Buying fruit and vegetables in season will always be cheaper. So if you are working with a tight budget be aware of what is in season and look to use these options where you can. The other advantage is items in season will be fresher so a win win.

In new zealand winter falls essentially during June, July, and August. Click here to download a chart of what is in season month by month, courtesy of www.5aday.co.nz

A more comprehensive list of available Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs etc can be found here – www.produce.co.nz

The cheapest winter fruits are generally

  • Oranges, Lemons and Grapefruit

Other fruit in season include

  • Feijoas, Kiwi Fruit (Gold & Green), Limes. Mandarins, Mangos, Passion Fruit, Persimmons and Tamarillos

The cheapest winter vegetables are generally

  • Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Onions, Potatoes and Silverbeat

Other vegetables in season include

  • Brussels Sprouts,Buttercup, Butternut, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Fennel, Kale, Kohlrabi, Kumara, Leeks, Mushrooms, Parsnips, Pumpkin, Radishes, Rhubarb, Spinach, Spring Onions, Swedes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress and Yams

The following produce is generally available all year round – however prices will vary according to availability

  • Apples, Bananas (imported all year round), Rhubarb, Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Courgette, Cucumber, Fennel, Garlic, Kale, Kumara, Leek, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Onions, Parsnip, Pawpaws (imported all year round), Pineapples (imported all year round), Potatoes, Puha, Pumpkin, Radish, Silverbeet, Swede, Taro, Tomatoes, Watercress

For information on winter vegetables and immunity click here

For information on making the most of winter vegetables including a few tips and recipes click here

Information credit: 5aday.co.nz