If you have ever wondered what fruits are in season in each month of the year or why your grandmother insisted so much on buying oranges in winter and strawberries in spring, you are in the right place. Eating seasonal fruits not only improves the flavor of your dishes, it also takes care of your pocket, your health and the planet.
We count on the wisdom of our expert. Miquel Subirà, National Director of Purchasing of Fruits and Vegetables at ALDI to tell you everything you need to know about the calendar of seasonal products in Spain, month by month, so that you can enjoy the best that nature offers us in each season.
Why does eating seasonal fruits make a difference?
Choosing seasonal fruits in Spain has more advantages than you imagine. This is not just a fad or mother’s advice, science and experience confirm it.
- Greater freshness and flavor: Seasonal fruits are harvested at their optimal ripeness, which results in a more intense flavor, more powerful aromas and a perfect texture. When you taste a strawberry in May or a watermelon in August, you understand the difference.
- More economical: By increasing the supply of a product in its natural season, prices fall. They do not need special treatments to be preserved or long transportation from other countries. Your shopping cart thanks you.
- Support for the local economy: Eating seasonal fruits helps support farmers in your region, promoting the local economy. According to data from the Aldi Fresh Observatory, 92% of Spanish consumers buy fresh products of national origin.
- Lower environmental impact: By reducing the need to transport food from distant locations, you contribute to reducing carbon emissions. Nature is wise: what grows near you at any given moment is usually just what your body needs.
- Variety in your diet: Each season brings with it a diversity of fresh and nutritious foods. Following the rhythm of the seasons helps you maintain a more varied and balanced diet.
How a seasonal fruit calendar works
What does it mean for a fruit to be «in season»?
According to Subirà “A fruit is in season when it is grown and harvested naturally in a specific period of the year, according to climatic conditions and seasons.” It is the moment when it reaches its maximum splendor: best flavor and optimal texture.
From a nutritional point of view, there is no reason why you should not eat a tomato or any other fruit outside of its natural growing season. The contribution of nutrients is similar. What changes are its sensory characteristics (texture, flavor, aromas, color) and, of course, the environmental impact of its production.
Differences between local season and imported fruit
Seasonal and local production is linked to the traditional cuisine of each region. In Spain, for example, gazpacho recipes are for summer, just when tomato, cucumber and pepper are at their best. «The Mediterranean diet is a clear example of how the recipe book changes with each season, seeking a varied and environmentally friendly diet.» Says the expert.
Imported or greenhouse-grown fruit can be available year-round, offering the opportunity to improve access to healthy foods. However, it loses that link with the territory and culinary traditions of each area.
Seasonal fruit calendar in Spain month by month
Here you have the complete guide to seasonal fruits in Spain so you know what to buy at every time of the year.
Seasonal fruits in January
January is the month of citrus fruits par excellence. Fruits in season in January in Spain include orange, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon and kiwi. You also find avocado, apple, pear and banana. It is the perfect time to strengthen your defenses with vitamin C.
Seasonal fruits in February
The fruits in season in February are very similar to those in January. Citrus fruits continue (orange, tangerine, lemon, grapefruit), kiwi, apple, pear and avocado. At the end of the month the first strawberries may appear in some areas.
Seasonal fruits in March
March marks the transition to spring. The citrus fruits are still present, but the first strawberries and loquats are beginning to arrive. You also find apple, pear, banana and avocado. It is a month of coexistence between the fruits of winter and the first fruits of spring.
Seasonal fruits in April
Fruits in season in April include strawberry, loquat, lemon and the last oranges of the season. Also apple, pear and banana. April is strawberry month at its best.
Seasonal fruits in May
May is generous. The fruits in season in May are strawberry, cherry, loquat, apricot (depending on the area), lemon, apple, pear, blueberries and banana. The cherries begin to shine and the strawberries reach their peak of flavor.
Seasonal fruits in June
Seasonal fruits in June in Spain mark the beginning of summer. Cherry, apricot, peach, nectarine, plum, watermelon, melon, strawberry (the last ones), lemon, apple, pear and banana. June is an explosion of color and flavor.
