This month brings an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. No matter where you live in Florida, you can find many favorites at the market—ripe fruits and crisp vegetables that shine during the cool winter months.
February is peak season for Florida strawberries, especially Plant City berries, which are often available at lower prices this time of year. Buy fresh to enjoy now, and freeze extras to savor later.
February Florida Produce in Season Now
February is one of the best months for Florida-grown produce. The cooler winter weather brings many fruits and vegetables to their peak flavor and texture. Whether you plan to cook, can, freeze, or dehydrate, now is the time to enjoy and preserve the harvest.
If you have more produce than you can eat, consider freezing or dehydrating for later. Many vegetables and fruits maintain excellent flavor when preserved properly.
- Bell Peppers: Fresh bell peppers brighten many dishes, from fajitas to soups. Freeze sliced peppers for quick use in casseroles, stews, and stir-fries.
- Broccoli: Broccoli is a winter standout. Use it in soups like Broccoli Cheddar or in casseroles for comforting meals.
- Cabbage: Versatile and long-lasting, cabbage works well raw in slaws or cooked in soups and braises.
Carambola recipes
Carambola, also known as starfruit, brings a tropical note to winter produce. Try it in jams, refreshing iced tea, or dried as a snack.
Carambola and Strawberry Jam — A sweet tropical jam that pairs starfruit with local strawberries. If you have ripe carambolas, making jam is a delicious way to preserve the flavor.
Click Here For The Recipe
For a lighter drink, try a Carambola Iced Tea Cooler made with fresh starfruit juice for a bright, tropical iced tea.
Carambola Iced Tea Cooler — A refreshing iced tea recipe that highlights fresh carambola.
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Dehydrated starfruit makes a sweet, portable snack that preserves the fruit beyond its short fresh season.
Dehydrated Star Fruit — Thin slices of starfruit dried until chewy or crisp make delicious fruit chips.
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Cauliflower: When cauliflower is on sale, prepare freezer-friendly meals like Cheesy Cauliflower Soup or side dishes such as a Gouda Cauliflower Casserole.
- Celery: Try stuffed celery or a light celery salad for a crisp, refreshing side.
- Eggplant: Eggplant Parmesan or stuffed eggplant are great ways to showcase fresh eggplant.
- Grapefruit: Use winter grapefruit beyond breakfast—try it in sparkling drinks or cocktails.
- Guava: Guava blends well with strawberries and mint for refreshing agua frescas.
- Lettuce: Fresh Florida lettuce makes excellent salads—pair with homemade buttermilk ranch for a classic combo.
- Mushrooms: Serve mushrooms in casseroles or preserve them by drying for future use.
- Oranges: Winter citrus is ideal for marmalades and preserves.
- Papaya: Freeze papaya chunks for smoothies and tropical breakfasts.
- Radishes: Fresh radishes can be pickled sweet and spicy for a zesty side.
- Snap Beans: Also called green beans, they’re quick to prepare—try them with potatoes or ham.
- Squash: Winter squash varieties like acorn and kabocha roast beautifully and store well.
- Strawberries: Florida strawberries are a highlight—make jam, freeze them, or dehydrate for snacks.
- Sweet Corn: Florida sweet corn is especially sweet in-season; cook fresh on the cob or use leftovers in soups.
- Tangerines: Bright, sweet tangerines are perfect snacking citrus.
- Tomatoes: Enjoy vine-ripened tomatoes in sandwiches, tarts, or preserve them by dehydrating.
Florida Seafood
Seafood availability varies by season, but many frozen Fresh From Florida seafood products are available year-round. Look for labels that indicate the product was harvested in the USA for the freshest options.
February is prime for Florida Stone Crab Claws, prized for their sweet meat. If you haven’t tried them, stone crab claws offer a unique and memorable seafood experience.
Florida Gulf shrimp are another regional favorite and work wonderfully in appetizers like shrimp-stuffed, bacon-wrapped jalapeño peppers or in classic shrimp recipes.
More fresh produce by the month
Below are monthly Fresh From Florida produce lists and recipe ideas so you can enjoy in-season fruits and vegetables all year.
- Produce in season during January
- Produce in season during February
- Produce in season during March
- Produce in season during April
- Produce in season during May
- Produce in season during June
- Produce in season during July
- Produce in season during August
- Produce in season during September
- Produce in season during October
- Produce in season during November
- Produce in season during December
How To Preserve Fresh Fruits and Vegetables by freezing
Preserving seasonal bounty extends enjoyment and reduces waste. Below are helpful guides for freezing and storing common Florida produce.
- How To Freeze Fresh Berries: Frozen berries are perfect for desserts, smoothies, and baking throughout the year.
- How To Freeze Fresh Papaya: Papaya freezes well and makes a great smoothie base.
- How To Freeze Fresh Sweet Bell Peppers: Frozen peppers are convenient for fajitas, soups, and stews.
- How To Freeze Fresh Mango: Frozen mango is ideal for smoothies and tropical desserts.
- How To Freeze Fresh Summer Squash: Frozen squash is handy for sautés, soups, and stews later in the year.