Seasonal guide
What's in Season in December
34 fruits, vegetables, and herbs are typically at Bay Area farmers markets in December — including mandarins at their peak.
At peak
Mandarins
Just arriving
Grapefruit
Last call
Persimmons · Pomegranates · Winter Squash · Sweet Potatoes · Chestnuts
Fruits
PersimmonsPomegranatesKiwiNavel OrangesMandarinsMeyer LemonsGrapefruit
Vegetables
Winter SquashSweet PotatoesBroccoliCauliflowerRomanescoBrussels SproutsCabbageKaleChardCollard GreensSpinachLeeksFennelCelery RootParsnipsTurnipsRadicchioSunchokesWild MushroomsLettuceArugulaRadishesCarrotsBeets
Herbs
CilantroParsley
Nuts
Chestnuts
Shopper's notes
Persimmons
Fuyus are eaten crisp like apples; Hachiyas must be jelly-soft or they're mouth-puckering.
Mandarins
Satsumas peak around the holidays; Pixies carry citrus season into spring.
Meyer Lemons
Sweeter and more floral than grocery lemons — a backyard Bay Area staple.
Winter Squash
Delicata and kabocha arrive first; butternut stores well into winter.