what fruit is in season right now at Fresh Farms Illinois fresh spring fruits display
Spring has arrived in Illinois, bringing the first hints of warm weather and fresh produce. Many shoppers are asking what fruit is in season right now, hoping to fill their baskets with the freshest picks. At Fresh Farms Illinois, we pride ourselves on offering ripe, seasonal fruits that burst with flavor. In this post, we’ll explore the current seasonal fruits, highlight the best fruit to buy now, and explain why enjoying Illinois seasonal fruits can benefit your health and community.

What Fruit Is in Season Right Now

In early April, spring fruits in Illinois are just beginning to appear. Local orchards and farms are still waking up from winter, so the selection of what fruit is in season right now is limited but exciting. Thankfully, Fresh Farms sources produce from various regions, ensuring you get flavorful fruits at their natural peak. This means even if local harvests are sparse, you can still enjoy fruits that are in season somewhere (like sunny California or Florida), giving you the best fruit to buy now for sweetness and quality.
As April progresses, more varieties become available. You’ll start seeing juicy berries and tropical treats alongside the first Midwestern harvests. By knowing what fruit is in season right now, you can plan your grocery trips for maximum flavor. Below is a quick list of fruits at their peak in April – either grown locally or sourced by Fresh Farms during this time – making them the best fruit to buy now for taste and value:
  • Citrus Fruits (Oranges & Grapefruits): Late-season oranges and grapefruits are still sweet and juicy in early spring. The citrus season runs through winter into April​, so grab these vitamin C powerhouses now before they taper off.
  • Tropical Mangoes: Spring brings fresh mangoes from warmer climates. Their rich, golden flesh is a seasonal treat, and they arrive ripe and ready to eat. Mangoes are often at their best in April and May, making them a top pick among Illinois seasonal fruits (even if grown farther south).
  • Strawberries: While local Illinois strawberries won’t ripen until late May or June​, April marks the start of strawberry season in places like California. Fresh Farms stocks sweet, fragrant strawberries that are fruits in season in April from those regions, so you don’t have to wait to enjoy this beloved spring fruit.
  • Rhubarb: Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, but it’s used as a fruit in pies and jams. It’s one of the very first spring fruits in Illinois (often harvested by late April)​. Look for rhubarb’s vibrant red stalks – their tart flavor is a sure sign spring is here.
  • Avocados and Kiwifruit: Creamy avocados and bright-green kiwis are in season during spring as well​. These add variety to your fruit selection. Avocados from California and Mexico peak around now, and kiwis (grown in warmer regions) are plentiful, making them among the best fruit to buy now for salads, smoothies, and snacks.
Seasonal produce comes in a rainbow of colors. From citrus to berries, these Illinois seasonal fruits (and beyond) are at their most flavorful. Take advantage of nature’s timetable – these picks are truly the best fruit to buy now for freshness. By mid-spring, you’ll notice even more options popping up, ensuring your fruit bowl stays exciting and nutritious.

What Are the Benefits of Eating Seasonal Fruit

What are the benefits of eating seasonal fruit? There are many compelling reasons to choose fruits that are in season (whether locally or regionally). Here are some key benefits of eating Illinois seasonal fruits in their natural harvest time:
  • Better Flavor: Seasonal fruits taste better because they’re harvested at peak ripeness. For example, a strawberry picked in-season can ripen naturally on the plant, developing maximum sweetness​. Fruits that follow their normal growing cycle are often sweeter, juicier, and more flavorful – a real treat for your taste buds!
  • More Nutrients: Fruit that is allowed to ripen fully before picking also tends to be more nutrient-dense​. When you eat the best fruit to buy now (i.e., fruit in season), you’re likely getting produce that hasn’t been stored long or traveled far, which means vitamins and antioxidants are at their highest levels. Your body benefits from this fresher, more nutritious produce.
  • Cost Savings: Eating what fruit is in season right now can save you money. When fruits are in season, they are more abundant and often priced lower. You’re essentially buying fruits at the height of supply. For instance, loading up on berries in June or apples in September will usually be easier on your wallet than buying them out of season. Seasonal shopping is a smart way to enjoy high quality at a lower cost.
  • Supports Local Farmers: Choosing Illinois seasonal fruits (when available) means you’re supporting local agriculture and farmers. Money spent on local seasonal produce goes directly to growers in your community, helping the local economy. It also encourages those farmers to keep cultivating diverse fruit crops. In short, enjoying local seasonal fruit strengthens the farm-to-table connection and ensures those farms thrive.
  • Environmental Benefits: Eating seasonal fruit often has eco-friendly advantages. Local in-season produce doesn’t have to travel as far to reach your plate, which reduces the carbon footprint from transportation​. Moreover, seasonal farming practices can be more sustainable, as they typically align with natural growing conditions (requiring less artificial heating, lighting, or storage). By sticking to fruits in season in April and other times of year, you’re doing a small part to reduce environmental impact.
Enjoying fruit in its proper season means better taste, better nutrition, and often a better deal. You’ll also be living more in harmony with nature’s cycles. These benefits of eating seasonal fruit make it a win-win for you and the community. Next time you shop, remember that choosing what fruit is in season right now is also a smart and sustainable choice.

