Seasonal Organic Produce Guide

Eating seasonally is one of the best ways to enjoy organic food at its peak freshness and flavor while supporting local Austrian farmers. This guide breaks down what produce is available throughout the year, helping you plan meals around what nature provides each season.

Why Eat Seasonally

Seasonal eating offers multiple benefits that go beyond simple freshness. Produce harvested in season contains higher nutrient levels because it has ripened naturally under optimal conditions. The environmental impact is lower since less energy is required for heating greenhouses or transporting food long distances. Perhaps most importantly, seasonal produce simply tastes better.

Spring: March to May

After the long Austrian winter, spring brings a welcome burst of fresh greens and early vegetables to organic farms.

• Wild garlic (Barlauch) - A beloved Austrian spring specialty, perfect for pesto and soups
• Asparagus - White and green varieties appear in April and May
• Radishes - Crisp and peppery, among the first spring harvests
• Spinach - Young leaves are tender and perfect for salads
• Rhubarb - Technically a vegetable but used in desserts and jams
• Spring onions - Mild and fresh for garnishing
• Lettuce varieties - Butterhead and romaine begin appearing

Spring markets in Austria are particularly exciting after months of stored root vegetables. The arrival of fresh greens signals the beginning of the outdoor growing season.

Summer: June to August

Peak season for Austrian organic farms brings an abundance of fruits and vegetables at their most flavorful.

• Tomatoes - Heirloom varieties shine in July and August
• Cucumbers - Fresh from the field, far superior to greenhouse versions
• Zucchini - Prolific producers that appear at every market stall
• Bell peppers - Sweet and colorful when fully ripe
• Berries - Strawberries in June, raspberries and currants through August
• Stone fruits - Apricots from the Wachau region, plums, and peaches
• Beans - Green and yellow varieties at their peak
• Herbs - Basil, parsley, dill, and chives flourish

Summer is the ideal time to preserve produce for winter. Many organic consumers make jams, pickles, and frozen preparations during the height of the season.

Autumn: September to November

Harvest season brings robust flavors and the produce needed for Austrian comfort food traditions.

• Apples - Austria produces excellent organic apples, especially in Styria
• Pears - Williams and other varieties ripen in autumn
• Grapes - Wine grapes and table varieties from eastern Austria
• Pumpkins - Including the famous Styrian oil pumpkin
• Cabbage varieties - For making sauerkraut and fresh preparations
• Root vegetables - Carrots, beets, and parsnips at their sweetest
• Mushrooms - Wild and cultivated varieties appear
• Leeks - Essential for Austrian soups and stews

Autumn farmers markets overflow with the harvest. This is the season to stock up on storage vegetables that will last through winter when properly stored.

Winter: December to February

While the selection narrows, Austrian organic farmers still provide nutritious options during the cold months.

• Storage apples - Many varieties keep well for months
• Potatoes - A staple of Austrian winter cooking
• Onions and garlic - Essential flavor bases that store well
• Carrots and beets - Stored in sand, they remain fresh
• Cabbage - Sauerkraut and fresh cabbage for winter dishes
• Winter squash - Butternut and other keepers
• Kale and chard - Hardy greens that survive frost
• Jerusalem artichokes - An underrated winter root vegetable

Winter eating in Austria traditionally relied heavily on preserved foods and storage vegetables. Organic farmers continue these traditions while also using unheated greenhouse cultivation for some fresh greens.

Year-Round Austrian Staples

Some products from Austrian organic farms are available throughout the year.

• Dairy products - Organic milk, cheese, and yogurt from alpine and lowland farms
• Eggs - From certified organic free-range hens
• Grains and flour - Spelt, wheat, and rye from Austrian organic fields
• Dried legumes - Lentils and beans grown organically in Austria
• Honey - From organic beekeepers across the country
• Pumpkin seed oil - A Styrian specialty available year-round

Seasonal eating connects us to the natural rhythms of Austrian agriculture and the work of organic farmers throughout the year.

Planning your meals around seasonal availability not only supports local organic farmers but also introduces variety into your diet. The anticipation of seasonal favorites like spring asparagus or autumn apples becomes part of the pleasure of eating well.