Understanding which foods are cheaper in different seasons is one of the most powerful ways to significantly reduce your grocery bill in Edmonton. Contrary to the common perception that seasonality is an outdated tradition that is irrelevant in today's world of global trade, seasonal prices actually remain one of the most important factors determining how much you pay for fruits and vegetables. When certain foods are in peak harvest season, prices drop significantly — sometimes by 50% or more compared to other times of the year. This is because local supply increases, the supply chain shortens, and stores have more competitive products to sell. Let's take a closer look at how prices change throughout the year in Edmonton so you can plan your purchases more wisely.
Spring: the awakening of fresh roots and the first green vegetables
Spring in Edmonton (March-May) is a time when the exhausting winter months are coming to an end and people are eagerly awaiting fresh greens. However, it is important to understand that the real season for local vegetables has not yet begun. In March and April, most vegetables are still imported from warmer states in the US or from greenhouses in southern British Columbia. This means that spring prices often remain high.
However, there are a few exceptions worth noting. Asparagus, which appears in late April and early May, is exported from British Columbia and the US and is offered at a relatively reasonable price when it first enters the market. This is when asparagus transitions from being an imported, expensive commodity to a more affordable local one.
Rhubarb also appears during this period and is offered at moderate prices, as it is one of the first crops to bloom at the beginning of the growing season. Rhubarb is cheaper than most fruits, especially if you buy it at the end of May, when it is already quite available at farmers' markets.
Spring onions, radishes, and spinach also become cheaper at the end of May, when greenhouses in the White Calf (Alberta) begin shipping fresh greens to stores. However, to get the best prices on spring vegetables, it's best to wait until the end of May when the season really gets going. If you buy vegetables in early spring, they will still be priced close to winter prices.
Eggs remain relatively stable in price throughout the spring. Unlike in the US, where egg prices can fluctuate depending on outbreaks of avian flu, in Canada, a supply management system helps stabilize egg prices throughout the year. In the spring, you can expect a dozen Grade A eggs to cost between $3.50 and $4.50—that's about the average price.
Dairy products also remain fairly stable in the spring. Unlike other products, milk, yogurt, and cheese have predictable prices throughout the year thanks to a supply management system that regulates dairy production in Canada. While these products do not get significantly cheaper in any season, they also do not get much more expensive.
Potatoes, onions, and garlic, which are stored from the fall harvest, are still offered at low prices in the fall and winter, but their prices may rise slightly by spring. If you bought in large quantities in the fall, it will still be cheaper than the new spring arrivals.
Summer: the heyday of berries and vegetables at the best prices
Summer (June-August) is absolutely the best time to buy fresh fruits and vegetables in Edmonton. This is when local farmers are harvesting their crops, the supply chain is reduced to a minimum, and prices drop to levels that may seem miraculous to people who are used to paying winter prices. Research shows that when produce is in peak season, prices are stable and 50% less volatile than during the rest of the year.
Berries are the stars of the summer season. Strawberries start appearing in June and July. At Edmonton's farmers' markets (Downtown Farmers' Market, Southwest Edmonton Farmers' Market, Old Strathcona Market), strawberries cost around $2.99-$3.99 per pound during peak season. This is significantly cheaper than in November or December, when imported strawberries from distant latitudes cost $5-8 per pound.
Blueberries peak in July and August. During this period, blueberries cost only $2.49-3.49 per container at local markets. In 2024, some Edmontonians even noticed that blueberries fell to an incredibly low price of $1.50 per container due to an oversupply in British Columbia. This is the best time to buy blueberries in large quantities and freeze them for the winter.
Raspberries and blackberries are also cheaper in July and August at farmers' markets. Instead of buying one container for $5-6 in winter, you can buy several containers for half the price in summer.
Apples start to appear in August. Local apples from orchards in Alberta and British Columbia cost $0.99-1.49 per pound in the first weeks of the season. This is an excellent price, especially compared to imported apples from the US or European apples in the spring.
Tomatoes peak in price in July-September. Locally grown tomatoes cost $1.29-$2.49 per pound during the season, while in February-March, imported tomatoes from Mexico or Florida can cost $3-$5 per pound. In addition, summer tomatoes taste much better because they ripened in the sun rather than being picked unripe and ripened during transport.
Corn is synonymous with August in Canada. Fresh corn costs only $0.50–0.75 per ear in August–September. It is one of the most commonly purchased vegetables at summer farmers' markets, and people often buy more than they can eat to save for the winter. By October, corn disappears and farm stands switch to fall vegetables.
Cucumbers, squash, and zucchini are also cheaper in June-September. In addition, during this period, many people simply tear open bags of zucchini from their neighbors at farmers' markets because the harvest is so abundant. If you're cooking, this is the time for ratatouille, pickled zucchini, and soups.
Meat and poultry are an interesting category in the summer. While there is no significant seasonality in meat prices, you may notice that chicken prices are lowest in the summer because it is barbecue season, and stores compete aggressively with chicken prices to attract people to the grill. Be careful, though — this discount is often only available on whole birds or breasts, not on more expensive cuts.
