One of the best parts of living in New Brunswick is getting to enjoy food that’s truly local, fresh, and connected to our land and coastal waters. Seasonal eating not only supports local farmers and fishers — it also means better flavour, better nutrition, and often a better price. Each month brings new ingredients to enjoy, whether you’re cooking cozy comfort meals or planning lighter, fresher dishes.
Here’s a look at what’s in season this month in New Brunswick and how to make the most of it.
🍎 Fresh From Local Farms
Root Vegetables
Root crops are staples in New Brunswick, and during the colder months they’re at their peak. Look for:
Carrots
Beets
Parsnips
Turnips
Rutabaga
Potatoes
These sturdy vegetables store well and are perfect for soups, roasts, stews, or simple oven-baked sides. Their natural sweetness deepens as temperatures drop.
🍏 Apples & Storage-Friendly Fruits
While apple season peaks in fall, many local orchards store apples through the winter. This means you can still enjoy varieties like:
McIntosh
Cortland
Honeycrisp
They stay crisp and flavourful and are great for baking, lunchboxes, or homemade applesauce.
🥬 Greenhouse & Cold-Hardy Greens
Even in colder months, many NB farmers grow fresh produce indoors or use cold frames. You may find:
Kale
Spinach
Microgreens
Herbs like parsley, cilantro, and basil
These greens add vibrancy and nutrients to winter meals and can easily freshen up hearty dishes.
🐟 Fresh From the Coast
Depending on the time of year, New Brunswick’s waters offer incredible local seafood. This month may include:
Scallops
Mussels
Oysters
Haddock
Seafood is one of the province’s greatest food strengths — simple, fresh, and flavourful.
🥚 Local Pantry Staples to Look For
While not “seasonal” in the traditional sense, many local products are produced year-round and pair beautifully with seasonal vegetables:
Free-range eggs
Locally made cheese
Maple syrup (harvested in spring, enjoyed all year)
Locally milled flour
Small-batch jams, jellies, and honey
Buying these from local producers builds a more sustainable food community — and you can taste the difference.
🌾 Tips for Seasonal Eating in New Brunswick
1. Shop at Winter Markets
Many markets operate year-round with root vegetables, baked goods, meats, cheeses, and more.
2. Try Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Boxes
Some farms offer winter or multi-season shares — great for discovering new foods.
3. Cook With What’s Available
Soups, stews, sheet-pan meals, roasted roots, and seafood chowders are perfect during this time of year.
4. Freeze and Preserve
If you find a great deal at a farm stand or market, freeze or ferment your produce to enjoy later.
🥣 Seasonal Meal Ideas for This Month
Roasted carrot, beet, and parsnip medley
Potato and haddock chowder
Kale and apple winter salad
Pan-seared scallops with maple butter
Beet hummus with microgreens
Simple ingredients become special when they’re local, fresh, and in season.
Eat With the Seasons — Enjoy the Difference
New Brunswick’s local food scene is rich, diverse, and deeply connected to our climate and landscapes. By choosing seasonal produce and locally sourced seafood, you’re supporting your community, eating healthier, and rediscovering the flavours that make each month unique.
