It's time for cozy recipes using fall favorites like apples, pumpkin, and squash. Do you want to eat fresh this season? This list of seasonal vegetables and fruits will help you learn about what's in season in fall.
Benefits of Seasonal Eating
There are benefits to eating seasonally, even though you can find most fruits and vegetables year-round.
- More flavorful. Fresh fruits and veggies always have the best flavor! Food tastes much better when you eat with the seasons because it's at its peak ripeness. It doesn't have to travel far to reach you, making it fresher when you buy it.
- Lower cost. Fruits and vegetables are typically priced lower during their peak growing season. They don't have to be imported and can be locally sourced, making it less expensive and easier to reach stores.
- Support your local businesses. I love eating seasonally because it helps support local businesses! Local farmers and producers will have these products more readily available since they're in season. This helps create a sustainable local food system, helps the environment, and supports your local small businesses.
Tips When Selecting Autumn Produce
Buy local when you can. Choose produce that's in season in your area. This ensures that you're getting the freshest and most flavorful produce.
I love shopping for fruits and veggies at my local farmer's market. Chatting with the farmers to learn more about the different products, how to use them, and how they're grown is super helpful.
I always prefer organic to cut back on pesticides and help create a sustainable and resilient environment. Becoming certified organic is not always affordable for small businesses, so chatting with my local farmers gives me the opportunity to learn about how they grow their crops.
If shopping at the grocery store, you can typically find a section in the produce department with local produce.
Look for freshness. Choose firm, vibrant produce that's free of blemishes and bruises.
Fall Produce Guide
Here's a list of the popular autumn fruits and veggies. These can typically be found throughout the United States from late September through early December. Try these in your favorite fall recipes.
Fall Fruits
- Apples
- Cranberries
- Dates
- Grapes
- Kiwifruit
- Pears
- Pomegranate
Fall Vegetables
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Collard Greens
- Eggplant
- Green Beans
- Kale
- Potatoes
- Pumpkin
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Turnips
- Winter Squash
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
For the freshest seasonal fall produce, shop at your local farmer's market. If you prefer to shop at the grocery store, check your produce department for a local produce section. Local CSA farm shares are also a great place for eating in season.
It depends on the type of produce. Some fruits and vegetables are best stored at room temperature, while others should be refrigerated. For a complete list of how to store your produce, read more about the best way to store fruits and vegetables.
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Cathe says
Love this! I’ve had trouble in the past making my way through a weekly farm share but our grocery stores (Vermont) are great at highlighting local in-season produce. I’m glad you added squash to this list. My fave for fall is delicata—it’s getting served at least once a week right now. And I can always sneak some beets in on the same baking sheet. 😉