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Home » Eat what's in season » The practical produce guide: December 2024

The practical produce guide: December 2024

December offers the last of the hardier fall fruits and brings winter citrus into season. The full guides below include selection & storage tips, as well as seasonal recipes.

December fruit

Most fruit in season this month are tart, which actually balance the heartier meals we eat throughout winter.

  • Winter is citrus season including clementines, blood oranges, kumquats, and grapefruit
  • The last of late fall fruit is still available: cranberries and pomegranates, as well as apples and pears (they store quite well into winter)
  • Kiwi, a winter fruit: we tend to associate kiwi with summer, but those are actually from New Zealand. Kiwi are a winter fruit, so enjoy more locally grown kiwi from the US this month.
Apples in season, how to choose and store
Apples
When are blood oranges in season? Get the full scoop along with how to pick the best ones and store them.
Blood oranges
Cranberries in season
Cranberries
Grapefruits are in season in winter. More on picking the best ones & recipes.
Grapefruit
Kiwi in season cut in half to show green flesh
Kiwi
Kumquats are in season in the middle of winter to early spring.
Kumquats
Mandarins are in season throughout winter and early spring.
Mandarin oranges
Pears in season, whole and cut in half
Pears
Fresh pomegranates in season
Pomegranates

Vegetables

Root vegetables and winter squash are perfect for soups, stews, and roasting this month, including potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, butternut squash (and other winter varieties), and celery root.

Below are are guides for some of these winter vegetables.

Brussels Sprouts in Season
Brussels sprouts
Celery in season
Celery
When is celery root in season? How to pick the best ones and store them.
Celery root (celeriac)
Types of wild mushrooms, maitake, shiitake, portobello, oyster
Mushrooms
When are parsnips in season? Pick the best ones and store them right to last even longer.
Parsnips
Winter squash in season
Pumpkins, butternut & other winter squash
Sweet potatoes in season
Sweet potatoes

Recipes for December

Traditional winter recipes are a staple for a reason: warm, comforting, and filling. Using seasonal fruits & vegetables not only ensures great flavor, but they can also provide a new twist on an old classic.

For example, look for stew recipes that incorporate cranberries for a pop of bright flavor. Add apples to a sheetpan of roasted vegetables. Or use parsnips to make a quick-bread flavored with baking spices & nuts.

  • Fresh pomegranates in season
    Pomegranate recipes [fall + winter collection]
  • Brussels sprouts with bacon strips, parmesan, and lemons on an olive wood board
    Brussels sprouts recipes with bacon, maple syrup, parmesan (and more)
  • Grapefruit paired with basil, rosemary, honey, peppers, and coriander
    Grapefruit recipes & flavor pairings
  • Parsnip recipe ingredients: parsnips, carrots, cauliflower, potatoes, mushrooms, onions, and bruessels sprouts
    Parsnip recipes: 48 seasonal ideas for fall & winter
  • Cranberry recipes: salad dressing
    50 cranberry recipes using fresh cranberries
  • A basket of apples
    Apple recipes & the best varieties to use

A December recipe list wouldn't be complete without some cookies for Christmas either.

Soft & chewy peanut butter blossoms
Make soft peanut butter blossoms by using melted butter, more brown sugar than white sugar, a little corn starch, and cook them in a hotter oven.
Check it out
A recipe for soft and chewy peanut butter blossom cookies.
Maple pecan cookies
Pecan shortbread cookies with a maple syrup icing. Sprinkle maple sugar on top for bonus points!
Check it out
Maple pecan cookies cut out in a star shape for Christmas, on top of a pile of fresh pecans

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About the Food Geek

Welcome, I'm Veronica, your resident food geek - experienced recipe developer and gardener. My goal is to help you enjoy eating at home by knowing what fruits & vegetables are currently in season and the best ways to use them. To do that, I've put together seasonal produce guides and recipes with practical advice.

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