Seasonal Produce and What it becomes on your Plate

St. Pete has a rhythmic way of eating. The light changes, the breeze from the bay shifts a bit, and the market stalls suddenly tell a different story. We try to listen before we speak at FORTU. What’s good right now? What’s fresh off the boat. Which farms enjoyed a successful week? Then we cook. This is not to be a show-off, but rather to preserve the story. This is a simple and real tour of how “seasonal food” ends up on your plate.

The Key Takeaways

• St. Pete’s seasonal produce tastes better when you use less ingredients and effort.
• When sourcing is honest and close, St. Petersburg’s Farm-to-table works.
• Clean, memorable dishes with local seafood and seasonal vegetables
• The cooking methods should be light to ensure that the texture and aroma of food are not affected by heat.
• The menus are adjusted gently each week depending on what’s really great
• When abundance drives the purchasing and preparation decisions, waste drops can occur

What is in season now in St. Pete and why should I care?

Seasonal produce in St. Pete isn’t just a buzzword. It’s practical. It’s practical.

• Winter into early Spring: strawberries, citrus, greens and radishes
• Early herbs, tomatoes, zucchini and peppers
• Summer: watermelon and mangoes, sweet corn and okra
• Fall: squash, mushrooms, late tomatoes, leafy herbs

Why should you care? Seasonal produce is easier to cook with. We can use gentler methods and less ingredients.

How can we make St. Pete’s seasonal products into the dishes you love?

Feeling is the first step. Fruit and vegetables are handled the same way as you would at home, when cooking for someone special. Use light hands. Short heat Salt last. We also layer textures.

• Crisp + creamy
• Char + Fresh (grilled corn with a raw herb salad)
• Sweet + tart (ripe mango against lime with a hint chili)

It’s simple. Here, we rely on herbs, acidity and a little smoke. You’ll see that we hold back elements until the very last moment to keep the dish bright.

Where does the “Seasonal Produce in St. Pete”, which sounds so good, actually come from?

The short answer is: nearby. We have a close circle of farmers and fishermen and we supplement when heat or storms get in the way. Some weeks there are plenty, others not so much. We adapt rather than force a set menu. This is the silent promise. We won’t pretend that the tomatoes are happy if they’re not.

Our sourcing compass:

• When possible, try to travel as little distance as possible
• Not too early, but within the right window
• Keep soil and water healthy with responsible practices
• We need to plan with transparency.

What is FORTU cooking when strawberries and citrus are at their peak?

We build whole plates around citrus when it is abundant and bright. Not just dessert.

• Citrus + Greens Salad, with toasted seeds and honey-lime dressing, shaved Fennel.
• Snapper with Charred Citrus, where the fruit kissed and pressed on the fish while it is being cooked.
• Strawberries Barely Sweet can be folded into chilled rice pudding, or layered over pannacotta.

If you think “that tastes like the sun” when you taste something, then seasonal produce has done its job.

How can we combine Gulf fish with seasonal vegetables in our kitchens?

Local seafood and seasonal veggies go together naturally. The first is quick and delicate. One is delicate and quick. They are paired so that neither of them has to shout.

• Grilled Grouper over tomato-watermelon panzanella in summer
• Seared Shrimp, sweet corn, okra and a lemon-chili sauce butter
• Ceviche is best made when the fish are perfect and the limes at their peak.

We sometimes create a dish around an herb that is fragrant and pungent. Basil or culantro are two herbs that can make a dish go from “good” to “oh.”

Does farm-to table in St. Petersburg really matter, or is this just a fancy label?

Many menus will say “farm to table St. Petersburg”. Fair question. Does it matter? When it’s true, yes. A shorter travel time results in a better texture, and requires less cooling or reheating. This allows us to call the grower, and ask, “Those were perfect peppers, could you send them in the smaller size?” The feedback loop ensures consistency. It may not be identical but it will always be alive.

Will I still be able to taste the season if I am a plant-based person?

Absolutely. The best vegetables don’t require a backup singer to make them interesting. Plant-based plates are built with the same care as traditional plates, but they have different anchors.

