Understanding Seasonal Vegetable Prices in Canada

Seasonal vegetable prices in Canada change a lot during the year. Let’s learn why this happens and how to save money on fresh veggies.

Why Do Vegetable Prices Change?

Prices go up and down because of:

  • Weather
  • How many veggies farmers grow
  • How many people want to buy veggies
  • The time of year

Key Takeaways

  • Veggie prices change with the seasons
  • Summer is often the cheapest time for many veggies
  • Buying in season can save you lots of money
  • Some veggies like carrots and potatoes are cheap all year

  • Seasons and Vegetable Prices

    Season Price Trend Why?
    Spring Starting to go down New veggies are growing
    Summer Lowest Lots of veggies ready to eat
    Fall Going up a bit Last harvest of the year
    Winter Highest Fewer local veggies, more from far away

  • Common Veggies and Their Cheap Seasons

    Vegetable Cheapest Season
    Tomatoes Summer
    Carrots Fall
    Lettuce Spring and Fall
    Potatoes Fall
    Broccoli Fall
    Cauliflower Fall
    Cucumbers Summer
    Peppers Summer
    Zucchini Summer
    Green Beans Summer
    Peas Spring
    Asparagus Spring
    Spinach Spring and Fall
    Kale Fall
    Onions Fall
    Garlic Late Summer
    Squash Fall
    Eggplant Summer
    Radishes Spring
    Turnips Fall

    How Much Money Can You Save?

    Vegetable Price in Season (CAD/kg) Price Out of Season (CAD/kg) Money Saved (CAD/kg)
    Tomatoes $2.50 $5.00 $2.50
    Carrots $1.50 $2.50 $1.00
    Lettuce $2.00 $4.00 $2.00
    Potatoes $1.00 $1.50 $0.50
    Broccoli $3.00 $5.50 $2.50
    Cauliflower $2.50 $4.00 $1.50
    Cucumbers $1.50 $3.00 $1.50
    Peppers $3.00 $5.00 $2.00
    Zucchini $2.00 $4.00 $2.00
    Green Beans $2.50 $5.00 $2.50
    Peas $3.00 $5.00 $2.00
    Asparagus $4.00 $7.00 $3.00
    Spinach $3.00 $5.00 $2.00
    Kale $2.50 $4.00 $1.50
    Onions $1.00 $2.00 $1.00
    Garlic $5.00 $8.00 $3.00
    Squash $1.50 $3.00 $1.50
    Eggplant $2.50 $4.50 $2.00
    Radishes $1.50 $3.00 $1.50
    Turnips $2.00 $3.50 $1.50

  • Tips to Save Money on Veggies

    1. Buy veggies when they’re in season
    2. Look for sales at the store
    3. Try frozen veggies (they’re cheaper in winter)
    4. Grow your own veggies if you can

    Veggies That Stay Cheap All Year

    Some veggies don’t change price much. They’re always a good buy:

    • Carrots
    • Onions
    • Potatoes
    • Cabbage

    Fun Veggie Facts

    • Tomatoes are really a fruit, but we eat them like a veggie
    • Carrots were first grown to be purple, not orange
    • Potatoes were the first food grown in space

Now you know why vegetable prices change in Canada. By buying smart, you can eat lots of yummy veggies without spending too much money. Remember to check what’s in season and look for good deals at the store!

Explore More on Seasonal Vegetables

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