The Garden of England is home to an abundance of fresh local produce that shines year-round. From celebrated fruits and vegetables to award-winning meats and seafood, this is a region where seasons bring a constantly changing palette of flavours. Here, insideKENT’s food calendar offers a delicious journey through the year ahead…

May: Asparagus & Early Strawberries
Tender, sweet and fleeting, Kentish asparagus is a spring hero. Grown mainly in the Thanet area, it’s known for its sweetness and quality. This month also heralds the arrival of Kent strawberries, such as the beloved Cambridge Favourite, bursting with the flavour of summer.

Try: Chiltern Manor Farm near Ashford for exceptional asparagus and soft fruit, and Lower Ladysden Farm in Goudhurst for pick-your-own strawberries.

June: Whitstable Oysters & Rye Bay Scallops
Kent’s coastline comes to life with the start of summer, making June the perfect month to indulge in Whitstable oysters; boasting a global reputation for their clean, crisp flavour. Further along the coast you’ll find renowned Rye Bay scallops reaching their peak. Sustainably harvested from the clear waters off the Sussex coast, this sweet and tender treat is perfect for light summer dishes.

Try: The Whitstable Oyster Company for local oysters steeped in history, and Chapman’s Seafoods in Sevenoaks for responsibly sourced scallops.

July: Cherries & Early Apples

Kent is the UK’s cherry capital! With a history dating back centuries, this is the month where Kent’s cherry orchards are in full swing, with varieties like Summer Sun and Morello offering sweet and tangy fruit. Kent’s climate and soil are perfect for orchards, with the county home to over 100 varieties of apples. Discovery apples, one of the earliest to ripen, begin to appear this month.

Try: Brogdale Farm in Faversham, home of the National Fruit Collection, and Perry Court Farm in Wye for heritage apple varieties and juices.

August: Romney Marsh Lamb & Game Birds
Raised on the salt-rich grasses of Kent’s marshland, Romney Marsh lamb (which has received several Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) awards, ensuring its place in Kent’s culinary heritage) offers a beautiful tender meat with unique flavour. The end of the summer also signals the start of game season, with partridge and pheasant becoming available, ideal for hearty autumn meals.

Try: Romney Marsh Wools for authentic lamb reared with high welfare standards, and Godmersham Game for responsibly sourced wild game.

September: Pink Lady Apples & Kentish Wine
Sweet, crisp and blushing pink, Pink Lady apples are a modern Kent success story and are at their best in September; their balance of sweet and tart flavours make them perfect for snacking or baking. Meanwhile, Kent’s burgeoning wine scene, arguably the best in England, comes into full swing, with award-winning vineyards offering exceptional sparkling wines and whites, perfect for pairing with local produce.

Try: Biddenden Vineyards (Kent’s oldest), Chapel Down in Tenterden and Simpsons Wine Estate near Canterbury for outstanding sparkling and still wines.

October: Venison & Wild Mushrooms
Autumn means rich, gamey venison, often sourced from wild fallow deer in Kent’s woodlands. While foraged mushrooms like ceps and chanterelles pair beautifully for hearty seasonal dishes.

Try: Stour Valley Game for ethically sourced venison and wild meats and check out The Foundry Brew Pub in Canterbury where owner Jon is pioneering sustainable luxury mushroom cultivation in the heart of the city.

November: Jerusalem Artichokes & Cabbage
November brings the harvest of earthy Jerusalem artichokes, a versatile root vegetable which thrives in Kent’s loamy soils, that can be roasted, pureed or made into soup. This month also marks the abundance of Savoy cabbage, a favourite for winter dishes, known for its sweet, mild flavor and tender texture.

Try: Ripple Farm Organics in Wye for organic seasonal veg boxes and Kent-grown artichokes and greens.

December: Dover Sole & Christmas Vegetables
The iconic Dover sole, landed along Kent’s coast, offers a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth texture that is renowned world-wide. Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Brussels sprouts, carrots and parsnips all of which are grown to perfection in Kent’s fertile soils at a host of local farms.

Try: Fisherman’s Wharf in Ramsgate for ultra-fresh sole and Watts Farms for a range of festive veg grown across Kent.

January: Celeriac & Winter Greens
As the new year begins, celeriac comes into its own, a nutty, earthy root perfect for warming soups and roasted dishes. Kale, chard and winter spinach are also at their best in January, adding a healthy, hearty boost to cold-weather meals.

Try: Macknade Food Hall in Faversham stocks an excellent selection of Kentish winter veg from trusted local growers.

February: Leeks & Jerusalem Artichokes
Leeks reach their peak in February, adding sweetness to winter stews and soups. This is also the season for a second wave of Jerusalem artichokes, which remain sweet and nutty, ideal for the start of the year’s cosy meals.

Try: The Goods Shed in Canterbury, where seasonal veg from Kent’s small producers is always on offer, alongside artisan breads and cheeses.

March: Rhubarb & Wild Garlic
In early spring, Kentish rhubarb comes to life, known for its vibrant colour and tangy, tart taste, perfect for crumbles, jams and tarts. Alongside it, wild garlic (also known as ramsons) begins to grow in the woods, offering a delicious, garlicky punch to early spring dishes and perfect for pesto and sauces.

Try: Broadditch Farm Shop near Gravesend for fresh-cut rhubarb and local foragers like Wild Classroom Kent for guided garlic foraging experiences.

April: Spring Greens & Venison (Late Season)
As April signals the start of spring, Venison continues to be in season, still available as the last of the winter game before warmer weather sets in. Spring greens, wild garlic and new potatoes start to emerge, offering fresh, light options for the brighter months ahead.

Try: Nightingale Farm Shop in Tenterden for fresh-picked greens and local meat, including venison cuts from nearby estates and Morghew – best known as The Potato Shop for their incredible range of locally-grown potatoes and fresh wild garlic too!

Kent’s produce reflects its deep-rooted farming traditions and coastal heritage. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated producers in the county and of course Produced in Kent members, you can eat with the seasons while supporting the county’s most passionate growers, makers, fishers and foragers.

For more Kentish food and drink inspiration, click here to read our most recent issue.