In case you’ve forgotten, autumn is literally harvest time—which is why it should come as no surprise that we’re getting some seriously delicious seasonal foods on our tables soon! I’ve put together a list of my favorite fall fruits and veggies (and tips for what to do with them).
Because we have access to most produce year-round, you’ll have spotted these in your grocery store throughout the year. However, fruits and veggies harvested in-season taste better, so it’s a good time to pack them into your recipes. If you can pick them up fresh from your local farmer’s market or even from your own veggie garden, so much the better. But no matter how you get your hands on these foods, it’s time to get cooking!
Fall Fruits
Apples – These are a classic fall crop, and they’re harvested around the country in the fall. Feel free to bite right into them—but ‘tis the season to try them in classic pies, crumbles, and tarts.
Figs – The first harvest for these is in summer, but there’s a short second harvest in fall. Try this criminally underrated fruit with salted meats on toast, or roast some in the oven with walnuts and cheese.
Grapes – These ripen toward the end of summer, so you’ll find the sweetest varieties in stores in the fall. Add to a yummy autumn salad or eat them as a healthy snack.
Pears – These depending on the variety, they’ll be harvested in fall or winter. Pears are great in crumbles and tarts, but there’s nothing like a poached pear on a cool day.
Cranberries – A classic Thanksgiving crop, these are just coming in season in the New England area. Making your own cranberry sauce isn’t hard (and healthier than store-bought options), but you can also add them straight to warm fall oatmeal for a quick pick-me-up.
Fall Vegetables
Broccoli and cauliflower – Both of these are less bitter when harvested in fall, and they thrive in cool weather. Roast them into savory dishes or bake them into a cheesy frittata.
Carrots – Late summer and fall is harvest time for carrots. Try them in a variety of colors, glaze them with honey, and roast them in the oven.
Green beans – These thrive mid-summer, but they’re tender in fall as well. Buttered and fried green beans are great on a crisp autumn day.
Leafy greens like lettuce, kale, spinach, and cabbage – These crunchy greens taste better when harvested in cool weather, so pack them into your fall salads!
Root vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, and yams – These cool-season crops are perfect additions to hearty stews in the colder months of the year.
Squash, pumpkins, and zucchini – We expect squash and pumpkins around Halloween, but these are all ready in September through early winter in many areas. Roast them in the oven for some delicious flavor.
For more fall produce, check out the full list of seasonal goodies. Find your favorites to take advantage of the best autumn has to offer, and to start working on those classic holiday recipes!
