What's the best time to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables?

The truth is there's no "better" time because it really depends on what you're after! Now, if your goal is low prices and maximum quality, look right at the start of the season, when there's plenty in the market and local producers bring everything fresh - at that point the price drops because there's competition. If you wait until mid or late season, there might be less variety and what's left is pricier and less fresh, unless you get lucky with the last quality batches.