• Tahini + Charred Eggplant with pickled chili and toasted sesame
• Mushroom rice with herbs, sweet corn and citrus at the finish
• Heirloom tomato stack layered with flaky salt and toasted sourdough for crunch.

Tell us if you’d like to be vegan. We will avoid butter and honey, and maintain the spirit.

What cooking methods are most compatible with seasonal produce?

We don’t want to overwhelm ingredients with a soft voice. We start with the following methods:

• Quick saute greens and tender bean
• Grilling squash, corn and citrus halves on a high-heat grill
• To balance the dish, use a light pickle.
• When the product is perfect and needs almost nothing, it’s best to serve it “raw + dressed”.

Heat is an instrument, not a target. If in doubt, we will stop sooner than you expect and let the carryover do the work.

Can a seasonally-based menu help to reduce waste and price?

Yes. You can save money by buying what is in abundance. Seasonal produce from St. Pete is available at fair prices and in peak supply. This allows us to keep our portions large and reduce waste. Herb trimmings are turned into oil. Tomato ends turn into a chilled broth. Citrus peels perfume syrups. They are small things but add up.

What is the FORTU year-round look?

It’s not strictly a calendar. More like a pulse. Here’s an interesting snapshot.

Early Winter to Late Winter

• Citrus, strawberries and hardy greens
• Light fish, chilled salads, bright desserts

Late Spring

• Tomatoes, zucchini, fresh herbs
• Snapper with “waters” of raw tomatoes, herb sauces and crunchy seeds

Summer

• Corn, watermelon and okra are all good choices.
• Grilled everything. Cold noodle salads. Sweet-salty fruit combinations.

Fall

• Squash, mushrooms, late herbs
• Slow-sauteed vegetables, deeper broths and roasted roots with citrus relish

We’ll tweak. Storms happen. Heat waves can happen. Heat waves happen. We shift our menus rather than forcing what nature hasn’t sent.

Why do the plates at FORTU change sometimes from week to week?

Seasons don’t change like a light switch. They mix. Then we rotate them. We have a few staple dishes that everyone enjoys. We’ll give the basil a leading role if it suddenly tastes like it just spent a week in Naples. If the corn tastes dull, we’ll leave it out. This flexibility is part and parcel of the promise.

What can you do to taste the season when you visit?

Check out this small list to make your next meal taste like St. Pete.

• Follow the answer to “What’s new?”
• Pick at least one dish with raw or lightly-cooked produce
• Choose whatever fruit or herb is in season to pair with seafood
• Keep room for a simple, tasty dessert inspired by the market of the week.

Say your preferences aloud if you need guidance: bright, savory or light. We will guide you on the best seasonal route.

FAQs

What does “seasonal products in St. Pete” mean right now?

The seasons change, so think of citrus fruits and greens during the cooler months, herbs and tomatoes in late spring and then mangos, corn and eggplants through the summer.

What is the impact of farm-to-table St. Petersburg on flavor?

We season less because we can protect the texture and aroma of the harvest.

Can you make a seasonal plant-based meal?

Yes. We’ll create a balanced, complete menu based on your specific needs.

Local seafood is always available?

Weather and catch limits are important, but not always. We pivot when the boats are not full, rather than serving mediocre catch.

Why has my favorite dish changed slightly?

Seasons are a blur. First, we honor the ingredients and then the spirit of your favorite dish.

Ask when you’re sitting down if you want to know what the week’s menu is. You’ll see the ingredient that brought everyone to a smile in the kitchen and what it looks like on your FORTU plate.

This post was written by a professional at Fortu. Fortu stands out among the top Restaurants St Petersburg FL, offering an elevated Pan-Asian dining experience in the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida. Celebrating Asia’s vibrant and diverse culture, Fortu introduces bright and bold flavors to a bright and bold city with a menu of locally and sustainably sourced options, from small bites to hearty delicacies. Whether winding down from a beach day or celebrating a special occasion, guests can enjoy a lush, alluring atmosphere and an authentic taste of Asia’s divine cuisine at one of the finest Restaurants In Downtown St Petersburg FL.