What's in season in California in October
Provisioning in San Diego, Marina del Rey, Newport Beach in October? Buy these local — they're at their best, usually cheaper, and keep longer aboard than produce that has travelled.
In season (3)
From the California Department of Food & Agriculture's season chart.
- Apple
- Orange
- Tomato
Also usually in season (16)
Not on the official calendar — from the general climate-zone calendar Galley Wizard uses elsewhere.
- Basil
- Beetroot
- Bell pepper
- Broccoli
- Butternut / winter squash
- Coriander / cilantro
- Eggplant / aubergine
- Fresh chili
- Green beans
- Green/white cabbage
- Leek
- Mango
- Mint
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
- Zucchini / courgette
Probably imported this month (6)
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
- Cucumber
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
Galley recipes for October in California
The recipes that use the most in-season produce, and nothing imported.
- Ratatouille with riceFrench · 55 min · sea 2/5 · vegan
- Soft polenta with ratatouilleFrench · 55 min · sea 2/5 · vegetarian
- Caribbean tuna & mango saladCaribbean · 20 min · sea 4/5
- Greek braised summer vegetables (briam-style)Greek · 55 min · sea 2/5 · vegan
- Grilled vegetablesMediterranean · 15 min · sea 3/5 · vegan
- Masala omelette wrapIndian · 20 min · sea 3/5 · vegetarian
- Spinach, sweet potato & coconut stewCaribbean · 50 min · sea 4/5 · vegan
- BBQ halloumi & vegetable skewersGreek · 20 min · sea 3/5 · 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.