Farmers markets are a huge part of our history and community – and there are a few that pop up around the city on a weekly basis. But while you’re headed out to shop local, it’s always important to know what’s in season. Louisiana weather can be just down right hot or unpredictable at best, but our farmers know just what they’re doing and so should you. Thanks to the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, we’ve put together a list of what produce you should reach for now and every season.
*Plus, enjoy links to a few of our recipes to try during each season!
What to Buy Now: September
With us still technically being in the beginning of September, it’s a good time for home cooks and market shoppers to look out for okra, eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, melons, figs, muscadines/table grapes, apples/Asian pears and early fall produce. LSU specifically lists apples, Asian pears and muscadines as peak in September, cantaloupe as peak through September, and figs as peak into October.
September – November:
FALL First up, figs, muscadines, grapes, pears/persimmons, pumpkins, winter squash, sweet potatoes, pecans and the return of cool-weather greens and root vegetables. Then look for the Louisiana citrus as it starts taking over — Meyer lemons, satsumas, oranges, grapefruit and kumquats.
December – February:
WINTER When winter begins, satsumas, grapefruit, oranges, kumquats, lemons, strawberries beginning to appear, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards, mustard/turnip greens, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, radishes, turnips and sweet potatoes. There are endless options in the cooler months.
March – May:
SPRING Strawberries are the star and there’s very little we celebrate more than the Louisiana strawberry. After that, loquats, greens, lettuce, carrots, beets and peas, followed by snap beans, squash, cucumbers, blackberries, blueberries and the beginning of Louisiana tomato season (another amazing season).
June – August:
SUMMER Summer is the city’s big Creole tomato/okra market haul. Reach for tomatoes, okra, eggplant, peppers, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, corn, beans, watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, blueberries, blackberries and figs. A note: LSU’s charts put blueberries primarily May – July and cantaloupe June – September.
Lucky for all our readers, we have a vast selection of recipes that are perfect for every season.
For those more visual, here is the PDF provided by LSU AgCenter.
