December marks the beginning of the winter season in the United States, and the cool weather (in most of the country) means it’s the perfect time of year for cozy recipes using fresh seasonal produce. Take a look at this produce guide of what is in season in December!

Use this jump-to menu to quickly navigate to sections of this blog post, and check out the other monthly seasonal produce guides here to learn more about the seasonal fruits and veggies you can find throughout the year!
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infographic of fresh produce in December
Here’s a handy infographic to showcase some of the freshest seasonal produce available in December. Save this image for all your grocery store trips this month, or pin it for later, it’s a great way to make sure you’re shopping seasonally during all your farmers market trips!
complete list of fruits & veggies in season in December
Check out these two comprehensive lists of fruits and veggies that are in season during the month of December! You’ll probably see a few items that are available year-round, but certain items are only available in the winter months. Buying in-season fruits and vegetables is the best way to keep your recipe inspiration game strong, because you’re consistently rotating your ingredients. Not to mention, it’s the key in making sure your produce has the best flavor!
what fruit is in season in December:
- Apples
- Clementines
- Cranberries
- Grapefruits
- Kiwi
- Kumquats
- Mandarins
- Oranges
- Passionfruit
- Pears
- Persimmons
- Pomegranates
- Satsumas
- Tangerines
what vegetables are in season in December:
- Broccoli
- Bok Choy
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Collard Greens
- Fennel
- Kale
- Kohlrabi
- Leeks
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Potatoes
- Rutabagas
- Sweet potatoes
- Turnips
- Winter squash
December Seasonal Produce Spotlight & Recipes
Here’s a focused list of what winter fruits and vegetables are in season in December, and some recipe ideas, too! Looking for more? Let me know what ingredients you’ve got on hand in the comments below, and I’ll help you out with ideas!
Pomegranates are a tangy, tart fruit that is similar in taste to cranberries. They appear in US grocery stores throughout December, and into January.
Pomegranates can be juiced, blended into smoothies, or enjoyed on top of your morning oatmeal. You can also use the flavor of pomegranates to make a simple syrup (also known as grenadine, yeah…it’s NOT cherry flavored!), which can be used to make pomegranate cocktails. Of course, you can also purchase pomegranate juice on it’s own and use it in seasonal recipes like salad dressings.
Brussels Sprouts have truly had a turnaround in the public eye. They’ve gone from an unwanted veggie to a menu highlight in restaurants across the country, and there’s a good reason why!
These tiny cabbages are not the gross childhood veggie you may remember from your youth! When they are in season, they are actually a flavorful and versatile veggie that can be roasted, sautéed, or even enjoyed raw in a salad or topped on a pizza crust! Mix some shaved brussels sprouts with other leafy greens and toss with some good quality olive oil and vinegar for a quick side salad, or pan-sear them with pancetta for a quick side dish during your next pasta night!
Wanna save this recipe for later? 📬
Winter squash like acorn squash, butternut squash, and kabocha squash are plentiful in December.
While technically considered a fruit, these squash are most often grouped together with winter vegetables. Some squash are very similar in flavor and can be used interchangeably in recipes, especially if you are roasting them. Because of their sugar content, they caramelize when baked at high temperatures, giving them a slightly nutty and sweet flavor!
Winter is prime citrus season, so be on the lookout for fresh varieties of lemons, oranges, and tangerines.
Varieties like the Sumo mandarin oranges are gaining popularity each year, and you can usually plan to enjoy in-season citrus through the month of April or May, depending on the variety. My absolute favorites are vibrant blood oranges, they’re a super special fruit in flavor and color. Winter is the best time to enjoy some seasonal fresh orange juice in all of your favorite drinks! Citrus fruits work wonders in salads and desserts, and their juices highlight the flavors of sauces, syrups, and smoothies, too! Try this honey orange vinaigrette dressing for an easy way to incorporate winter citrus into your salads!
Grapefruit is another citrus that’s ready to be enjoyed in the winter, and multiple varieties become available throughout the growing season!
Grapefruit and pomelos are similar in look, pomelos tend to be sweeter in taste than grapefruit, which can be bitter in flavor. Pink grapefruits are my favorites to work with, and you can finally find them beginning in early winter because ruby red grapefruits, which are available year-round, are NOT the same. The good news is you can use either variety in your favorite grapefruit recipes. The Paloma is a classic grapefruit tequila cocktail, but this alcohol-free paloma is sure to brighten up any dark and dreary winter day while keeping you sharp during your next holiday event!
💬 Let me know in the comments what December produce you’re looking forward to!
December means winter has indeed arrived, and the cold temperatures make the perfect opportunity to use your recipes to warm you up! Dishes like soups, pot-pies, and casseroles are all wonderful choices to warm up on a cold winter night, and the produce aisle is stocked with options to choose from!
Are there any other December ingredients that are your favorite fruits or vegetables?
Let me know in the comments below, and I’ll add on to this post!