What's in season in California in December
Provisioning in San Diego, Marina del Rey, Newport Beach in December? Buy these local — they're at their best, usually cheaper, and keep longer aboard than produce that has travelled.
In season (1)
From the California Department of Food & Agriculture's season chart.
- Orange
Also usually in season (9)
Not on the official calendar — from the general climate-zone calendar Galley Wizard uses elsewhere.
- Broccoli
- Butternut / winter squash
- Coriander / cilantro
- Grapefruit
- Green/white cabbage
- Leek
- Lemon
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
Probably imported this month (13)
Out of season locally — at the market these have most likely been shipped or flown in. Fine to buy; they may cost more and keep less well.
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Beetroot
- Bell pepper
- Cucumber
- Eggplant / aubergine
- Fresh chili
- Green beans
- Mango
- Mint
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
- Zucchini / courgette
Galley recipes for December in California
The recipes that use the most in-season produce, and nothing imported.
- Butternut squash & chickpea curryIndian · 55 min · sea 4/5 · vegan
- Chicken, olive & lemon tagine with couscousNorth African · 55 min · sea 4/5
- Coconut sweet potato & spinach curryIndian · 35 min · sea 4/5 · vegan
- Creamy salmon & spinach pastaItalian · 20 min · sea 3/5
- Harira-style lentil & chickpea soupNorth African · 50 min · sea 4/5 · vegan
- Hummus and crunchy veg wrapsMiddle Eastern · 15 min · sea 4/5 · vegan
- Spiced potato & pea breakfast wrapsIndian · 35 min · sea 3/5 · vegan
- Spinach & feta pastaGreek · 15 min · sea 4/5 · vegetarian
Source: California Fruits and Vegetables Seasonal Chart (California Department of Food & Agriculture (via California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom)). Retrieved 2026-10-07. Only the produce on the chart. Peak season counts as in season; months marked “available” (from store or a smaller harvest) are neither pushed nor flagged; “not available” months are flagged as likely imports.