December Seasonal Produce Guide — Wondering what’s in season in December? This guide lists fruits and vegetables that shine in late fall and early winter, and includes recipe ideas to help you make the most of the season’s best flavors.
The transition from autumn to winter brings markets full of late-fall and early-winter produce. December tends to resemble November in many regions: think winter squash, sweet potatoes, pears, pomegranates and cranberries. These ingredients are ideal for everyday meals and festive holiday dishes alike.
Eating seasonally means enjoying produce at peak flavor and nutrition. This December guide highlights what to look for at the market and offers recipe suggestions to inspire soups, sides, salads, mains and desserts using December’s harvest.
What’s in season in December
Below is a list of fruits and vegetables commonly in season in December. Availability can vary by region and climate, but these are reliably abundant in many areas during the month.
December seasonal fruits and vegetables
Root vegetables
- Carrots — Sweet and crisp, great raw, roasted, or added to soups and stews. Grated carrots also add moisture and flavor to baked goods.
- Parsnips — Earthy and nutty when cooked; excellent roasted, mashed or stewed for extra depth.
- Sweet potatoes — Naturally sweet with creamy, starchy flesh. Versatile for roasting, mashing, baking, soups and casseroles.
- Turnips & rutabagas — Peppery and earthy roots that roast, stew or mash beautifully as lower-carb potato alternatives.
Leafy greens & cruciferous vegetables
- Broccoli — Crunchy and mildly bitter raw, sweet and nutty when roasted or sautéed.
- Brussels sprouts — Small, nutty and caramelized when roasted; also great shaved raw in salads.
- Cabbage — Crisp in slaws and salads, sweeter and tender when cooked.
- Cauliflower — Extremely versatile: raw, roasted, mashed or puréed into soups.
- Dark leafy greens — Kale, chard, collards and mustard greens are hearty, nutrient-rich and hold up well to braising, sautéing and soups.
Other late fall and early winter vegetables
- Celery root (celeriac) — Knobby root with mild celery flavor; great in purées, soups and grated into salads.
- Fennel — Subtly sweet with a light anise note; pairs well with citrus, apples and bitter greens.
Winter squash
- Butternut squash — Sweet, nutty and creamy when cooked; ideal for roasting, soups and casseroles.
- Delicata squash — Tender skin and sweet flesh make it easy to roast or stuff without peeling.
- Kabocha squash — Dense, velvety flesh with a flavor similar to pumpkin and sweet potato.
- Pumpkin — Mild, slightly sweet and versatile for both savory and sweet recipes.
- Spaghetti squash — Mild, slightly sweet and stringy; a low-carb pasta alternative when cooked.
Late fall and early winter fruits
- Apples — Crisp and juicy, ideal for snacking, baking and salads.
- Cranberries — Tart, bright berries perfect for sauces, baked goods and salads.
- Pears — Juicy and sweet; varieties range from crisp to buttery when ripe.
- Persimmons — Honey-like sweetness when fully ripe; great fresh, baked or in salads.
- Pomegranates — Jewel-like arils with sweet-tart flavor that brighten salads and desserts.
- Quince — Fragrant and firm; best cooked, poached or made into jams and preserves.
Root vegetable recipes
-
Maple Glazed Carrots
Tender carrots tossed in a sweet maple glaze and finished with fresh parsley — a simple, show-stopping side dish.
Get the Recipe
-
Carrot Ginger Soup
Smooth and warming, this carrot ginger soup is easy to make and works for stovetop or Instant Pot preparations.
Get the Recipe
-
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal
A hearty baked oatmeal with grated carrot, pineapple and warming spices, finished with an optional cream cheese glaze.
Get the Recipe
Leafy greens and cruciferous veggies recipes
-
Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic, Shallots and Parmesan
Caramelized cauliflower tossed with garlic and shallots, finished with freshly grated Parmesan for a family-friendly side.
Get the Recipe
-
Mini Crustless Broccoli Quiche
A lighter quiche packed with broccoli and cheese, perfect for meal prep breakfasts or brunch.
Get the Recipe
-
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Creamy, garlicky mashed cauliflower — a tasty low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe
Winter squash recipes
-
Roasted Whole Butternut Squash
Roast a whole butternut for silky, versatile purée — perfect for soups, casseroles and baking.
Get the Recipe
-
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy and baked until golden — the sweet squash adds a comforting twist to classic mac and cheese.
Get the Recipe
-
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Learn oven, microwave and Instant Pot methods for perfectly cooked spaghetti squash that becomes a great base for sauces.
Get the Recipe
Fall fruit recipes
-
Easy Lemon Bars
Shortbread crust topped with tangy lemon filling — simple, bright and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe
-
Frisée Citrus Salad
A crisp winter salad of frisée and citrus that brightens cold-weather menus and makes a great side for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe
-
Roasted Delicata Squash Salad
Caramelized delicata with kale, pomegranate and feta in a tangy dressing — festive and seasonal.
Get the Recipe
Explore seasonal produce all year long
- January seasonal produce guide
- February seasonal produce guide
- October seasonal produce guide
- September seasonal produce guide