Eating fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season isnt just good for your health.
Its good for your wallet.
Thats because produce typically costs less when its in season.
Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder
Targeting your grocery picks on produce in season will help you stretch your food budget.
What Does It Mean for Produce To Be In Season?
Fruits and vegetables are in season during the time of the year they are naturally harvested.
Plants have different growing cycles.
Some thrive best when temperatures are warm, while others grow better in cooler weather.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
The cost to transport out-of-season produce is passed onto the consumer.
What Produce Is In Season Year-Round?
Some fruits and vegetables dont have a particular season and can be harvested throughout the entire year.
Youll find prices are fairly stable no matter when you buy them.
Others are harvested over a stretch of several months.
Youll see prices drop when theyre in season and rise when theyre not.
It may also be more difficult to find out-of-season produce on grocery store shelves.
Did you know?
Produce in Season During the Summer
Summer brings thoughts of fresh berries and juicy watermelon.
For example, berries grown in Florida tend to peak in the spring rather than in the summer.
For more specific guidance on seasonality, refer to your states department of agriculture or your local extension program.
ThisSeasonal Food Guideshows people whats in season in each state.
Having a relationship with local farmers can also help you buy produce in season.
Considershopping at farmers marketsor joining aCommunity Supported Agricultureprogram to save money on seasonal fruits and veggies.
Meal preppingandcooking all edible parts of the plantare other measures to get the most out of your produce.
But dont be dismayed if your fruits and veggies get a little too ripe.
Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
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