Buying seasonal fruit and veg is one of the easiest ways to cut your food bill – plus, it’s a fun way to challenge yourself to get creative in the kitchen. Here’s a handy guide on what to buy and when.
Why seasonal food costs less
When something’s in season, it means there’s more of it. Prices drop because supply is high and supermarkets are competing. Out-of-season produce has usually been imported and refrigerated for weeks – and the cost of that impacts the price you pay.
A bag of kale in October can cost 50% less than the same bag in April. Buying in season means you get more food for the same money, and it usually tastes better too.
UK and Ireland seasonal food calendar
Use this as your quick reference before you shop:
🥬 Spring (Mar–May)
Purple sprouting broccoli, asparagus, new potatoes, spring greens, rhubarb, leeks, watercress
🍅Summer (Jun–Aug)
Strawberries, raspberries, courgettes, peas, broad beans, tomatoes, runner beans, beetroot
🍏 Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Butternut squash, apples, pears, kale, mushrooms, parsnips, leeks, Savoy cabbage, blackberries
🥕Winter (Dec–Feb)
Carrots, swede, turnips, Brussels sprouts, celeriac, cauliflower, kale, leeks, stored apples
Check a full seasonal guide https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/gardening-tips/guide-to-seasonal-food.
Cheap seasonal meals worth knowing
A few staples built around what’s in season can help you save money, here are a few of our favourites:
Spring
Summer
Slow-cooked courgette spaghetti
Autumn
Spiced lentil & butternut squash soup
Mushroom, lentil and walnut ragu
Winter
Top tip: Batch cook and freeze portions – when you’re tired and hungry at 9pm on a rainy Wednesday, future you will be grateful.
Are you a student looking to save money?
Here are some guides to help you:
How to get free food as a student
5 simple ways to reduce food waste at home
How to freeze food properly: save money and reduce food waste