Year-Round Montana Foods

Wondering what grows in our arid northern climate? Eating local in Montana might sound intimidating and challenging when considering our harsh winters and short growing season.

However, we have a plethora of seasonal local food year round, especially in August and September. Many of these foods are available at the Co-op and our local farmers’ markets.

Here, we’ve listed just a handful of available seasonal foods. For a more complete list, check out the Montana Food Guide.

Summer (July-August)

Basil, beets, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, Flathead cherries, corn, cucumbers, garlic, kale, lettuce, peas, peppers, raspberries, plums, eggplant, grapes, collards, rhubarb, scallions, strawberries, summer squash, tomatoes, turnips.

Fall (Sept-November)

Blackberries, beets, carrots, cantaloupe, cauliflower, potatoes, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, pears, mustard greens, scallions, spinach, squash, huckleberries, cauliflower, leeks, onions.

Winter (December-April)

Beets, carrots, onion, parsnips, shallots and winter squash.

Spring (May-June)

Broccoli, cabbage, chard, kale, lettuce, morels, peas, rhubarb, spinach

Year-Round

Beef, buffalo, chicken eggs, pork, milk, cheese, barley, wheat, Kamut, lentils, garbanzo beans, herbs, sugar, beer and wine.