What is in season in Richmond. and what to order when the market changes.

Spring

  • Shad roe runs March to early April on the James River and arrives at Richmond fish counters. Virginia asparagus hits the farmers markets in mid-April through May, alongside strawberries from Hanover County.

Summer

  • Hanover tomatoes are the local pride from late July through August. Chesapeake blue crab runs heaviest June through September; soft-shell season peaks in June. Local sweet corn and peaches show at the Saturday markets.

Autumn

  • Chesapeake oysters open in September with the start of R-months, running heaviest through April. Brunswick stew season anchors October and November, with the World Championship Brunswick Stew Cook-off at Taste of Brunswick in Lawrenceville. Virginia peanuts are harvested in October.

Winter

  • Country ham country runs year-round but peaks at Christmas tables across Virginia. Citrus from the Norfolk farmers markets reaches Richmond stalls. Winter brassicas like collards and cabbage anchor soul-food plates at Mama J's, Croaker's Spot and The Roosevelt.
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