Georgia Harvest Calendar: What’s in Season Right Now?

Few places do fresh, local produce quite like Georgia. From sweet summer peaches to plump blueberries, vine-ripened tomatoes, and crisp fall apples, the Peach State is bursting with flavor year-round. But if you’ve ever bitten into a grocery store tomato in the middle of winter and wondered why it tastes like cardboard, you’ve already discovered the downside of eating out of season.

The key to truly delicious, nutrient-rich food? Eating with Georgia’s harvest calendar. When you choose produce that’s in season, you’re not only getting the best flavor and quality, but you’re also supporting local farmers and reducing your environmental footprint.

So, what’s in season in Georgia right now? Whether you’re a home cook, a farmers’ market enthusiast, or visiting the Blue Ridge mountains and looking for a farm-to-table experience, this guide will walk you through what’s in season each month and where to find the best local produce in Blue Ridge, GA.

Georgia Harvest Calendar: What’s in Season Each Month?

Georgia’s mild climate means there’s always something fresh and delicious in season. From winter citrus and hearty greens to spring strawberries, summer peaches, and fall apples, each month brings new flavors to enjoy.

Below, you’ll find a month-by-month harvest calendar of Georgia’s seasonal produce, plus tips on where to find the best local ingredients—especially in Blue Ridge, GA. Whether you’re planning meals around the freshest picks or just curious about what’s in season, this guide has you covered!

January – March: Winter Harvest in Georgia

Winter in Georgia may bring cooler temperatures, but there’s still plenty of fresh produce to enjoy. This season is known for bright, juicy citrus, hearty greens, and earthy root vegetables—all perfect for comforting winter meals.

What’s in Season in Winter?

• Citrus: Satsumas, navel oranges, Meyer lemons, grapefruit
• Leafy Greens: Collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach
• Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips, beets, radishes
• Other Winter Picks: Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, pecans

As winter transitions into spring, Georgia’s farms start preparing for the arrival of sweet strawberries, crisp peas, and tender asparagus—a sign that warmer days are just around the corner.

April – June: Spring’s Freshest Picks

As the weather warms up, Georgia’s farms burst to life with sweet berries, crisp vegetables, and tender greens. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, light flavors before the heat of summer arrives.

What’s in Season in Spring?

• Berries: Strawberries, blueberries
• Tender Greens: Lettuce, arugula, Swiss chard
• Spring Vegetables: Asparagus, radishes, carrots, sugar snap peas, green onions
• Other Spring Picks: Vidalia onions, mushrooms, fresh herbs (basil, dill, parsley)

By late spring, Georgia’s famous blueberries and Vidalia onions reach their peak, signaling the transition into the hot, produce-rich summer months.

July -September: Summer’s Peak Produce

Summer in Georgia means juicy peaches, vine-ripened tomatoes, and crisp, refreshing melons. This is the season when farms and farmers’ markets overflow with some of the state’s most iconic fruits and vegetables.

What’s in Season in Summer?

• Stone Fruits: Peaches, nectarines, plums
• Berries: Blackberries, blueberries (early summer)
• Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe
• Summer Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, eggplant, okra
• Other Summer Picks: Sweet corn, bell peppers, green beans, field peas

With an abundance of fresh, flavorful produce at its peak, summer is the perfect time to enjoy Georgia’s best-known crops—including world-famous peaches.

October – December: Fall’s Best Flavors

As the temperatures cool and the leaves start to change, Georgia’s farms bring in a harvest of crisp apples, hearty root vegetables, and rich, nutty flavors perfect for cozy autumn meals.

What’s in Season in Fall?

• Apples: Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, Arkansas Black
• Squash & Pumpkins: Butternut squash, acorn squash, pie pumpkins
• Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, carrots
• Brassicas: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli
• Other Fall Picks: Pecans, muscadine grapes, cranberries (late fall)

With Georgia-grown apples and pecans in peak season, fall is the perfect time to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that lead into the holiday season.

Chef George’s Tips for Cooking with Georgia’s Seasonal Produce

 Cooking with fresh, local ingredients is at the heart of every great meal. Chef George of Blue Ridge Cabin Cuisine shares his top tips for making the most of Georgia’s seasonal produce—so you can enjoy peak flavors year-round.

Keep It Simple

When produce is at its peak, it doesn’t need much fuss. Drizzle summer tomatoes with olive oil and sea salt, roast fall squash with a touch of cinnamon, or enjoy sweet, juicy peaches straight from the market.

Preserve the Harvest

Love blueberries in the summer and wish you could enjoy them all year? Freezing, pickling, or canning seasonal ingredients helps capture Georgia’s flavors long after their peak.

Eat With the Weather

Georgia’s seasonal produce naturally complements the time of year. In summer, enjoy refreshing dishes with berries, tomatoes, and cucumbers, while winter calls for hearty soups and roasted root vegetables.

Get Inspired by Local Dishes

Southern cooking is built on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Some of my favorites include:

• Vidalia onions caramelized over burgers or in homemade onion rings
• Peaches grilled for a smoky-sweet treat or baked into a classic cobbler
• Pecans roasted with cinnamon or baked into pies

Chef George’s Favorite Simple Seasonal Recipes

Cooking with seasonal ingredients doesn’t have to be complicated! Chef George shares one of his go-to, simple and delicious recipes for each season—so you can bring the best of Georgia’s harvest to your table with ease.

