This December Seasonal Produce Guide is the perfect resource if you’re wondering what’s in season in December! It includes a complete list of seasonal fruits and vegetables that are readily available this month, along with plenty of recipes to utilize this vibrant collection of late fall and early winter produce!

December seasonal produce.

The month of December is a transition from fall to winter, so this month the markets are full of late fall and early winter produce.

This month looks very similar to last month with winter squash, sweet potatoes, pears, pomegranate and cranberries in abundance, and there are so many delicious ways to use this produce in your every day meals as well as festive holiday dishes.

This December Seasonal Produce Guide will provide you with a list of fruits and vegetables that are at their peak this month, and you’ll also find a multitude of recipes below to provide you with the inspiration you need to use this produce.

Eating seasonally means enjoying produce at its peak of flavor and nutrition, and this December produce guide highlights what to look for so you can cook and eat with the best of the season.

See last month’s November seasonal produce guide for a list of produce that might still be available in your area.

What's in season in December.
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What’s in season in December

Below is a list of the fruits and vegetables that are in season during the month of December. This list may vary depending on where you are located.

December seasonal fruits and vegetables

Root vegetables

  • Carrots. Sweet and crisp, great for dipping, eaten raw in salads, an fabulous in soups and stews. They can also be grated and added to cakes and muffins for moisture and flavor.
  • Parsnips. Sweet and earthy with a nutty flavor and creamy texture when cooked. They’re wonderful roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews for extra depth. See my collection of parsnip recipes for more information.
  • Sweet potatoes. These are nutrient-dense and are naturally sweet with an earthy flavor and smooth, starchy flesh. They come in a variety of colors—including orange, white, and purple—and are rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be roasted, mashed, baked, or added to soups, salads, and casseroles.
  • Turnips and rutabagas. Earthy, peppery roots that are wonderful roasted, stewed, or mashed. Use them in place of potatoes in stew for a lower carb alternative.

Leafy Greens & Cruciferous vegetables

  • Broccoli. Fresh broccoli has a mild, slighly bitter flavor when raw, with a crisp, crunchy texture that is great for salads and for dipping. Once roasted or sautéed, it has a sweet, nutty flavor.
  • Brussels sprouts. Nutty and earthy, with mild cabbage flavor. They are great fried, roasted until caramelized or shaved raw in salads.
  • Cabbage – Crisp, crunchy texture and slightly bitter flavor when raw, and works great in slaws and salads. Once cooked, cabbage has a sweet, nutty flavor and tender texture. See my produce guide and collection of cabbage recipes for more information on varieties and ways to use it.
  • Cauliflower. One of the most versatile veggies! Like broccoli, it’s great for dipping and used raw in salad. It’s also fabulous roasted, mashed and puréed in soup.
  • Dark leafy greens. Dark leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, mustard greens, dandelion greens, and collard greens are hearty, nutrient-rich vegetables known for their bold flavors and impressive health benefits. Their robust texture holds up well to sautéing, braising, and soups, and their slightly bitter, peppery, or earthy notes add depth to a variety of savory dishes.

Other late fall and early winter vegetables

  • Celery root. A knobby, earthy root vegetable with a mild celery flavor and creamy texture when cooked. It’s great in purees, soups, and gratins, and adds crisp freshness when shaved or grated into salads.
  • Fennel. Subtly sweet with a light anise flavor, pairing beautifully with citrus and greens. See my collection of fennel recipes for more information.

Winter Squash

  • Butternut squash. This is a sweet, nutty winter squash with smooth, orange flesh and a creamy texture when cooked. Its natural sweetness and rich flavor make it incredibly versatile— it’s perfect for roasting, mashing, blending into soups, or adding to salads, pastas, and grain bowls. It’s also a great source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. See my post on butternut squash recipes to find out more.
  • Delicata squash. A small, cream-colored winter squash with green stripes and thin, edible skin. Its sweet, nutty flavor and tender texture make it perfect for roasting, stuffing, or adding to salads — no peeling required! See my produce guide and collection of delicata squash recipes for more information.
  • Kabocha squash. A sweet, creamy winter squash with a flavor similar to pumpkin and sweet potato. Its dense, velvety flesh is perfect for roasting, soups, and purees, and the skin becomes tender enough to eat when cooked.
  • Pumpkin. This winter squash needs no introduction! It’s mild and slightly sweet with dense orange flesh that’s perfect for both savory and sweet dishes. It’s ideal for roasting, pureeing, or baking, and is packed with fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Use fresh pumpkin in soups, curries, baked goods, or seasonal favorites like pies and muffins. See my complete list of pumpkin recipes for inspiration.
  • Spaghetti squash. This is a fun and flavorful winter squash with a mild, slightly sweet taste and a unique stringy texture that turns into pasta-like strands when cooked. It’s a wholesome, low-carb alternative to traditional noodles and pairs perfectly with your favorite sauces, roasted veggies, or a simple drizzle of olive oil and parmesan.