Seasonal fruits in July
July is pure summer. July season fruits include watermelon, melon, peach, nectarine, apricot, plum, cherry (the latest), Paraguayan, fig, raspberry, lemon, apple, pear and banana. It’s the perfect month to hydrate yourself with juicy fruits.
Seasonal fruits in August
The fruits of the August season are the queens of summer: watermelon, melon, peach, nectarine, paraguayan, fig, grape (the first), plum, pear, papaya, apple, lemon and banana. August is synonymous with sweet and refreshing fruit.
Seasonal fruits in September
September marks the change of season. The summer seasonal fruits coexist with the first autumn fruits: grapes, figs, apples, pears, melons, watermelons (the last ones), plums, pomegranates (the first ones), lemon and banana.
Seasonal fruits in October
Fruits and vegetables in season for October include grapes, pomegranate, persimmon, apple, pear, quince, custard apple, chestnut, lemon and banana. October is the month of the grape harvest and delicious autumn fruits.
Seasonal fruits in November
The fruits of the November season are persimmon, pomegranate, cherimoya, apple, pear, quince, chestnut, tangerine (the first), orange (the first), kiwi, avocado, lemon and banana. Citrus fruits return little by little.
Seasonal fruits in December
The seasonal fruits in December close the year with orange, mandarin, grapefruit, lemon, kiwi, persimmon, cherimoya, apple, pear, avocado and banana. December is the month of Christmas citrus fruits par excellence.
How to make the best use of the fruit of each season
“The best way to take advantage of seasonal fruits is to consume fresh ones, at their optimal point of ripeness.” Miquel Subirà states emphatically. Bring them to the table as dessert, for breakfast, as a mid-morning snack or in fruit smoothies and salads.
You can also preserve them to enjoy them out of season: frozen, in homemade jams without added sugar, in compotes or dehydrated. This way you extend the pleasure of eating quality fruit throughout the year, you can even choose to have a light fruit dinner.
How to introduce more fruits into the child’s diet
Seasonal fruits for children are an excellent option because their flavor is more intense and attractive. To get children to eat more fruit, involve them in the purchase, let them choose the fruits that most attract their attention due to their color or shape. Prepare fun dishes such as colorful fruit salad, fruit skewers, natural smoothies or homemade ice cream. And remember: the best example is you. If they see you eating fruit naturally, they will do it too.
Where to buy quality seasonal fruit
You can find seasonal fruit in local markets, neighborhood stores, producer cooperatives and supermarkets that focus on local products. Look for stamps that identify Spanish or local origin.
As the expert reminds us, “Smell is a great indicator: a ripe fruit smells good.” And he advises: «don’t get carried away only by perfect aesthetics. Sometimes, the ugliest pieces are the tastiest.»
Frequently asked questions about seasonal fruits
Do seasonal fruits have more vitamins than greenhouse fruits?
Not necessarily. The vitamin content is similar. What changes are the organoleptic characteristics (flavor, texture, aroma) and the environmental impact. Seasonal fruits grown outdoors often taste better because they ripen naturally in the sun.
Why are some fruits available all year round?
Thanks to greenhouse crops, conservation chambers and imports from other countries with different climates. Banana, apple, pear or avocado can be found practically all year round, although their best moment is still their natural season.
Are seasonal fruits cheaper?
Yes, generally. As they are more abundant in their natural time, the supply is greater and prices drop. In addition, they do not need special conservation treatments or long transportation, which reduces costs.
Are there seasonal fruit calendars by region?
Yeah. Although the general calendar of Spain is quite homogeneous, there are small variations depending on the area. In the south, some fruits such as strawberries or citrus start earlier. In the north, apples and pears have local varieties with specific calendars. It is best to ask at your local market.
Now that you know the complete seasonal fruit calendar, all you have to do is put it into practice. Start simple: the next time you go shopping, ask yourself what month it is and what fruits correspond to you. You will see how your basket is filled with color, flavor and freshness.
It’s not about being perfect or giving up your favorite fruits out of season. It’s about enjoying more of what each season gives us naturally. Your palate, your pocket and the planet will thank you. And who knows, you might rediscover the true flavor of an orange in January or a watermelon in August. It’s worth trying.
Miquel Subira. Category Manager at Aldi Central Shopping. He has been a fruit purchasing manager for 7 years.
