Farmers markets have recently grown in popularity. But with so many options for fresh fruits and vegetables, it can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing produce. Knowing what's in season is a useful tool for deciding what will taste great.

As winter gives way to spring, leaves of all sorts begin to turn green. Most notably, leafy green vegetables are ready for picking. Lettuce, spinach, chard and other greens are featured this season. Artichokes and asparagus are also at their best during the spring months.

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When it comes to fruit, citrus is highlighted during the spring. In the early spring, you can still find quality oranges; but as the season wears on, lemons and grapefruit come to the forefront.
Here's a recipe for pan roasted asparagus that can work as a side dish or a standalone course.

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Add the asparagus, olive oil, water and garlic to a large saute' pan with a lid. Cook uncovered for about two minutes or until most of the water is gone. Toss the asparagus before covering and cooking for one minute. Cover again and cook for five minutes. Asparagus may brown in some spots. Remove the garlic, toss in the lemon juice and add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with Parmesan if desired.
Summer

Summer brings lots of great fresh fruits. Stone fruits like peaches, apricots and cherries are popular during the summer months. You can also find different types of berries this time of year. Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries are wonderful in fruit pies or mixed with yogurt or cottage cheese as a snack. The warmer months are often the best time for melons like mangoes, cantaloupe and watermelon.

Corn and tomatoes ripen best in the warm weather as do different types of squashes like zucchini and the aptly named summer squash. Roots and tubers are also at their best during the summer - potatoes, beets, onions and radishes flourish this time of year.

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A mango-avocado salsa goes well with fish or can be used simply as a refreshing dip for chips. 1 mango, peeled, seeded and diced
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
4 medium tomatoes, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 tablespoons olive oil
Combine the mango, avocado, tomatoes, pepper, cilantro and garlic in a bowl. Stir in the salt, lime juice, red onion and olive oil and leave the mixture to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors combine. Fall

As the leaves begin to turn, apples make their first in-season appearance. They are joined by other tree fruit like figs, pears and pomegranates. The early part of fall marks the end of grape season, but cranberries begin to appear later in the season.

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Gourds and root vegetables are among the vegetables that are prominent during the fall. Pumpkins, squashes, beets and carrots are very popular this time of year. Celery, broccoli and Brussels sprout also do well in the fall.

Garlic roasted beets are great as a side dish or even as a snack.

Place the beets in a baking or roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with the garlic. Add salt and pepper and roast at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until the beets are tender enough to split with a fork.
Winter

Winter brings more of the same as the fall. Tubers like potatoes and sweet potatoes are available. More root vegetables like turnips and rutabagas are on display as well. Cabbage, endive and broccoli are still readily available.

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and grapefruit begin to sweeten in the winter as do kiwi, persimmons and pommelos. Later in the season, kumquats also become prominent.

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It can often be tricky finding uses for winter vegetables, but Brussels sprouts with carrots and pearl onions is a good option.

Combine all ingredients in a roasting pan and place in an oven at 400 degrees. Roast for 30-40 minutes until everything is tender. Drizzle with more olive oil if desired.

If you're looking for more ideas, don't hesitate to ask your local farmer. They can tell you what is in season and will normally have good ideas on how to prepare it. Good luck and happy shopping.{relatedarticles}