Late fall and early winter fruits

  • Apples. These crisp and juicy fall fruits are bursting with sweet-tart flavor, making them one of the most versatile fruits of the season. Whether you’re snacking, baking, or tossing them into salads, apples add freshness and crunch to any dish. They’re also a great source of fiber and vitamin C, making them as nourishing as they are delicious. See my collection of apple recipes to find out more.
  • Cranberries. Tart, ruby-red berries that add a burst of color and tangy flavor to both sweet and savory recipes. Simmer into cranberry sauce, fold into baked goods like muffins and crisps, or toss fresh berries into salads for a pop of brightness. See my collection of fresh cranberry recipes for more inspiration.
  • Pears. These fruits are sweet, juicy, and perfectly crisp or tender depending on the variety. Varieties include Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, Seckel and more. They’re a fall favorite for snacking, baking, or adding to salads and cheese boards.
  • Persimmons. Sweet and honey-like, delicious eaten fresh, added to salads, or baked. See my produce guide and collection of persimmon recipes for more information.
  • Pomegranate. Vibrant ruby-red fruits filled with jewel-like arils that burst with a sweet-tart flavor. They add a refreshing crunch and pop of color to salads, yogurt bowls, and festive drinks. See my produce guide and collection of pomegranate recipes for more information.
  • Quince. Fragrant and firm, best when poached or cooked into jams and preserves.

Root vegetable recipes

Maple glazed carrots on a platter with fresh parsley

Maple Glazed Carrots

Maple Glazed Carrots are tender and sweet, with a flavorful orange maple glaze and chopped fresh parsley. This is a show stopping, easy side dish that comes together quickly and the whole family will love it!
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Carrot ginger soup topped with coconut milk and cilantro

Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot Ginger Soup is smooth, flavorful and so easy to make! This healthy vegan soup is perfect for Easter or for meal prep, and the recipe includes stove top and Instant Pot instructions!
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Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal topped with cream cheese glaze in baking dish.

Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal

Carrot cake baked oatmeal is packed with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and walnuts. The luscious cream cheese glaze is optional, but it gives this oatmeal bake all the flavors of carrot cake!
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Air fryer carrots on a plate with thyme leaves

Air Fryer Carrots Recipe

Get all the goodness of roasted carrots without turning on the oven! These Air Fryer Carrots are tender, caramelized and they cook up in about 15 minutes. They're an easy side dish that the entire family will love!
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Gluten-free carrot oat muffins on a wire rack.

Gluten-Free Carrot Oat Muffins

These Gluten-Free Carrot Oat Muffins are packed with whole grain oat flour, plenty of grated carrot, and there's no refined sugar, gluten, or dairy. They're so easy to make and they make a great meal prep breakfast or snack!
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Asparagus salad in a white bowl with salad servers digging in

Asparagus and Radish Salad

This Asparagus Salad Recipe is crisp, refreshing and tossed in a vibrant lemon vinaigrette. It's an easy spring side dish that comes together in about 10 minutes!
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Arugula and fennel salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Arugula and Fennel Salad

This arugula and fennel salad is crisp, fresh, and tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette with shaved Parmesan. It's a simple, elegant salad that's ready in minutes!
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Leafy greens and cruciferous veggies recipes

Spring vegetable soup in a bowl with lime slices on top.

Spring Vegetable Soup Recipe

This Spring Vegetable Soup is light, fresh and packed with vibrant spring vegetables, creamy white beans and fresh lemon and dill. It's easily customizable with what you have on and and it's great for meal prep!
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Mini crustless broccoli quiche on a serving platter

Mini Crustless Broccoli Quiche

Mini Crustless Broccoli Quiche is a healthier spin on quiche with plenty of broccoli, cheddar cheese and no pie crust! This is the perfect meal prep breakfast or brunch and they come together in minutes!
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Chickpea casserole in a skillet.

