For the traveling food lover visiting local farmers markets with fresh-from-the-field fruit and vegetables grown in the region and in season is usually worth a visit. Even if you do not need to buy anything browsing the stalls with their vibrant colours, shadowy shapes and lively chatter, accepting free samples of fruits and cheeses when offered can be a great way to while away a few hours. You may even end up buying a few items and enjoying a simple, impromptu picnic lunch.

This guide is a sampling of what fruits and vegetables one can typically find at our markets and roadside stands. When using this guide to find out when your favourite fruits and vegetables should be fresh, ripe and have all the best flavours, keep in mind that these dates can vary by a few weeks from year to year depending on the weather.

January: Apples, Cabbage, Onions (red & yellow), Parsips, Pears, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Turnips, Winter Squash.

February: Apples, Cabbage, Onions (yellow), Parsnips, Pears, Rosemary, Sage, Turnips.

March: Apples, Onions (yellow), Parsnips, Pears, Rosemary, Sage.

April: Chives, Kale, Pears, Radishes, Rhubarb, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach.

May: Asparagus, Chives, Kale, New Potatoes, Onions (green), Parsleys, Radishes, Rhubarb, Rosemary, Sage, Spinach, Turnips.

June: Asparagus, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cherries, Chives, Cilantro, English Peas, Fennel (bulb), Garlic (fresh), Gooseberries, Green Onions, Kale, Lettuce, Mustard greens, New Potatoes, Parsleys, Peas, Radishes, Rhubarb (field), Rosemary, Sage, Salad Greens, Saskatoon berries, Shallots, Spinach, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Thyme, Turnips, Zucchini.

July: Apricots, Basil, Beans (fresh), Beets, Blackberries, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cherries, Chives, Cilantro, Cucumbers, Currants, Fennel (bulb), Garlic (fresh), Green Onions, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustard greens, New Potatoes, Parsleys, Peas, Peppers, Potatoes, Radishes, Raspberries, Rosemary, Sage, Salad Greens, Spinach, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Thyme, Turnips, Zucchini.

August: Apples, Apricots, Artichokes, Arugula, Basil, Bay Leaves, Beans (fresh), Beets, Blackberries, Blueberries, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chives, Cilantro, Coriander, Corn, Crab apples, Cucumbers, Currants, Fennel (bulb), Eggplant, Endive, Garlic (fresh), Green Onions, Horse Radish, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Melons, Mint, Nectarines, Onions (sweet), Oregano, Parsleys, Peaches, Pears, Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Radishes, Raspberries, Rosemary, Rutabagas, Sage, Salad Greens, Shallots, Spinach, Strawberries, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tarragon, Tomatoes, Thyme, Turnips, Watercress, Zucchini.

September: Apples, Artichokes, Basil, Beans (fresh), Beets, Blackberries, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chives, Cilantro, Corn, Cucumbers, Fennel (bulb), Garlic (fresh), Grapes, Green Onions, Hazelnuts, Kale, Lettuce, Leeks, Melons, Onions (sweet), Onions (cooking), Parsleys, Parsnips, Pears, Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Quince, Radishes, Rosemary, Rutabagas, Sage, Salad Greens, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Thyme, Turnips, Winter Squash.

October: Apples, Artichokes, Beets, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chives, Cilantro, Corn, Cranberries, Fennel (bulb), Garlic (fresh), Hazelnuts, Kale, Lettuce, Leeks, Marjoram, Onions (sweet), Onions (cooking), Parsley, Parsnips, Pears, Peppers, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Quince, Radishes, Rosemary, Rutabagas, Sage, Salad Greens, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Thyme, Turnips, Winter Squash.

November: Apples, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Kale, Leeks, Onions (cooking), Parsnips, Pears, Rosemary, Rutabagas, Sage, Thyme, Turnips, Winter Squash.

December: Apples, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Onions (red & yellow), Parsnips, Pears, Rosemary, Rutabagas, Sage, Turnips, Winter Squash.