Free seasonal produce planning tool
What’s in Season
Choose a region and month to see produce likely to be plentiful, what may still be available and what is approaching next. Use it to shape specials, menu changes and supplier conversations.
Seasonal menu planning
Winter in New Zealand · South Island
Availability varies with weather, grower, storage and supplier. Confirm price and quality before committing a menu.Viewing July · Vegetables.co.nz and 5+ A Day seasonal guidance
At peak
The strongest candidates for seasonal features, provided supplier quality and price support the decision.
Fruit
Apples
Bakes, chutneys, slaws and breakfast compotes.
Fruit
Pears
Poached desserts, salads, tarts and preserves.
Fruit
Kiwifruit
Breakfasts, desserts, salsas and fresh garnishes.
Fruit
Citrus
Dressings, curds, marinades and desserts.
Vegetable
Pumpkin
Soups, purées, roasts and filled pasta.
Vegetable
Kūmara
Bowls, fries, mash, burgers and baking.
Vegetable
Brussels sprouts
Roasted sides, warm salads and shared plates.
Vegetable
Leeks
Soups, pies, tarts and braised dishes.
Vegetable
Parsnips
Roasts, purées, soups and crisp garnishes.
Also available
Useful supporting produce that may still offer good quality, but may not be at its most plentiful.
No items in this curated list match this window. Check the other availability sections or confirm directly with suppliers.
Coming soon
Start planning tests, supplier conversations and photography for the next menu window.
Vegetable
Asparagus
Brunch, small plates, risotto and grills.
Turn seasonality into margin
Plan around shared ingredients, not isolated specials.
- Use one seasonal hero ingredient across two or three menu items.
- Ask suppliers what is abundant, cosmetically imperfect or forecast to soften in price.
- Preserve surplus through pickles, chutneys, sauces or frozen prep where suitable.
Source basis: New Zealand guidance is informed by Vegetables.co.nz and 5+ A Day seasonality resources. Australian guidance is informed by broad seasonal-produce references and is divided by climate rather than state boundaries.
Free tools give you a useful starting point.