If you’re new to gardening or trying to eat healthier, this seasonal chart for Maine is a great place to start. It is essential to see which foods are freshest, most affordable, and most nutritious throughout the year. The green bars show peak harvest times for each fruit and vegetable, when produce is at its best in both flavor and nutrition. Produce picked at peak season tends to be richer in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while also tasting better. You’ll also see orange and yellow bars, which indicate foods that is available beyond the peak season, meaning they are either grown in greenhouses or stored after harvest. This means you can still enjoy local foods even in colder months, just in a different way!
Spring and summer are upon us, which means getting our hands dirty and planting tons of produce for the upcoming season. Soon enough, an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables will be blooming for everyone’s enjoyment. At a community garden, you don’t just read about fresh produce, you experience it. Come dig in, get involved, and enjoy fresh, healthy food while bonding with your community.
Thank you to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry for this great resource. Click here to see more from their website!