Discover What’s in Season Near You

A Great Reason to Visit Your Local Farmers Market

No matter where you live, there is always something in season and waiting to be discovered at your local farmers market.

One of the best things about shopping at a farmers market is that every visit can be different. The fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods, jams, jellies, honey, and handmade products available often change throughout the year as local growers and producers bring their freshest offerings to market.

During the spring and summer months, many markets are filled with strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash, sweet corn, melons, and fresh herbs. As fall arrives, pumpkins, apples, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and other seasonal favorites begin to appear. Even during the winter months, many markets offer locally grown greens, preserved foods, baked goods, honey, jams, pickles, and handcrafted products.

Shopping seasonally has many benefits. Produce harvested at its peak is often fresher, more flavorful, and travels fewer miles before reaching your table. Supporting local farmers and producers also helps strengthen local communities and keeps food dollars closer to home.

Not sure what’s currently in season in your area? Before heading to the market, visit the CKF Seasonal Produce Search Tool to see what fruits and vegetables are typically in season in your state. You can search by state and discover seasonal produce throughout the year, helping you plan meals and shopping trips. Once you’re at the market, don’t hesitate to ask vendors questions. Most growers are happy to share information about what they are harvesting now, how to prepare it, and even their favorite recipes.

A visit to the market can also inspire new meals and family traditions. Maybe you’ll discover a new vegetable you’ve never tried before, find a homemade jam that becomes a household favorite, or pick up ingredients for a recipe that celebrates the best flavors of the season.

Every state has its own growing seasons, which means there’s always an opportunity to enjoy something fresh and local. The next time you’re planning meals for the week, consider making a stop at your local farmers market. You may be surprised by the variety, quality, and creativity you’ll find.

Share Your Farmers Market Recipe with CKF

Have a favorite recipe that uses fresh farmers market produce or products purchased from a farmers market? We’d love to hear from you.

Whether it’s a fresh tomato salad, blueberry cobbler, peach salsa, zucchini bread, strawberry jam cake, honey-glazed vegetables, or another recipe featuring market finds, your recipe could be featured by CKF.

Each month, we select two reader-submitted recipes to be featured in our Recipe Finds section.

If you would like to submit a photo of your finished dish, we would love to see it, but a photo is not required for consideration.

We look forward to seeing how you turn your local farmers market finds into delicious meals and family favorites. Submit your recipes here.