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This January Seasonal Produce Guide is the perfect resource if you’re wondering what’s in season in January! 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 winter produce!
It may be winter, but the produce aisle this month is anything but dull. From vibrant citrus and hearty root vegetables to cold-weather greens and cozy winter squash, January is packed with seasonal ingredients that are perfect for nourishing, comforting meals.
This January 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 this time of year means better flavor, better value, and simple ingredients that shine in soups, salads, and easy weeknight dinners.
Below is a list of the fruits and vegetables that are in season during the month of January. This list may vary depending on where you are located.
January seasonal fruits and vegetables
Alliums
Garlic. Bold, aromatic, and essential to every day cooking. Garlic adds pungent flavor when raw and becomes nutty and sweet when roasted or gently cooked.
Leeks. Delicate and slightly sweet with a mild onion flavor. Leeks are wonderful in soups, stews, gratins, and slow-cooked dishes where a softer allium flavor is desired. See my produce guide and collection of leek recipes for more information.
Onions. These are the backbone of savory cooking. They range from sweet to sharp in flavor and become mellow and caramelized when cooked, adding depth to soups, sauces, and roasted dishes.
Shallots. Milder and slightly sweeter than onions with a subtle garlicky note. Shallots are ideal for dressings, vinaigrettes, pan sauces, and refined dishes.
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.
Potatoes. Mild, earthy flavor and versatile texture, which works well for roasting, mashing, baking, soups, and casseroles. Different varieties offer slightly different textures, from fluffy to creamy, but all shine in cozy winter cooking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Winter fruits and citrus fruit
While apples, cranberries, pears and pomegranate are not freshly harvested this month, they’re are still at peak quality thanks to careful storage.
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.
Citrus fruit. Grapefruit, lemons, limes, mandarin, oranges, and pomelo are all in season this month. Citrus adds freshness to winter salads, sauces, vinaigrettes, desserts, and cocktails. It’s also perfect for balancing rich or hearty dishes, or enjoy sweeter varieties as a snack.
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.
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.
Allium recipes
Creamy Butternut Squash Potato Leek Soup
Butternut Squash Potato Leek Soup is velvety smooth, creamy, and one of the most comforting soups you'll ever eat. It's naturally gluten free, vegetarian and great for meal prep!
This Spinach Frittata Recipe is packed with creamy feta cheese and plenty of mediterranean flavor. It's ready in about 30 minutes and it's great for meal prep!
This Short Rib Risotto is made by slow cooking beef short ribs until fork tender, then serving them over creamy mushroom risotto. It's a comforting, restaurant quality dish that your entire family will love!
Chimichurri Sauce is herbaceous and savory with a hint of spice, making it the ultimate condiment. This versatile sauce adds bright flavor to grilled meats, vegetables, grain bowls and more, and it takes just 10 minutes to make!
This Creamy Chicken Marsala Recipe is juicy pan seared chicken breast and tender mushrooms in a flavorful creamy marsala wine sauce. It's a restaurant quality dinner that's so easy to make, and it's ready in about 30 minutes!
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!
This Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon is a classic French stew that cooks up in a fraction of the time in the pressure cooker! It's a hearty, satisfying gluten-free dinner that the entire family will love!
Winter Minestrone Soup is packed with wholesome veggies, pancetta, white beans and farro for a flavorful, satisfying soup that the entire family will love! It includes a gluten-free option and it's great for meal prep!
Oven Roasted Beets are tender, delicious and can be customized so many ways! They're perfect as a side dish, they make a great addition to salads, and they're so easy to make!
Parsnip Soup is smooth and creamy with the flavors of sweet, woody parsnips, leeks, garlic and fresh thyme. It's so easy to make and it can be made vegan with one simple swap!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes are soft and fluffy on the outside, irresistibly crispy on the outside, and seasoned with garlic powder and rosemary. They're wonderful served as a side dish or an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce!
Roasted Root Vegetables Recipe is an easy gluten free, vegan side dish. It's colorful, delicious and highly customizable with your favorite root veggies!
Sweet Potato Enchiladas are an easy vegetarian dinner with hearty black beans, corn and plenty of cheese! Components can be made in advance so it's great for meal prep!
Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is an easy, one pot dinner. It's made without rice and makes a satisfying low carb option, and it's ready in 30 minutes!
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad is a delicious winter salad packed with texture and fresh flavors. It's tossed in a bright, zesty lemon dressing and it's great for meal prep!
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon are a classic combination for a reason! Crispy bacon and caramelized brussels sprouts are combined with the brightness of lemon for an easy side dish that everyone will love!
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!
This One Pan ChickpeaBroccoli 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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
Apple Crockpot Steel Cut Oats are the easiest meal prep breakfast! They're wholesome and hearty with apples and cinnamon, and they're dairy and gluten-free!
This easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe is one of the best ways to celebrate apple season! It's packed with warm cinnamon and a fresh flavor that only homemade has, plus it's ready in about 30 minutes!
This Baked Cranberry Oatmeal is bursting with fresh cranberries, warm cinnamon, and is topped with a luscious orange glaze! It's an easy holiday breakfast!
Healthy Cranberry Orange Muffins are light, fluffy and bursting with orange flavor and fresh cranberries. These gluten-free muffins are made with almond flour, contain no refined sugar and come together in just one bowl!
Pear Salad is crisp, fresh and is guaranteed to be a family favorite! It's a delicious blend of juicy pears, chewy cranberries, feta cheese and almonds, and it's tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette!
Winter Fruit Salad is fresh, vibrant and tossed in a flavorful citrus dressing. It's a gluten-free, vegan recipe that's great for brunch, snacks and pot lucks!
Arugula Orange Pomegranate Salad is vibrant, refreshing and packed with sweet and savory flavor! It's tossed in a tangy pomegranate dressing for the ultimate fall and winter salad!
Wild Rice Salad is hearty, nutritious and tossed in an apple cider dressing! This is a versatile dish that works as a vegetarian main dish, side dish or meal prep lunch!
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!
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!
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!