Frozen berries and vegetables are also worth considering. If you buy fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries in the summer and freeze them at home, you will have these berries all year round at summer prices. This is often cheaper than buying commercially frozen berries in the fall and winter.
Fall: Root Season and Apple Harvests
Fall (September-November) is a transition period when summer crops are slowly disappearing and fall root vegetables and fruits are reaching their peak. It's a generous time of year for budget shopping, although prices are already higher than in the height of summer.
Apples remain inexpensive throughout September-November, when the local harvest is at its peak. Canadian apples from orchards in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario cost $0.99-1.49 per pound. In addition, fall is the best time to buy apples for storage, as fall varieties (such as Braeburn and Granny Smith) keep longer than summer varieties.
Pears also bloom in the fall. Canadian pears cost about $1.99-$2.99 per pound at the peak of the season in September-October. By November, imported pears begin to replace local ones, so it is best to buy pears before mid-October.
Carrots and beets are the stars of the fall season. Fall-harvested carrots, especially after the first frost, cost $0.69-$0.99 per pound. In addition, frost makes carrots firmer, which improves their taste. Beets are also getting cheaper, costing about the same price. These root vegetables store well, so it's the perfect time to buy in bulk for winter storage.
Pumpkins and winter squash peak in September and October. Pumpkins cost $2-4 per pound at the peak of the season, which is cheap compared to imported ones in winter. This is the best time for making soups, pie fillings, and preserves.
Cabbage is cheaper in the fall. At farmers' markets, you can find locally grown cabbage for $0.99-1.99 per head. In addition, cabbage is inexpensive and has a long shelf life — it can be stored for months in a cool basement.
Onions are also in peak season in the fall. Onion yields are high and prices are low — around $0.50–0.99 per pound. In addition, fall onions store best because they are more mature and dry.
Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables are also cheaper in the fall. Brussels sprouts cost around $2.99-3.99 per pound at the peak of the season.
Cranberries appear in September-October and are inexpensive during the season. This is the best time to buy cranberries and make jam, cranberry juice, or freeze them for the holidays and winter.
Potatoes from the fall harvest are cheap and begin a new storage cycle. At the peak of the season, local potatoes cost $0.99-1.29 per pound. In addition, new potatoes taste better than potatoes stored from last year.## Winter: Citrus and Healthy RootsWinter (December-February) is a period when fresh local vegetables are very scarce. Most of the vegetables in stores are imported from the US (carrots, potatoes, cabbage) or from distant countries (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers). However, this is the period when citrus fruits are at their peak — one of the few fruits that become cheaper in the fall/winter.Oranges (especially Navel oranges) are the stars of the winter season. From November to May, oranges become cheaper, costing about $0.79–1.49 per fruit or $2.99–4.99 per mesh bag of 5–8 oranges. This is significantly cheaper than in summer, when few are imported from Florida.Lemons also reach their peak in quality and availability in winter. Although they are available year-round, lemons are sweetest and juiciest in winter (December-February) because that is when they ripen in California and Florida. Prices remain reasonable at $0.50-$0.99 per lemon.Grapefruit is also in season during the winter. Pink and red grapefruit cost around $1.99-$3.99 per fruit from November to July, with the lowest prices in December-January.Mandarins and clementines are cheaper in December-January. In addition, the variety and quality of mandarins on the winter market is fantastic — from regular mandarins to hybrids such as Honeybells, which are slightly more expensive but have a consistent taste.Avocados are cheaper in winter (November-February). Mexican avocados reach their peak harvest during this period, so prices fall. You can buy avocados for $0.99-1.49 each, which is the best price of the year. If you love avocados, this is the time to stock up.Root vegetables (carrots, beets, parsnips, turnips) remain inexpensive throughout the winter. These vegetables store well, so prices remain stable from fall through winter. At their peak, they cost $0.69-$0.99 per pound.Cabbage remains inexpensive throughout the winter. Locally grown cabbage, grown for winter storage, costs around $1.99-$2.99 per head. In addition, cabbage is one of the most durable vegetables for storage in cool conditions.
Potatoes and onions also remain inexpensive. At the peak of the season (November-December), locally grown potatoes and onions cost $0.79-$1.29 per pound. By the end of winter (February-March), prices may rise slightly as stocks degrade, but they still remain affordable.
Foods that remain inexpensive year-round
There are some foods that remain fairly stable in price throughout the year, despite seasonality. Understanding these foods helps you plan your budget, even when local seasonal foods are unavailable.
Bananas remain inexpensive year-round because they are imported in guaranteed quantities from Central and South America. You can expect bananas to cost around $0.50-$0.99 per pound throughout the year, with rare exceptions during harvests.
Eggs remain relatively stable in price. A dozen Grade A eggs cost approximately $3.50-$4.50 at their peak and $4.00-$5.00 at their lowest, depending on the province and store. Canada's supply management system ensures that egg prices remain stable, so they do not fluctuate as much as in the US.
