Experienced chefs know the secret to making exceptional dishes: fresh, peak seasonal produce has the best taste and quality. Seasonal menu planning is a great way to make the most out of what’s growing in a specific time of year and to create delicious dishes infused with the season’s special flavors.

Want to know what’s in season? We’ve prepared a handy guide to help you get a clear overview of New York seasonal produce, month by month. Read below to find out when to buy the freshest fruits and veggies and where to find the best seasonal wholesale food suppliers.

New York Seasonal Produce Guide

With today’s global food distribution, many fruits and vegetables are available year-round. However, some produce is best enjoyed in its peak season or has a limited harvesting period.

Let’s explore some of the essential food items available in New York, season by season.

Spring Seasonal Produce

Spring arrives with a fresh influx of produce, some of which can only be found in these months. Fresh greens, wild ramps, crispy asparagus and fava beans are some of the must-have seasonal vegetables for spring.

Look out for this peak season produce:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Spring Greens: lettuce, spinach, chives
• Wild Greens: ramps, fiddlehead ferns, dandelion greens, nettles
• Radishes
• Peas
• Spring Onions
• Fava Beans
• Artichokes
• Morels
• Pink Muscat Grapes
• Lovage

Summer Seasonal Produce

Summer is the most prolific growing season, bringing a bounty of flavorful seasonal fruits and vegetables. Although some foods, like tomatoes, are available year-round, nothing compares to the taste of freshly picked seasonal produce.

Don’t miss out on these delicious summer staples:

• Corn
• Tomatoes
• Green Beans
• Cucumbers
• Kohlrabi
• Summer Squash: Green Zucchini, Yellow Zucchini, Gold Bar
• Chili Peppers
• Garlic
• Lychee
• Melons: Cantaloupe, Honeydew & Watermelon
• Stone Fruit: Peaches, Plums, Cherries, Apricots
• Basil

Fall Seasonal Produce

The season of harvest offers a large variety of produce. Many summer crops are still available in early fall, while other fruits and vegetables can be harvested until winter.

From classic pumpkins and hearty root veggies to exotic dates, here are some of the best autumn seasonal produce:

• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Wild Mushrooms
• Grapes
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, Parsnips, Beets, Leeks, Celery Root
• Italian Chestnuts
• Winter Squash
• Dates
• Figs
• Apples
• Pears
• Quinces

Winter Seasonal Produce

Winter marks the end of the growing season in the Northern hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean you cannot still find fresh produce on the market. Many of the fall fruits & veggies store well throughout winter and are readily available.

In the warmer areas, citrus, kiwi and pomegranate season is in full swing, so don’t miss out on these fresh flavors to brighten up your winter menus. Here’s what to stock up on in the cold season:

• Root Vegetables
• Potatoes
• Cabbage
• Radicchio
• Sunchokes
• Rutabaga
• Wild Mushrooms
• Citrus: oranges, grapefruit, mandarins, kumquats
• Persimmons
• Pomegranates

Benefits of Using Peak-Season Ingredients for Your New York Business

Buying quality seasonal produce brings many benefits for any business or institution serving food, whether it’s restaurants, hotels, schools, caterers, retails stores, food trucks, coffee shops or juice bars.

Here are just a few of the perks of integrating seasonal ingredients in your menus:

• Better quality and freshness: seasonal produce is freshly picked at its peak ripeness, offering superior quality and taste
• Rare varieties: buying seasonal helps you add a unique touch to your menus with special varieties that are only available for a limited time
• Cost-Effectiveness: Seasonal produce is often more affordable due to higher availability

Let’s look at more ways in which seasonal produce sets you apart and adds value to your specific business:

Restaurants & Caterers

Focusing on seasonal produce will give you a competitive edge and prove your commitment to quality. It also allows you to craft unique menus, in tune with the seasonal food cycles.

Hotels

Incorporating seasonal specialties into your breakfast buffets, room service menus, or hotel restaurants allows you to improve your guest experience and set yourself apart as a quality service provider.

Schools & Universities

Sourcing seasonal produce provides students with fresh, nutritious options and educates them about the importance of healthy eating and fresh produce.

Retail Stores & Food Trucks

By focusing on what’s currently in season, you attract customers who value quality, while keeping your operations cost-effective.

Coffee Shops & Juice Bars

Highlighting seasonal ingredients on your menu creates a sense of excitement and encourages customer engagement. It also allows you to craft innovative and delicious beverages that capture the essence of the season.

How Can Companies in New York Find Seasonal Produce Suppliers?

Many New York businesses are realizing the numerous benefits of incorporating seasonal produce into their operations.

There are various ways companies can connect with reliable NYC seasonal produce suppliers, but navigating these options can be time-consuming and overwhelming.

Here’s where Valley View Produce comes in! As your reliable NYC wholesale food distributor, we work with domestic and local farms to source the highest-quality fresh produce all year round.

The Ultimate Freshness from Farm to Fork with Valley View Produce

We pride ourselves on selecting the best seasonal produce from trusted producers and providing a wide range of items at irresistible prices, from specialty foods to essential staples and kitchen supplies.

We love bringing you unique seasonal items for special dishes that will keep your customers coming back for more.

And with our online ordering system, you can find everything you need in one place, hassle-free! We deliver 6 days per week, right to your doorstep in all of NYC’s five boroughs, Jersey City, Hoboken, West New York, and Weehawken Township.

Place your order now and discover what’s in season with Valey View Produce!