What Fruit Is in Season in April? A Guide to the Freshest Spring Produce

April has a way of keeping you on your toes, warm enough to feel like summer is just around the corner yet still cool enough for a surprise cold snap. So when it comes to knowing what fruit is in season in April, things can get a little confusing. 

Still, making the effort to shop with the season means better prices at the checkout and fruit that actually tastes like fruit. From the last of the citrus haul to juicy spring strawberries hitting their stride, here are the best fruits to be throwing in your cart this April.

Strawberries 

Peak strawberry season usually arrives later in the spring and summer, but early April brings the first early-harvest berries from warmer states into the produce aisle. 

Once you bring a carton home, knowing how to clean strawberries properly will help them stay fresh longer in your fridge. You can enjoy them sliced over your morning oatmeal or baked into muffins for a sweet treat.

Try it in a recipe: Strawberry banana smoothie

Pineapples

Pineapples hit their sweet spot in April, making this one of the best months to pick one up at the produce aisle. Their natural sugars are at peak concentration, meaning you're more likely to bring home a juicy, flavorful fruit than at any other time of year.

Pineapples are a tropical fruit made up of dozens of individual berries fused together around a central core, resulting in firm, fibrous flesh and a tough exterior that's easier to cut than it looks. Their bright, tangy-sweet flavor makes them a favorite for both kids and adults. While they're perfect for eating fresh and sliced, pineapple also holds up well when grilled for a caramelized finish, blended into smoothies, or used as a sweet contrast in savory dishes like tacos or fried rice.

Try it in a recipe: Pineapple fried rice

Kiwi

While many people associate kiwi with tropical summer flavors, this fuzzy fruit is actually at the end of a long domestic run come April. California's kiwi harvest runs through May, making April one of the last chances to catch them at their freshest before the season winds down. 

Kiwis are a great source of vitamin C, which makes them a smart addition to your plate as the seasons shift. If you want to incorporate them into fruit platters or salads, learning how to cut a kiwi into uniform slices makes a big difference.

Try it in a recipe: Kiwi smoothie

Grapefruit

Grapefruits are still going strong in April, wrapping up one of the longer citrus seasons that begins in late fall. This is a good time to pick up ruby red or pink varieties, which tend to be naturally sweeter and juicier this time of year. If you usually just eat them in halves with a spoon, learning how to cut a grapefruit can speed up meal prep.

Try it in a recipe: Grapefruit juice

Lemons

While standard lemons are a year-round grocery staple, April is still a great time to seek out Meyer lemons. This sweeter, slightly floral variety is a cross between a regular lemon and a mandarin orange, and early spring marks the end of their peak harvest.

Meyer lemons are less acidic and very juicy, making them ideal for baking, whisking into dressings, or squeezing over roasted vegetables. They’re also a favorite for seasonal baking as you transition into warmer spring afternoons.

Try it in a recipe: Homemade lemonade

Blood oranges

Blood oranges are easy to spot thanks to their deep crimson flesh. Their flavor profile combines sweet citrus with a subtle hint of raspberry, slightly different from a standard navel orange.

April is actually the final month of their peak season, making it your last chance to grab a bag before they disappear until next winter. Pick them up now for fresh juicing, snacking, or adding a pop of color to your salads.

Cherries

Cherries are a standout fruit to look for in April, marking the exciting start of their season in the produce aisle. Eat them cold and fresh by the handful, or roast them briefly to intensify their natural sweetness. You can also toss them into a fresh fruit salad, fold them into baked goods, or use them as a topping for yogurt bowls for an easy seasonal upgrade.

Try it in a recipe: Cherry pie filling

Rhubarb

April is an excellent time to find rhubarb at its most vibrant, as it kicks off its peak harvest period in early spring. These long, thick stalks have a firm, crisp texture and a bold tartness, providing a refreshing change of pace from the sweet citrus typically found earlier in the year. 

Rhubarb's bold tartness makes it a versatile ingredient in baked goods, sauces, and even savory dishes. Since it’s quite tart, cook it down with sugar into a compote or bake it into pies for a balanced flavor.

Try it in a recipe: Rustic rhubarb loaf

Tangerines

Tangerines are closely related to mandarins but stand out with a slightly deeper orange color and a bolder, more tart-sweet flavor. Because they’re easy to peel and pull apart, tangerines are a practical choice for quick snacking or tossing into a work bag. Their juice and zest add a bright kick to homemade vinaigrettes, marinades, or fresh fruit salads.

Try it in a recipe: Tangerine sugar cookies

Limes

Limes are available year-round, but April is a sweet spot. The spring harvest tends to bring fruit that's juicier and thin-skinned, making them especially easy to squeeze for cooking and baking.

Whether you’re using the zest to brighten up a marinade or adding a squeeze of fresh juice to a tray of roasted vegetables, limes are very multifaceted. They’re also a staple for refreshing beverages. Try mixing them into a house-made limeade or using them to garnish a sparkling water as the days start to get a bit longer.

Try it in a recipe: Cilantro lime rice

Tips for selecting ripe April fruits and storing them

To get the best flavor from what fruits are in season right now, follow these quick tips:

• Feel the weight: When selecting oranges, grapefruits, or lemons, look for fruits that feel heavy for their size. This is a reliable sign that they are full of juice rather than thick pith.

• Check the skin: High-quality citrus should have relatively thin, smooth skin. Avoid any fruits with soft spots, visible mold, or a shriveled appearance.

• Know when to refrigerate: If you plan on eating your citrus within a few days, keeping it at room temperature will actually make it juicier and easier to peel.

• Avoid moisture buildup: To prevent mold, keep your fruit dry. Proper food storage techniques, like lining your produce drawer with a paper towel, can help absorb excess humidity.

April fruit FAQ

Find answers to common questions about April fruits in season and how to shop for them below.

Are strawberries in season in April?

Yes, the traditional peak for most regions is later in the spring, these early-harvest berries are fresh, sweet, and a great seasonal choice.

What is the most affordable fruit to buy in April?

Citrus fruits like navel oranges and grapefruit are typically the most budget-friendly options since they are still in peak supply. Bulk bags of mandarins or oranges also tend to offer a lower price per pound than buying individual pieces. For a year-round value, bananas remain a consistently affordable staple.

What vegetables pair well with April seasonal fruits?

Early spring greens like arugula and spinach pair perfectly with the bright acidity of April citrus and strawberries. Roasted root vegetables, such as beets or carrots, also balance well with citrus-based glazes. For a savory twist, try adding mandarin segments to a stir-fry with seasonal asparagus.

Is rhubarb a fruit or a vegetable?

Botanically, rhubarb is a vegetable since it is a stalk, but it is legally and culinarily treated as a fruit due to its frequent pairing with sugar in desserts. To keep your stalks crisp, store them in the fridge wrapped in damp paper towels or stand them upright in a glass with an inch of water.

Find your favorite April fruits with Instacart

Knowing what fruit is in season in April helps you bring fresh flavors into your kitchen as spring begins. From sweet, early-harvest strawberries to juicy navel oranges, choosing produce at its peak means you get the best taste and nutrition possible.

When you’re ready to start snacking, you can find any of these seasonal essentials on Instacart. It’s the simplest way to enjoy the best of the month without the extra trip to the store.