Potatoes remain inexpensive year-round. Even in winter, when local potatoes from the fall harvest are gradually being sold out, the price remains roughly the same. Potatoes are one of the most storable vegetables, so stores can keep local potatoes for several months without significant loss of quality.
Onions also remain affordable all year round. Unlike seasonal vegetables, onions are largely a stored crop, and stores have enough local onions in stock to supply for many months.
Cabbage is one of the cheapest vegetables all year round, even if the price fluctuates depending on the season. At the peak of the season, you can get a head of cabbage for $1.99, but even out of season, it doesn't cost more than $3.99.
Carrots and root vegetables remain cheap throughout the year because they store well. Even in May and June, when stocks from the fall harvest are still available, carrots remain affordable. At the peak of the season, carrots cost $0.69–$0.99 per pound, and out of season, they cost $0.99–$1.29 per pound.
Frozen and canned alternatives: a year-round savings strategy
When fresh seasonal produce is unavailable, frozen and canned versions are often a smarter choice than buying imported fresh produce at double the price. This is an important insight for Edmontonians who want to save money year-round, not just in season.
Frozen berries are a great alternative to expensive fresh berries in winter. If you buy fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries in July-August for $2.50-$3.50 per container and freeze them at home, you will have berries all year round at that price. Commercially frozen berries cost $3.99-$5.99 per bag at the peak of the winter season — significantly more than if you froze them yourself in the summer. In addition, research shows that frozen berries often have more vitamins than fresh ones because they are frozen immediately after being picked at the peak of ripeness.
Frozen vegetables are also worth considering. A 30-ounce bag of frozen spinach or broccoli costs about $1.99-$2.49 and will keep for months, while fresh spinach or broccoli will only keep for a few days and become wilted. At the peak of the winter season, fresh broccoli costs $2.99–$3.99 per head, while frozen broccoli costs less. Research shows that frozen vegetables have almost the same nutrients as fresh ones, especially if the fresh vegetables have spent several days in storage before cooking.
Canned tomatoes are a great alternative to expensive imported fresh tomatoes in winter. A 14-ounce can of canned tomatoes costs $1.99-$2.49 year-round and is a staple for soups, sauces, and so on. If you buy fresh tomatoes in February for $4-5 per pound, you need at least 2 pounds for sauce — that's $8-10. Canned tomatoes solve this problem.
Strategies for maximizing savings throughout the year
By understanding seasonal prices, you can develop a strategy that allows you to eat fresh, quality food all year round without overpaying for imports.
Edmonton's farmers' markets are the best way to get the lowest prices on seasonal produce. Downtown Farmers' Market (104th Street, May-October), Southwest Edmonton Farmers' Market (Terwillegar, May-October), Old Strathcona Farmers' Market (10310 83rd Avenue, year-round), and other markets compete with each other on price, as farmers want to get rid of their goods and make money. In addition, if you come to the market at the end of the day, some farmers offer big discounts so they don't have to take their goods back to the farm.
CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) programs are a great way to get fresh local vegetables at a good price. Steve and Dan's Online Market and Riverbend Gardens offer weekly bags of fresh vegetables from local farmers. Instead of buying individual vegetables, you pay a fixed amount (usually $20-35 per week) and receive a bag of whatever has been grown that week. This is often cheaper than buying at the store, and you get unique vegetables that you might not find in supermarkets.
Buy in bulk during peak season and freeze. When berries are cheap in July and August, buy 10-20 pounds and freeze them. Tomatoes in November can be cooked into sauce and frozen. Corn in August-September is easy to shell, cook, and freeze for winter use. This strategy allows you to eat local tomatoes in December at summer prices, instead of paying $4-5 per pound for imported ones.
Invest in some form of storage. If you have a basement or cool place, you can store root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions, beets) for months without special equipment. A $5 bag of carrots in October translates to a month's supply in a room at about 10 degrees.
Compare prices between supermarkets. Real Canadian Superstore and Walmart often compete on fruit and vegetable prices, especially seasonal ones. Check the flyers (distributed every Wednesday and Thursday) and choose the store with the lowest prices for what you need.
Conclusion: an action plan for annual savings
The price difference between seasonal and off-season produce in Edmonton can amount to hundreds of dollars per year. Strawberries at $2.99 in July versus $6.99 in January is a difference of $4 per pound. If you like strawberries, that could mean over $100 difference per year, depending on how much you buy.
The best approach is a combination of strategies. In the summer, go to farmers' markets and stock up on fresh berries and vegetables at low prices, then freeze them. In the fall, buy root vegetables and squash in bulk for winter storage. In the winter, take advantage of cheap citrus and root vegetables that are still available. Then, for the rest of the year, buy canned and frozen versions of foods when fresh ones are no longer available.
With this intention and planning, you can eat well, healthily, and economically all year round in Edmonton, regardless of what is happening in the global food market.