One of the things that Prinos Farm&Deli is particularly well known for is providing our customers with an extensive range of the best fresh seasonal produce in Cyprus. In fact, we’re committed to making sure you have the freshest fruit, vegetables and leafy greens, ensuring meals are not only healthy and nutritious but also packed with flavour. We want to enrich your plate and wellbeing with the very best that nature has to offer season by season. And sharing information about the manifold benefits that come with incorporating fresh, in-season ingredients into your diet, is what this month’s blog is all about.

So, if you’ve been wanting to try and eat healthier, or are just wondering how to add more fresh, local and seasonal products into your diet, this is the blog for you! Indeed, this May, we are delving into the vibrant world of cooking with seasonal produce. To this end, we’ll be highlighting which fruits and vegetables are in season around the year in Cyprus. And in addition, we’ll look into why fresh products can be amongst the healthiest options, providing tips on how to get more of them into your weekly meal plan with Prinos Farm&Deli’s extensive selection.

Why Seasonal Produce? The Fresh Difference

Seasonal produce refers to fruits, vegetables and leafy greens which are harvested and consumed during their peak growing season. In this way, they offer enhanced flavour, optimal nutritional value and environmental sustainability. Embracing seasonal produce not only supports local farming communities but also ensures consumers enjoy fresher, tastier, and more nutritious ingredients in their meals. Eating seasonal produce means you’ll be consuming these healthy foods at the peak of their freshness and nutritional content.

Here is some additional information on what makes in-season fruits and vegetables stand out:

Peak Flavour: When harvested at the right time, produce tastes better. This is when the fruits and vegetables are at their perfect ripeness.

Nutritional Richness: Fruits and vegetables picked during their prime season are brimming with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Consuming produce when it’s freshest ensures you’re getting the maximum health benefits.

Environmental Sustainability: Choosing seasonal produce supports natural growing cycles and reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. It’s a step towards more sustainable eating habits.

Community Support: Buying seasonal means buying local. This not only ensures fresher produce but also bolsters the local economy and farming community.

Seasonal Produce of Cyprus: What to Look For

Prinos Farm&Deli, our fresh produce aisles change with the seasons, offering you the cream of the crop all year round. Many of the fruit and vegetables grown locally in Cyprus are available year round, but here are some seasonal stars to look out for:

• January: Citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines and lemons, pomelo and grapefruits are all abundant at this time of year until around March. Cypriot bananas are also in season now, however, like strawberries and avocados, they are also available all year round. Meanwhile broccoli, and cauliflower are particularly good at this time of year.

• February: All the January fruits, along with tangy kiwi fruits which are particularly good at this time of year. This is also the season for root vegetables like carrots and beetroots, while fresh broad beans also begin their season around now.
• March: With the arrival of Spring, artichokes begin to appear, as well as delicious asparagus which is only in season for a short time so grab them while stocks last. Leafy greens like spinach, cabbage, lettuce and purslane are also abundant.
• April: The selection expands with more fresh spring veggies such as courgettes, brussels sprouts, leeks and spring onions. Strawberries and bananas are still delicious, with medlar fruits also being added to the selection.
• May: Summer fruits start to make an appearance, with the arrival of cherries, apricots and early melons, alongside other fruits like apples and nectarines. The first cucumbers start to be in season around this time as well, alongside peppers, fresh louvi and green beans.
• June: Watermelons and melons are reaching their peak ripeness, perfect for the increasing heat. Certain varieties of peaches are starting their season now, as well as pears and tomatoes. Aubergines and potatoes are delicious this time of year, as well as garlic and onions.

• July: The height of summer marks the beginning of the fig, prickly pears and plum season, as well as a continuation of melons. Okra and poules start to be in season around this time as well.
• August: Similar to July, with the addition of certain varieties of apples, pomegranates and damsons. Squash is also now in season.
• September: Grapes and carob are particularly good at this time of the year, while figs, apples, pears and plumbs are also still in season.
• October: Citrus fruits start to come back into season, along with mango, persimmon, and quinces.
• November: Citrus fruits like grapefruits join oranges and lemons, alongside root vegetables and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower. Endives, Swiss chard and fennel are also available.
• December: The focus is again on citrus fruits, root vegetables, and hearty greens.

Incorporating Seasonal Produce into Your Cooking

Are you looking to enhance your meals with vibrant flavours and optimal nutrition? Incorporating fresh, seasonal produce into your diet is an effective and enjoyable way to achieve this. And it doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, Prinos have a selection of practical tips and tricks for integrating these fresh ingredients into your daily meals, whether you’re planning a family dinner, packing lunches, or just snacking. There are numerous ways to make the most of the freshest produce available each season, ensuring your meals are both delicious and nutritious. Unlock the potential of seasonal ingredients with these tips:

• Get Creative: Experiment with recipes that highlight the natural flavours and textures of the produce.
• Preserve the Bounty: Freeze, or dry surplus seasonal produce to enjoy year-round.
• Educate Yourself: Learn when produce is in season in your region and plan your meals accordingly.

There’s so much to know about seasonal eating and at Prinos Farm&Deli, we take pride in sourcing the finest seasonal produce, ensuring that you’re receiving ingredients of unparalleled quality and freshness. Our selection is carefully curated to inspire your culinary explorations, making every meal a testament to the richness of the seasons. And we also offer a selection of tasty seasonal recipes to try out at home for those looking to get creative in the kitchen.

Embrace the seasonal culinary journey and stock up on fresh local produce at Prinos Farm&Deli stores in Nicosia or Larnaca. Or have your fruit and vegetables delivered right to your doorstep by ordering online from our convenient e-shop. Discover the difference fresh, in-season produce can make in your cooking, and let every bite be a celebration of nature’s best.