seasonal
Seasonal fruits & veggies in California
January
All MonthsWinter citrus is at its prime with oranges, lemons, and mandarins. Root vegetables and winter greens are thriving, including broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and sweet potatoes. Mushrooms are also at their peak.
- BroccoliPeak SeasonCalifornia produces over 90% of the broccoli grown in the United States. The Salinas Valley, known as the 'Salad Bowl of the World', is a major broccoli-growing region.
- CabbagePeak SeasonCalifornia's central coast, particularly Monterey County, is a major cabbage-producing area. The state's mild climate allows for year-round cultivation of various cabbage varieties.
- CarrotsPeak SeasonThe Imperial Valley and Kern County are California's carrot powerhouses. The state produces over 85% of all carrots grown in the United States, thanks to its ideal growing conditions.
- CauliflowerPeak SeasonCalifornia's central coast, particularly Santa Barbara and Monterey counties, produces the majority of U.S. cauliflower. The cool coastal climate is perfect for growing this cruciferous vegetable.
- GrapefruitPeak SeasonPrimarily grown in California's Desert Region, including Coachella and Imperial Valleys. Known for juicy texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor. Available year-round, with peak flavor January through June.
- KalePeak SeasonKale thrives in California's coastal regions, with Monterey County being a major producer. The state's cool winters allow for sweeter kale, as cold temperatures convert the plant's starches to sugars.
- KiwiPeak SeasonCalifornia is the only U.S. state with commercial kiwifruit production, primarily in the Central Valley's Tulare, Kings, and Kern counties. Available October through May, peaking November through April.
- LemonsPeak SeasonMajor production in coastal regions from Santa Barbara to Riverside counties. The marine-influenced climate produces bright, juicy lemons available year-round, with peak flavor November through April.
- MandarinsPeak SeasonPrimarily grown in California's Central Valley, producing over half the state's tangerines. Known for easy-peel skin and sweet, juicy segments. Available November through May, peaking December through February.
- MushroomsPeak SeasonCalifornia is the nation's leading mushroom producer, with major operations in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. The state's climate-controlled growing facilities allow for year-round production of various mushroom types.
- OrangesPeak SeasonMajor production in the Central Valley Region, producing most of the state's navel oranges. Valencia oranges grow in both Central Valley and coastal regions. Season runs November through June, peaking January through March.
- Sweet PotatoesPeak SeasonMerced County in the San Joaquin Valley is California's sweet potato capital. The state is the second-largest producer of sweet potatoes in the U.S., with its warm climate and sandy loam soil providing ideal growing conditions.
- Winter SquashPeak SeasonSan Joaquin Valley is a major winter squash growing area in California. The state produces a wide variety of winter squash, including butternut, acorn, and kabocha, which store well through the cooler months.
- Thriving in coastal regions, particularly San Diego, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. The Hass variety dominates California production. Available year-round, with peak season from March through September.
- California's diverse climate allows for year-round beet production. The Imperial Valley and central coast regions are major growing areas, with organic beet production on the rise.
- Half Moon Bay and the Santa Cruz area are prime Brussels sprouts growing regions in California. The cool, foggy climate along the coast provides ideal conditions for these miniature cabbages.
- Oxnard and the Salinas Valley are major celery-growing regions in California. The state produces about 80% of the nation's celery, thriving in the coastal Mediterranean climate.
- Gilroy, the 'Garlic Capital of the World', leads California's garlic production. The state produces over 90% of the commercial garlic grown in the United States.
- The Salinas Valley, 'America's Salad Bowl', produces the majority of California's lettuce. The state grows over 70% of the nation's lettuce, with dozens of varieties cultivated year-round.
- California's Imperial Valley and Central Valley are major onion-growing regions. The state produces a wide variety of onions, including sweet onions, thanks to its diverse microclimates.
- While not as well-known as Idaho, California produces a significant amount of potatoes. The state's diverse growing regions allow for year-round production, with Kern County being a major producer.
- Radishes are grown throughout California, with the Imperial Valley and central coast being major production areas. The state's varied climate allows for year-round cultivation of many radish varieties.
- California's Salinas Valley is a major spinach-growing region. The state produces over 70% of the nation's spinach, with year-round production possible due to the mild coastal climate.