Cook what's fresh, all year long.
The Meal Food helps you make the most of each season — with recipes built around peak produce, a guide to what's in season across the US, and practical tips for choosing and storing fruits and vegetables so less goes to waste.
Two recipes for every season
Spring
Tender greens, early vegetables and the first berries. Spring produce is delicate — cook it lightly.
Lemony Asparagus & Pea Pasta
Tender spring asparagus and sweet peas tossed with pasta, lemon, Parmesan and a little butter. Ready in 25 minutes.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Baby spinach, ripe strawberries, toasted almonds and crumbled goat cheese in a sweet-tangy homemade poppy seed dressing.
Summer
The height of abundance: tomatoes, corn, stone fruit, berries and squash. Simple preparations shine.
Fall
Apples, pears, hearty brassicas and winter squash. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Silky soup made from oven-roasted butternut squash, apple and onion, warmed with a touch of maple and nutmeg.
Sheet-Pan Cider Pork Chops with Brussels Sprouts
Pork chops and caramelized Brussels sprouts roasted together and finished with a quick apple cider glaze.
Winter
Citrus, root vegetables, storage crops and cold-hardy greens. Ideal for soups, braises and roasts.
Good reasons to follow the seasons
Seasonal cooking isn't a set of rules — just a helpful way to decide what to make.
Better flavor
Produce picked closer to peak ripeness often tastes sweeter and more vibrant.
Easier decisions
Letting the season guide you narrows down what to cook this week.
Variety through the year
Rotating ingredients with the seasons keeps meals from feeling repetitive.
Less waste
Knowing how to store each item helps fresh food last until you use it.
What's in season right now?
Pick a season to see typical US produce at its peak, or choose a fruit or vegetable to see when it's in season and how to store it. Everything is right on the page — nothing you choose is sent to us.
- 38 common fruits and vegetables
- Typical peak seasons across the US
- Simple storage tips for each one
Want a week of seasonal dinners planned for you?
Tell us your region, the season and who you cook for. We'll email you a free sample week of dinners built from our seasonal recipes, with a produce shopping list.
Frequently asked
Is seasonal produce the same everywhere in the US?
No. Growing seasons vary a lot between regions — strawberries arrive months earlier in Florida and California than in New England, for example. Our seasonal lists show general, nationwide patterns. For your area, check a local farmers market or extension office.
Do I have to shop at farmers markets?
Not at all. Supermarkets carry plenty of seasonal produce, and frozen fruits and vegetables are a convenient year-round option. Farmers markets are simply a great way to find very fresh, local produce.
Is The Meal Food free?
Yes. Recipes, guides, the season finder and seasonal plan requests are free. The site may show ads — see How This Site Is Funded.