As daylight starts to lessen, and the autumn air slowly breezes in, the harvests of summer start to transition to warm cozy produce.We aren’t quite in the throws of chilly nights and pumpkin spice lattes however, there is still summer in the air. With that I want to provide the monthly post of seasonal produce.
Fruits:
- Apples: Many varieties start to ripen, ideal for eating fresh or cooking.
- Pears: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for snacking or baking.
- Grapes: Harvested in late summer and early fall, great for eating fresh or making jams.
- Plums: Sweet and juicy, perfect for desserts or jams.
- Figs: In their second harvest, figs are sweet and soft, great for fresh eating or in salads.
- Blackberries: A late-summer fruit that continues into September.
- Raspberries: Fall varieties are often still available.
- Melons: Cantaloupe and honeydew are still in season.
- Pomegranates: Begin to come into season toward the end of September.
Vegetables:
- Tomatoes: Still in peak season, great for salads, sauces, and canning.
- Bell Peppers: Colorful and sweet, perfect for roasting or fresh dishes.
- Eggplant: Versatile for grilling, roasting, or making dips.
- Zucchini and Summer Squash: Abundant and versatile for a variety of dishes.
- Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, great for salads and pickling.
- Corn: Sweet and tender, perfect for grilling or boiling.
- Green Beans: Fresh and crunchy, ideal for side dishes.
- Carrots: Sweet and crisp, great raw or cooked.
- Beets: Earthy and sweet, perfect for roasting or in salads.
- Kale: Tender and flavorful, excellent for salads, sautés, or smoothies.
- Spinach: Fresh and tender, great for salads and cooking.
- Potatoes: Early fall potatoes are versatile for roasting, mashing, and more.
- Pumpkins: Start to come into season, perfect for soups, pies, and decorations.
- Winter Squash: Varieties like butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash begin to appear.
Herbs:
- Basil: Still in season, great for pesto and seasoning.
- Thyme: Hardy and aromatic, perfect for seasoning fall dishes.
- Sage: Earthy and robust, ideal for fall recipes.
- Rosemary: Fragrant and hearty, excellent for roasting meats and vegetables.
- Oregano: Great for Italian dishes and drying for later use.
These seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs are fresh, flavorful, and often more affordable during their peak season. They also offer an opportunity to enjoy the unique tastes and textures of fall in your cooking and baking.