Adopting a seasonal diet is a first step towards more responsible consumption, but it is also essential to raise awareness and involve those around you. To go further, the Eli app offers innovative solutions to mobilise your teams and reduce your environmental footprint. Thanks to personalised challenges, it helps bring employees together around concrete actions such as choosing seasonal products, reducing food waste or buying local. With a collective and engaging approach, Eli helps you turn eating habits into sustainable, positive actions for the environment!

Conclusion

Choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables is a simple and effective way to improve our diet while protecting the planet. By consuming locally grown products and respecting natural cycles, we reduce our carbon footprint while enjoying foods that are tastier and richer in nutrients. Opting for responsible consumption also helps support local agriculture and encourage sustainable practices. So, are you ready to adapt your diet to the seasons?

Frequently asked questions about seasonal fruits and vegetables

How can you tell if a fruit or vegetable is in season?

Check a seasonal fruit and vegetable calendar, ask local producers for information, or observe prices and origins in stores.

Why are out-of-season products not as good?

They are often grown in greenhouses or transported over long distances, which affects their taste and nutrient content.

Are seasonal fruits and vegetables more expensive?

No, quite the opposite! Their abundance often makes them more affordable than imported or out-of-season produce.

Can you eat fruits and vegetables out of season?

Yes, but prioritize local alternatives or preservation methods such as freezing or canning.

How can you preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables?

Store them in a refrigerator, in a cool place, or opt for freezing and dehydrating to extend their shelf life.