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This December produce guide is your comprehensive list of all the fruits and vegetables in season this month! It is the perfect time to explore a whole new list of fruits and vegetables that are currently at their peak. From holiday gatherings to weeknight meals, incorporating these fresh ingredients into your cooking is the best way to cook with the seasons.
table of contents
Now that we are entering the winter months, you might think that there is no more fruits and vegetables to incorporate into your cooking… However, you couldn’t be more wrong! December might be a cold month, but these cold months of winter still yield incredible produce to take advantage of for slow cooker soup, salads, and more.
This is the month where many of us gather more often to celebrate the end of the year and the holidays. Therefore, make these gatherings more memorable by incorporating seasonal produce like fresh and bright citrus or hearty potatoes.
In this month’s guide, we’ll delve into the vibrant and hearty offerings that December brings. From the crisp sweetness of apples to the earthy richness of winter squashes, there’s a diverse array of ingredients to inspire your seasonal cooking. The time to make the most of winter harvest is now! You have the opportunity to discover the flavors that define December and explore creative ways to incorporate them into your cooking adventures this month. Whether you’re crafting comforting stews, festive desserts, or simply seeking nutritious additions to your meals, this produce guide has you covered for all your December cooking and baking needs!
vegetables in season in december
Below is a complete list of all the veggies in season in December. Be sure to keep this list on hand for all of your upcoming shopping needs! I like to print it out when I go shopping so I can keep an eye out for sales on produce that’s in season.
artichokes
arugula
avocados
beets
broccoli
brussels sprouts
butternut squash
cabbage
carrots
cauliflower
chard
collard greens
chicory
endive
kale
leeks
lettuce
parsnips
potatoes
radishes
romanesco
rutabagas
spinach
sweet potatoes
turnips
wild mushrooms
winter squash
fruits in season in december
See below for a full list of all the fruits that are in season in December!
apples
clementines
cranberries
grapefruit
kiwi
kumquats
lemons
mandarins
oranges
pears
persimmon
pomegranates
tangerines
quince
december seasonal recipes
Now that we have shared the full December produce guide with you, let’s dive into some recipes to inspire you this month. Below you’ll find our favorite December recipes that can be made during the week or made for a gathering to celebrate the holidays. If you are looking for more specific holiday themed recipes, check out my holiday recipe page for the full list!
Don’t forget to break out your slow cooker, Instant Pot Ultra, and Dutch oven for winter cooking!
Very Merry Christmas Cheese Board
Celebrate the season with this very merry Christmas Cheese Board! In this post you’ll learn not only how to make a holiday cheese board, but how to make it for any size gathering and customize with the things you love.
Christmas Margarita
A Christmas Margarita is a tasty way to kick off the holiday season! The festive libation is merry, refreshing, and a lovely alternative to more traditional holiday drinks like eggnog. Shake up one to pair with cookies or make a big batch for a gathering to celebrate!
Rigatoni al Forno
Rigatoni al Forno, also known as baked rigatoni, is the ultimate comfort food. Rich and meaty homemade sauce is combined with rigatoni and tons of cheese, then baked until golden brown and gooey. It’s an easy recipe that feeds a crowd, and can even be made ahead of time!
Gnocchi Bolognese Bake
This gnocchi bolognese bake is the ultimate comfort food. It’s incredibly easy, bringing all the Italian flavors you love into a one-skillet meal.
Gochujang Noodles with Chicken and Greens
Gochujang Noodles are spicy, saucy, and flavorful! Ready in just 15 minutes, you can enjoy all the Korean-inspired flavors without all the time. The flavorful meal will spice up your weeknight meal routine.
Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu
Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu is ready in just one hour and it’s so easy to make! With simple ingredients and tender beef, the rich and flavorful sauce is truly the perfect winter meal. Serve it on pasta, mashed potatoes, gnocchi, and more.
Chocolate Dipped Candied Orange Slices
Chocolate Dipped Candied Orange Slices are ideal for gifting this holiday season or decorating your favorite baked goods! Making them is super simple and with a sprinkle of flaky salt on top, they really stand out. I recommend using different oranges from navel to blood orange.
Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse
Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse is smooth, fluffy, and full of tart flavor from fresh cranberries! With a crunchy graham cracker crumble, you get all the elements of a cheesecake without all the work of making one. It’s the ideal ending for any holiday meal.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin with Roasted Red Wine Cranberries is a quick and simple recipe for the holiday season! You can easily make this as a celebratory weeknight meal, or add it to your menu for Thanksgiving as an alternative to turkey. The combination of pork and cranberries is ideal throughout the holiday season!
Garlic Butter Oven Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
Garlic Butter Oven Roasted Carrots and Potatoes are the side dish that goes with anything you can think of! The rich and creamy gold potatoes with bright, flavorful carrots are a classic combination. All you need are a few ingredients from your pantry!
Pear Moscow Mule
Pear Moscow Mule is THE fall ginger cocktail you need to be drinking right now. The pear and ginger combination is perfect for cozying up with as the weather starts to cool off.
Hot Mulled Apple Cider
Warming spices and orange slices make this delightful warm beverage perfect for a chilly night!
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Winter Vegetables (Vegan-Friendly!)
Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Winter Root Vegetables is how you turn a package of gnocchi from the store into one of your favorite easy wintertime meals. You don’t even have to boil the pasta on the stove!
Creamy Sausage Kale Rigatoni Pasta
Creamy Sausage Kale Rigatoni Pasta is the easy dinner inspiration you’ve been looking for this week. It can be made for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner in, or a weeknight treat with the greens to make you feel a little healthier about eating pasta!
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Lemon
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Lemon make for a killer side dish that goes with practically everything. No more going out for this tangy, spicy dish anymore when you can make it at home in less than 30 minutes!
Need more inspiration for winter cooking and baking? Check out my winter recipes page!
what’s in season in december (produce guide)
Love these lists. Any chance you could highlight how to choose good produce. Ex: cantalope- want the “belly button” to be indented. Smells/feels, etc.