French Market Guide to Produce

What is a Typical French Market?

French farmers' markets are the beating heart of the country's food culture. The French don't just eat with the seasons-they live by them. Local produce means fresher, tastier, and more vitamin-packed fruit and veg. While you might spot strawberries at Christmas elsewhere, in France, that's a seasonal faux pas. Out-of-season fruit? Might as well munch on a turnip.

At a typical French market, it's not just about shopping-it's a social ritual. Locals swap recipe tips, cooking ideas, and even expressions. Ever heard someone called 'une grosse légume'? That's a "big vegetable" (aka a VIP)!

This guide takes you through a classic French marché, with fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables. It's not just sustainable - buying local actually has more flavour, too, as they're fresher and less to travel.

Farmers' Markets in Paris

Paris is home to over 80 farmers' markets - both open-air and covered. (Just don't mix them up with the Paris Bourse. Though even the stock market has foodie roots - check out the financier cake.)

The most popular Parisian markets brim with seasonal fruit and veg. Some come straight from the growers (maraîchers/producteurs), others via Rungis, the largest wholesale food market in France.

Markets in France typically pop up at least once a week. Here in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, we're spoiled with three market days! In Paris, you'll find markets rotating across the city's arrondissements nearly every day.

Fruits and Vegetables in Season by Month in France

Always use seasonal produce - they're fresher, cheaper and healthier. The following fresh fruits and vegetables are in full season in August at the French market:

• French fruits: apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, lemons, melons, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries, redcurrants, tomatoes.
  Now seeing the first figs, plums and nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds.
• French vegetables: artichokes, aubergine, beetroot, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, celery, chard, corn, courgettes, cucumber, fennel, green beans, lettuce, leeks, mushrooms (champignons de Paris, Chanterelles), onions, parsley, peas, new potatoes, radish, rocket (arugula), romanesco and spinach.

Discover your guide to many below, including their seasonal recipes.

How to Remove Pesticides from Fruits and Vegetables

If your market produce isn't organic, a baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) soak can help reduce some pesticide residues on the surface.

Mix 2 teaspoons with 1 litre (4 cups) of cool water and soak for 10-15 minutes. Rub gently, or scrub firm-skinned produce with a clean brush, then rinse thoroughly under running water and dry with a clean towel.

This won't remove every pesticide, particularly residues absorbed beneath the skin.

What's the Most Eaten Fruit in France?

According to data from France's agricultural statistics (Agreste), bananas and apples are the two most eaten fresh fruits in France. Bananas currently take the lead in purchase volume, with apples closely behind as a long-time favourite across regions.

While oranges still rank high in total fruit consumption, most are consumed in the form of juice rather than as whole fresh fruit. In 4th and 5th positions? Pears (Comice & Conference) followed by Peaches/Nectarines, a big seasonal hit in summer.