New Zealand Seasonal Vegetables - New Zealand at its Seasonal Best.

New Zealand grows some of the best meats, veggies and fruits in the world and we are also re-noun for award winning primary and secondary produce production.

There are days when we look at prices in the shops and think this is not true, its can’t be happening, but when we take a good look at things, we are a country that produces some of the best produce in the world and if we buy seasonal we can purchase at seasonal lows. New Zealand’s quality standards are amongst some of the most stringent in the world for primary and secondary food production.

In New Zealand we have a well established Farmers Markets all through out the country and they bring us very fresh produce, usually when their produce and or products for sale are at their freshest and at peak quality.

More and more New Zealanders are becoming big fans of seasonal produce and visiting these markets in the weekend. It’s a fun thing to do on a Saturday or a Sunday to jump in the car and go shopping for the best that’s on offer this week. Its also a great way to learn tricks from the sellers that helps us to get the best out of their produce and products.

I strongly encourage everyone to use produce at its peak for the best quality and fullest flavour possible. These are also ingredients that are usually at their best price and value.

The following lists are a general vegetable guide for looking for what’s good in what season.

Spring	Summer	Autumn	Winter
artichokes asparagus avocado beans broccoli cabbage carrots cauliflower cucumber leeks lettuce peas potatoes radish silverbeet snow peas spinach sugar snap peas sweetcorn tomatoes zucchini	asparagus avocado beans capsicum celery cucumber eggplant green beans leeks lettuce peas radish snow peas squash sugar snap peas sweetcorn tomato zucchini	asian greens avocado beans beetroot borlotti beans broccoli brussels sprouts cabbage capsicum carrot cauliflower celery cucumber eggplant fennel leeks lettuce onions parsnip peas potato pumpkin silverbeet spinach squash swede sweet potato sweetcorn tomato turnip mushroom	asian greens avocado beetroot broccoli brussels sprouts cabbage carrot cauliflower celeriac celery fennel horseradish Jerusalem artichoke kale kohlrabi leek okra olive onion parsnip peas potato pumpkin silverbeet spinach swede sweet potato turnip