What's In Season in Spring?

Wonky’s Guide to Spring Produce in New Zealand

As the days get longer and temperatures start to warm, New Zealand's spring produce bursts into Boxes, bringing fresh flavours to your dining table. Eating produce that's in season not only ensures you're enjoying the freshest and most nutrient-rich foods, but it is also more affordable as there’s abundant supply out there in local fields. 

Read on for a quick guide to what’s in season during New Zealand spring (September - November), plus a few tips on how to enjoy these seasonal superstars:

_{Seasonal Fruit}

• Kiwifruit: A Vitamin-C packed fruit pick, hailing from Te Puke. September is the time to get your fix, before the season peeters off until next winter.
• Navel Oranges: September is the month to enjoy your final dose of Gisborne grown Navel Oranges, sweet and juicy and delicious in salads, juices or even just sliced up as a snack.
• Tangelos: Don’t despair about saying goodbye to all citrus, tangelos are fresh and juicy well into spring and will be heading into Wonky Boxes from the orchards of Gisborne. These orange delights are a cross between a mandarin and a grapefruit, making for a vibrant, tangy snack that's perfect for lunchboxes.
• Grapefruit: Tart and tangy, grapefruit is excellent for making fresh juice or adding a zesty kick to salads.
• Avocados: Creamy and versatile, spring is the peak time for affordable, ripe avocados with the Bay of Plenty season in full swing!
• Strawberries: While they’re often thought of as a summer staple for Christmas desserts, these juicy gems actually start appearing in late spring, becoming readily available in November. We can’t wait for ‘berry’ delicious desserts, salads and even cocktails.

_{Seasonal Vegetables}

• Spinach & Silverbeet: These nutritient-loaded leafy greens are in abundance during spring, making them great greens to plan your meals around this time of year. 
• Kūmara: Although available year-round, kūmara is particularly good value in spring, perfect for roasting or mashing.
• Carrots & Beetroot: These staples continue in Boxes even as winter draws to a close, and are great options for adding colour and crunch to your plate. As the weather warms, you might like to change from roasting them to enjoying them grated or steamed in salads!‍
• Asparagus: The star of spring veggies, asparagus is a flavourful crowd favourite that peaks in October and November. We get to spread the love across the country, partnering with growers in Waikato, Levin and South Canterbury, so that each of our delivery regions gets a fresh and near-local asparagus fix. And don’t hesitate! The season drops off quickly again from December.‍
• Cauliflower: Late spring is a great time to choose this versatile brassica veg, whether you’re roasting it or getting creative with cauliflower rice or pizza base.

Lucky for Wonky Boxers, we get to enjoy each seasons’ bounty right up to the last minute, as the end of season crops may well be “too small” or a bit misshapen…making them perfect to come Wonky's way! This means you’ll often enjoy these goodies even after they’ve done their dash in major retailers.

If this fresh breakdown has you feeling hungry, be sure to save some of our favourite spring recipes to try this month:

_{Spring Recipes to start the season}

‍Spinach & Carrot Bhajis with Avocado Yoghurt Dip - get the recipe

‍Beetroot, Orange & Whipped Cheese Salad - get the recipe

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Cauliflower Leaf Salsa Verde - get the recipe