One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole

This One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole is vegetarian comfort food! It's hearty, cheesy and comes together in just one pan so it's perfect for busy weeknights or holidays!
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Roasted cauliflower in a white bowl

Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Shallots and Parmesan

Roasted Cauliflower is tossed with garlic and shallots and roasted until tender and caramelized. It's finished with freshly grated parmesan for a healthy side dish that the family will love!
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overhead shot of low carb riced cauliflower stuffing in serving bowl with sage on top

Low Carb Riced Cauliflower Stuffing

Low Carb Riced Cauliflower Stuffing is an easy keto stuffing recipe that's hearty and bursting with the flavors of traditional stuffing.  You'll never miss the bread!
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Bowl of garlic mashed cauliflower with spoon digging in

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower Recipe

This Garlic Mashed Cauliflower recipe is a delicious low carb side dish! It's smooth and creamy with the flavors of garlic and fresh chives, and it's so easy to make!
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Other Fall Vegetable Recipes

Kale slaw in a white bowl with honey lime dressing

Kale Slaw with Honey Lime Dressing

Kale slaw combines ribbons of kale with broccoli slaw, apples, and a tangy honey lime dressing. It's gluten-free, vegan, and great for meal prep!
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Italian sausage kale soup in a white bowl with spoon digging in

Italian Sausage Kale Soup

Italian Sausage Kale Soup is high in protein, brimming with flavor and loaded with veggies, white beans and kale. Top with parmesan cheese for an easy, family friendly dinner!
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Kale salad with goat cheese on a platter with salad servers.

Kale Orange Salad with Goat Cheese

This hearty kale salad is packed with creamy goat cheese, juicy orange segments, dried cranberries, and crunchy pepitas. A tangy citrus vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch! This is a great side salad for the cooler months and can be assembled in advance.
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Bowl of sautéed swiss chard with lemon

Sautéed Swiss Chard

Sautéed Swiss Chard is tender ribbons of rainbow chard with the flavors of garlic, cayenne and fresh lemon. It's a flavorful, healthy side dish that's gluten-free, vegan and ready in minutes!
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Bowl of vegetarian white bean stew topped with rosemary and parmesan.

Instant Pot White Bean Stew

Instant Pot white bean stew is a hearty, comforting vegetarian stew with creamy white beans, Swiss chard, and red pepper flakes. It's perfect for meal prep and even freezes well!
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Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells in baking dish

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are packed with spinach, plenty of cheese and are smothered in marinara sauce. This meal may be made entirely in advance!
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Radicchio salad on a white plate with a fork

Radicchio Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Radicchio Salad with Avocado, Fennel and Orange is a winter salad bursting with sweet and savory flavor and tossed in a tangy citrus vinaigrette!
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Bowl of escarole and bean soup with spoon buried inside

Escarole and Bean Soup

Escarole and Bean Soup is hearty, flavorful and perfect for chilly winter days. It takes just a bit of prep and it cooks up in 20 minutes!
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Tricolore salad in a bowl with wooden servers

Italian Tricolore Salad

Italian Tricolore Salad is a delicious blend of arugula, radicchio, belgian endive and shaved parmesan cheese. It's tossed in a tangy red wine vinaigrette and it's so easy to make!
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Winter squash recipes

Chicken moroccan soup in a bowl with lemon and Greek yogurt.

Moroccan Chicken Soup with Chickpeas

Moroccan Chicken Soup with Chickpeas is tender chicken thighs and vibrant veggies simmered in warm, fragrant spices. It’s a comforting meal that's great for meal prep!
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Roasted whole butternut squash in a baking dish

Roasted Whole Butternut Squash

Roasted Whole Butternut Squash is tender, velvety and perfect for purée, casserole, soup, desserts and more! Recipe includes how to cut butternut squash in half in just a few easy steps!
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Butternut squash mac and cheese with breadcrumbs on top.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy and baked until golden brown and crispy! The squash adds a sweet, nutty flavor that makes this the perfect fall comfort food!
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Creamy kabocha squash mash in a serving bowl.

