the art of savvy

I just stumbled on a great cooking/shopping tool from Real Simple that makes shopping in-season quick and easy.  Remember, there are slight variances based on your location, but this is a great starting point!  Shopping in-season means saving money, since in-season produce is in plentiful supply and usually on sale.  Also, it’s an intuitive way to add variety to your diet and challenge yourself in the kitchen.

Here’s a little “cheat sheet” to help you get started:

Winter

• Acorn squash
• Cabbage
• Citrus fruits
• Collard greens
• Fennel
• Kale
• Parsnips
• Radicchio
• Turnips

Spring

• Asparagus
• Artichokes (one of my favorites!)
• Baby lettuce
• Green beans
• Peas
• Radish
• Rhubarb
• Scallions (a.k.a. green onions)
• Spinach
• Strawberries

Summer

• Arugula
• Basil
• Beets
• Berries
• Chard
• Corn
• Cucumber
• Eggplant
• Peaches
• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Yellow Squash (a.k.a summer squash)
• Zucchini (a.k.a summer squash)

Fall

• Apples
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Butternut Squash
• Cauliflower
• Grapes
• Leeks
• Mushrooms
• Pears
• Pomegranates
• Potatoes
• Sweet Potatoes

If you have a busy schedule, you may want to try organic produce delivery, which will send you a variety of season produce every week or so.  I have tried New Roots Organics, and have hear great things about Tiny’s Organics, too (both available in the Seattle area).  During the spring and summer, be sure to check out your local farmer’s markets – or better yet, take a trip to a local farm, as many have their own shops that run April – October.

Enjoy!

Tags: budget, cooking, shopping COMMENTS