South Africa is blessed with a rich variety of fruits and vegetables that grow throughout the year. Depending on the season, you can enjoy fresh produce that is not only delicious but also nutritious and affordable. In this article, we will explore the seasonal availability of fruits and vegetables in South Africa and give you some tips on how to use them in your meals.
Summer (December, January, and February)
Summer is the season of abundance in South Africa, as many fruits and vegetables are in their peak.
Fruit: apples, apricots, berries – variety, cherries, figs, grapes, granadillas, kiwi fruit, lemons, litchis, mangoes, melon, nectarines, oranges, papayas, paw-paws, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, pomegranate, prickly pears, quince, rhubarb, strawberries, and watermelon
Some of the vegetables that are in season during summer are artichokes, asparagus, aubergines, baby corn, baby marrow, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, chard, cucumbers, garlic, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, peas, peppers, radishes, spinach, squash, tomatoes, and watercress.
With so many fruits and vegetables to choose from, you can create delicious salads, smoothies, juices, soups, stir-fries, and more.
Autumn (March, April, and May)
Autumn is the transition season between summer and winter, and it brings a mix of fruits and vegetables that are both sweet and savoury.
Fruit: apples, avocados, bananas, figs, gooseberries, grapefruit, grapes, guavas, honey melon, lemons, mangoes, melon, oranges, papayas, paw-paws, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, pomegranates, quinces, and watermelon
Some of the vegetables that are in season during autumn are artichokes, asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, corn, cucumbers, garlic, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, peas, peppers, potatoes, pumpkin, radishes, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, and zucchini.
With the cooler weather, you can start to make more warming and comforting dishes, such as casseroles, stews, pies, and roasts.
Winter (June, July, and August)
Winter is the season of citrus in South Africa, as oranges, lemons, naartjies, grapefruits, and limes are at their best. These fruits are rich in vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system and fight off colds and flu. Other fruits that are in season during the winter are apples, avocadoes, gooseberries, grenadillas, guavas, kiwi fruit, papayas, paw-paw, pineapple and rhubarb.
Some of the vegetables that are in season during winter are artichokes, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, garlic, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, radishes, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, and waterblommetjies.
Winter is the time to make hearty and warming dishes, such as soups, curries, potjies, and bakes.
Spring (September, October, and November)
Spring is the season of new beginnings in South Africa, as many fruits and vegetables start to appear in the markets. You can find a variety of berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, that are sweet and juicy. Other fruits that are in season during spring are apricots, avocados, bananas, berries – variety, cherries, grapefruit, guavas, kiwi fruit, lemons, limes, mangoes, melon, naartjies, oranges, papayas, paw-paws, peaches, pineapples, plums, rhubarb, strawberries, and watermelon.
Some of the vegetables that are in season during spring are artichokes, asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, corn, cucumbers, garlic, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, radishes, spinach, squash, and tomatoes.
Spring is the time to make light and fresh dishes, such as salads, wraps, sandwiches, and quiches.
As you can see, South Africa has a wealth of fruits and vegetables that are available throughout the year. By eating seasonally, you can enjoy the best quality, flavour, and nutrition of the produce, as well as save money and support local farmers. So next time you go shopping, look out for the seasonal fruits and vegetables and try some of the recipes we suggested. You will not only have a delicious and healthy meal, but also a more sustainable and eco-friendlier lifestyle. Happy eating!
*Images: Unsplash