With rapidly evolving palettes it is important for restaurant owners to keep their menu fresh. Using the seasons as a starting point to sculpt your menu will allow you to capture the freshest flavors and save money on food costs. Many popular items such as carrots, lettuce, mushrooms, lemons and onions are produced and sold year round, however, the majority of produce items are only grown seasonally, even if they are available during other times of the year. While seasonal items will vary depending on your location, most produce flourishes during certain seasons. Here we take a look at the best produce, traditional flavors and food trends for each season.

Winter

Seasonal Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts.

Seasonal Fruits: Grapefruit, Guavas, Kiwi, Limes, Mandarins, Olives.

Seasonal Nuts: N/A

Trending Flavors: Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon.

Nostalgic Dishes: Beef Stew, Macaroni and Cheese, Shepherds Pie, Chicken Soup.

Spring

Seasonal Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, Peas, Bell Peppers, Shallots.

Seasonal Fruits: Apricots, Avocados, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Mandarins, Peaches, Plums, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Strawberries.

Seasonal Nuts: N/A

Trending Flavors: Savory Yogurts, Ancient Grains.

Nostalgic Dishes: Green Salads, Roasted Vegetables, Vegetable Stew, Fresh Game.

Summer

Seasonal Vegetables: Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green Beans, Okra, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Shallots, Summer Squash, Tomatoes.

Seasonal Fruits: Apples, Avocados, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Plums, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Strawberries.

Seasonal Nuts: Almonds, Peanuts.

Trending Flavors: Gazpacho, Artisan Snow Cones.

Nostalgic Dishes: Barbeque Anything, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade.

Fall

Seasonal Vegetables: Artichokes, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Okra, Peas, Peppers, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes.

Seasonal Fruits: Apples, Avocados, Blackberries, Dates, Figs, Grapes, Kiwi, Limes, Melons, Nectarines, Olives, Pears, Plums, Pomegranates, Raspberries, Strawberries.

Seasonal Nuts: Almonds, Pecans, Pistachios, Walnuts.

Trending Flavors: Pumpkin Anything, Cinnamon.

Nostalgic Dishes: Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Apple Pie, Stuffed Peppers.

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