A how-to guide to eating for the season
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EmailMichigan agriculture makes seasonal eating easy.
Why eat seasonally in Michigan?
Many people choose to eat seasonal foods to support local farmers, enjoy the freshest flavors, save money and celebrate the changing seasons. In Michigan, this is easy because of the wide variety of foods grown throughout the year. Local products like milk, eggs, meat, mushrooms and dry beans are available year-round and pair well with seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Winter
Winter is perfect for hearty greens and storage crops. With the help of hoophouses (also called high tunnels), farmers can grow spinach, arugula, salad greens and fresh herbs, even in cold months. Storage crops like apples, cabbage, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash and root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, beets, turnips) are common. Roasted root vegetables are a great side dish to your cozy wintertime meal.
Spring
Spring brings fresh flavors like asparagus, snap peas, rhubarb and radishes by late April or May. Storage crops begin to disappear, but greens are still widely available. Try recipes like spicy Asian roasted asparagus or refrigerated pickled spring vegetables.
Summer
Summer offers the most variety. Almost all fruits, vegetables and herbs are in season, although some are only available for a short time. Enjoy strawberries first, followed by cherries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, then later peaches, melons, plums and pears. Some crops like winter squash, spinach and pumpkins are out of season. This black bean & vegetable quesadilla recipe uses summer vegetables and herbs like fresh corn, zucchini and cilantro.
Fall
Fall is known as harvest time. Many summer vegetables fade, while fall produce like winter squash, spinach, brussel sprouts, rutabaga, parsnips and pumpkins take the spotlight. Frost can make greens even sweeter. Other fall crops like leeks, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi and cabbage last into November. Try pairing brussel sprouts with eggs in this tasty breakfast dish of brussel sprout hash & eggs.
Find local, seasonal food
This handy guide from the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems shows you what produce is in season in Michigan throughout the year. To find seasonal food near you, visit the Michigan Farmers Market Association’s Find a Farmers Market site or LocalHarvest.
To connect with a local food system educator from Michigan State University Extension’s Community Food Systems work team, call 1-888-678-3464. For more seasonal recipes, visit the Michigan Fresh Pinterest board.