Creamy Kabocha Squash Mash

Kabocha Mash is creamy and velvety smooth with the flavors of rosemary, warm cinnamon and orange zest. This is a delicious fall and winter side dish that's great for weeknights or holiday dinners!
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Fork shredding spaghetti squash

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (Instant Pot, Oven & Microwave)

Learn how to Cook Spaghetti Squash easily in the Instant Pot, microwave, or bake it in the oven! It's a cost effective gluten-free, lower carb alternative to pasta and it's great for meal prep!
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Spaghetti squash lasagna on a sheet pan.

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna is everything you want in lasagna without all the carbs! Tender roasted spaghetti squash is tossed with a creamy ricotta filling, then topped with a rich, flavorful Italian sausage marinara and mozzarella cheese. It's cheesy, satisfying and can be assembled completely in advance!
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Delicata squash salad in a bowl with dressing alongside.

Roasted Delicata Squash Salad

This Delicata Squash Salad is complete with caramelized roasted delicata, hardy kale, pomegranate and feta cheese. It's tossed in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing for a festive fall salad that's great for any occasion!
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Maple roasted delicata squash on a plate with thyme leaves.

Maple Roasted Delicata Squash

Maple Roasted Delicata Squash is a sweet and savory side dish with the mild, nutty flavor of delicata squash, maple syrup and fresh thyme. Serve with cranberries and pecans for a festive fall side dish!
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Fall Fruit Recipes

Stack of lemon bars on a platter

Easy Lemon Bars Recipe

This Easy Lemon Bars Recipe is complete with a press-in shortbread crust, luscious, tangy lemon filling and a dusting of powdered sugar. They're made with simple ingredients, they're so easy to make and they get rave reviews every time!
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Tropical fruit salad with coconut in a serving bowl.

Tropical Fruit Salad with Coconut

This Tropical Fruit Salad is chopped fresh tropical fruits tossed with lime juice and coconut flakes. There's no added sugar and it's a refreshing summer side dish or brunch option!
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Almond flour lemon loaf cake sliced on a serving platter.

Almond Flour Lemon Loaf Cake

This Almond Flour Lemon Loaf Cake is super moist and bursting with lemon flavor! It comes together in one bowl with just a few ingredients, and it's dairy-free and gluten-free!
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Baked dijon salmon on a plate.

Baked Lemon Dijon Salmon

Dinners don't get easier than this baked lemon Dijon salmon! It's tender and juicy, packed with fresh flavor, and it's on the table in 20 minutes!
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Bowl of lime curd with spoon buried in the middle

Lime Curd

Lime Curd is sweet, luxurious and bursting with fresh lime flavor.  It comes together in about 10 minutes, keeps for weeks in the refrigerator, and it's freezer friendly!
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Frisée citrus salad on a platter.

Frisee Citrus Salad

Frisée Citrus Salad is crisp, refreshing and guaranteed to brighten any winter day! It's easy yet elegant, and components may be prepped entirely in advance!
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Citrus vinaigrette in a jar with spoon inside.

Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe

Citrus Vinaigrette is sweet, tangy and bursting with fresh citrus flavor! This delicious salad dressing comes together with just 6 ingredients and takes just minutes to make!
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Banana cream pie with serving on a plate nearby

Banana Cream Pie

Banana Cream Pie is an easy graham cracker crust filled with luscious vanilla pastry cream, plenty of bananas and topped with homemade whipped cream. It's a crowd pleasing dessert that may be made entirely in advance!
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Spoon digging into jar of strawberry chia jam

Easy Chia Jam

This Easy Chia Jam is homemade jam without the hassle! There's no refined sugar, it can be made with your favorite fresh or frozen fruit, and it's ready in about 10 minutes!
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overhead shot of strawberry fields salad in white serving bowl with wooden servers

Strawberry Fields Salad

This strawberry fields salad combines fresh strawberries, juicy chicken, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, spring greens, and feta cheese in a flavorful balsamic dressing. It's the ultimate loaded spring and summer salad!
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Fresh strawberry lemon drop martini in coupe glass.

Strawberry Lemon Drop Martini

Strawberry Lemon Drop is tart, sweet and refreshing with fresh strawberries, lemon juice, vodka and Cointreau. It's the perfect spring and summer cocktail!
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