How to Choose the Best Fruit to Buy Now

Knowing what fruit is in season right now is one thing, but picking the best quality fruit is another skill. Don’t worry, here are some easy tips so you don’t end up with bland or under-ripe picks. Learning these tricks will help you spot the best fruit to buy now every single time.
  • Check for Vibrant Color: Fresh seasonal fruit should have bright, natural coloring. Avoid fruit that looks pale or dull, as it may have been harvested too early.
  • Smell Before You Buy: A fruity, sweet aroma often indicates ripeness, especially for strawberries and mangoes. If the fruit smells good, it likely tastes good too.
  • Feel the Fruit: For most fruits, a slight softness means ripeness. For example, avocados should yield a little under gentle pressure, but not feel mushy.
  • Size and Weight: Heavier fruits tend to be juicier. A heavy orange, for example, usually has more juice than a light one of the same size.
  • Avoid Blemishes: While minor imperfections aren’t bad, steer clear of fruits with large bruises, mold, or cuts.
Picking fruit like a pro makes all the difference. When you visit Fresh Farms, you’ll easily spot Illinois seasonal fruits and imported spring favorites that are truly worth it. Once you get them home, you’ll taste the difference.

Saving Money by Choosing What Fruit Is in Season Right Now

Seasonal shopping isn’t just about taste; it’s also about getting the best fruit to buy now without breaking the bank. Many shoppers don’t realize that what fruit is in season right now is often cheaper than out-of-season options. Fresh Farms Illinois helps you take advantage of these seasonal savings every day.
Here’s how buying Illinois seasonal fruits and other in-season picks saves you money:
  • Higher Supply Means Lower Prices: Seasonal fruits are more abundant, which usually brings down the price. For example, strawberries flood the market in spring, making them cheaper than in winter.
  • Reduced Transportation Costs: Local or regional produce doesn’t travel as far, lowering shipping costs. These savings are often passed on to you.
  • Less Spoilage: Seasonal fruits are less likely to spoil quickly because they’re fresher, reducing food waste and saving you money in the long run.
  • Better Deals at Fresh Farms: Fresh Farms focuses on stocking fruits in season in April and beyond. You’ll often find special sales and promotions on the freshest fruits of the moment.
  • Bulk Buys Make Sense: Buying fruits like citrus, berries, or avocados in bulk during peak season lets you stock up without paying premium prices.

Smart shoppers always ask what fruit is in season right now before heading to the store. It’s one of the easiest ways to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing quality or flavor.

Find the Best What Fruit Is in Season Right Now at Fresh Farms Illinois

Spring is the perfect time to make the most of what fruit is in season right now. From tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries to juicy citrus and tropical mangoes, there’s something for every taste. Fill your basket with the freshest finds, and enjoy all the benefits seasonal eating has to offer. Your next trip to Fresh Farms Illinois will be packed with color, flavor, and savings.
If you’re in Illinois, stop by Fresh Farms today to find out exactly what fruit is in season right now and stock up on the freshest produce. From snacks to spring feasts, Fresh Farms has everything you need for seasonal, flavorful meals.