🍊 Winter: Citrus & Honey Roasted Carrots

Bright, sweet, and packed with flavor, these roasted carrots make the perfect winter side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Georgia-grown carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• Juice of 1 satsuma or navel orange
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Toss carrots with olive oil, honey, and orange juice.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and caramelized.

🍓 Spring: Fresh Strawberry & Basil Salad

This light and refreshing salad highlights Georgia’s spring strawberries.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh Georgia strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
• ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Instructions:

1. Toss strawberries, greens, and basil in a bowl.
2. Sprinkle with goat cheese and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
3. Serve immediately as a light side dish or top with grilled chicken for a full meal.

🍑 Summer: Grilled Georgia Peaches with Honey & Pecans

Sweet, smoky, and topped with crunchy pecans—this dessert is a summer favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe Georgia peaches, halved and pitted
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp local honey
• ¼ cup chopped Georgia pecans

Instructions:

1. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Brush peach halves with olive oil and place cut-side down on the grill.
3. Grill for 3-4 minutes until softened and caramelized.
4. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with pecans before serving.

🍏 Fall: Caramelized Apple & Pecan Oatmeal

A cozy, comforting breakfast featuring Georgia-grown apples and pecans.

Ingredients:

1 apple, diced (Fuji or Pink Lady work well)

½ cup rolled oats

1 tbsp butter

1 tbsp brown sugar

¼ tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp chopped Georgia pecans

1 cup milk or water

Instructions:

1. In a small pan, melt butter and sauté apples with brown sugar and cinnamon for 3-4 minutes until caramelized.
2. Meanwhile, cook oats with milk or water according to package instructions.
3. Stir in the caramelized apples and top with chopped pecans before serving.

These simple, seasonal recipes are an easy way to enjoy Georgia’s freshest ingredients year-round!

Where to Find the Best Local Produce Near Blue Ridge, GA

Blue Ridge, GA, is a hidden gem for farm-fresh ingredients, offering everything from seasonal farmers’ markets to family-owned orchards. Whether you’re looking for just-picked fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, or artisanal goods, here’s where to source the best local produce in the area.

🌿 Downtown Market Blue Ridge

📍 400 West Main Street, Downtown Blue Ridge | Open: Saturdays, 9-1 June – November

• This open-air market is a must-visit for fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade jams, baked goods, and farm-raised meats.
• Vendors rotate with the seasons, so you’ll always find the best of Georgia’s current harvest.

🍎 Mercier Orchards

📍 8660 Blue Ridge Dr, Blue Ridge, GA | Open Year-Round

• One of Georgia’s most famous orchards, Mercier offers U-pick apples, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries in season.
• Their farm store carries fresh produce, house-made cider, baked goods, and local honey.

🍑 Deep Roots Orchard

📍 McCaysville, GA (15 min from Blue Ridge) | Open Seasonally

• Specializing in heritage apples and peaches, Deep Roots Orchard offers a farm store with fresh-picked fruit, cider, and seasonal events.

🍑 Paw Paw’s Produce

📍 1532 Aska Road; Blue Ridge, GA | Check Facebook for Updates

• A local favorite for fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables straight from Georgia farms.
• Their rotating selection makes it a great stop for finding the best produce available at any time of year.

🌱 Cress Creeks Farm

📍 4708 Boardtown Road; Ellijay GA (35 min from Blue Ridge, GA) | (706)750-0333

A family-owned sustainable farm specializing in pasture-raised meats, fresh produce, and farm-fresh dairy and eggs.

• Offers seasonal vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers, grown with sustainable farming practices.
• Known for its pasture-raised lamb, Wagyu & Black Angus beef, and pork, all processed at USDA-certified facilities for top-quality cuts.
• Sells farm-fresh eggs from chickens, ducks, and quails, along with raw A2 cow’s milk and a rotating selection of sheep, goat, and dairy cheeses.
• Hosts seasonal farm events, including a fall corn maze and interactive experiences where visitors can meet and farm-to-table events.

From roadside farm stands to bustling markets, Blue Ridge is full of opportunities to enjoy Georgia’s freshest seasonal ingredients.

Enjoy Georgia’s Seasonal Flavors with a Private Chef Dining Experience

Eating seasonally isn’t just about freshness—it’s about experiencing the best flavors Georgia has to offer, straight from the farm to your table. Whether you’re savoring sweet summer peaches, enjoying a warm winter meal with hearty greens, or discovering farm-fresh ingredients at a local market in Blue Ridge, each season brings something special.

But if you’d rather skip the prep and let an expert handle the cooking, consider hiring a private chef. Chef George of Blue Ridge Cabin Cuisine can bring the ultimate farm-to-table dining experience right to your home or cabin. With a menu inspired by Georgia’s freshest ingredients, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own space.

Ready to experience the best of Georgia’s seasonal flavors?

📅 Book a full-service private chef dining experience right in your Blue Ridge, GA home or cabin! Contact Chef George at Blue Ridge Cabin Cuisine to create a custom menu featuring the freshest, locally sourced ingredients of the season!