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
Spring in New Zealand · South Island
Availability varies with weather, grower, storage and supplier. Confirm price and quality before committing a menu.Viewing September · 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
Citrus
Dressings, curds, marinades and desserts.
Vegetable
Brussels sprouts
Roasted sides, warm salads and shared plates.
Vegetable
Leeks
Soups, pies, tarts and braised dishes.
Also available
Useful supporting produce that may still offer good quality, but may not be at its most plentiful.
Fruit
Apples
Bakes, chutneys, slaws and breakfast compotes.
Fruit
Kiwifruit
Breakfasts, desserts, salsas and fresh garnishes.
Vegetable
Asparagus
Brunch, small plates, risotto and grills.
Vegetable
Pumpkin
Soups, purées, roasts and filled pasta.
Vegetable
Kūmara
Bowls, fries, mash, burgers and baking.
Vegetable
Parsnips
Roasts, purées, soups and crisp garnishes.
Coming soon
Start planning tests, supplier conversations and photography for the next menu window.
Fruit
Berries
Breakfasts, cakes, chilled desserts and sauces.
Vegetable
Courgettes
Fritters, grills, ribbons and pasta sauces.
Vegetable
Fresh peas
Risotto, soups, salads and bright purées.
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 and Australian entries use regional seasonal guidance. International entries use broad northern or southern temperate, subtropical or tropical patterns. Large countries span several climates, imports alter availability, and harvest timing changes by locality—always confirm with local growers and suppliers.
These tools give you a useful starting point.