It is fall y’all! The middle/end of September marks the official start of the fall season, and though summer is the time of the year most associated with the farmers market, many local community farmers’ markets last well until the end of October through Halloween. After all, it is called the fall harvest for a reason. (Find your nearest local farmers market right here).
Whether hosting a fall-themed meal prep party, planning a fall football viewing party, or tailgating with more mindful football recipes, here are twelve farmers’ market fruits and vegetables to enjoy this fall season. Oh, and if you need some fall football recipe inspiration, check out these recipe ideas here and here. (Your guests and their tastebuds will thank you).
Looking for more fall seasonal lifestyle tips? Check out these fall wellness tips to help you fall in love with the fall season, fall meal prep tips, and some fall foods to help you get grounded before the start of the busy holiday season. Oh, and let’s not forget about getting your body prepared for cold and flu season with these tips.
Fall Fruits
#1 Apples
Apples are a fall staple that pair perfectly with a lunchtime salad or sandwich and make for a great on-the-go snack all on their own. (Apple picking at the apple orchard, anyone?) If you are looking for something savory and sweet, slather your fresh apple slices with your favorite nut or seed butter and top with additional toppings like cinnamon, cocoa nibs, or unsweetened shredded coconut for a satiating midday treat. Need to cut down on that strong and tangy taste of goat cheese? Add some apple slices to a fall-inspired charcuterie board.
#2 Asian Pears
Although apples are a great fall find, mix up your fresh produce by grabbing an Asian pear. Unlike traditional pears, Asian pears are hard when ripe (not soft like classic pears), so skip the softening process and dive right in with a bite of a fresh Asian pear. These also pair well with brie for yes, you guessed it, a charcuterie board.
#3 Cranberries
Cranberry sauce is not just for Thanksgiving, though it is a classic as you gather around the table with family and friends. Go ahead and enjoy that batch of cranberries before the fall holiday by making a homemade batch of cranberry sauce and using it as a sandwich spread. You can also make it into a chutney.
Simply add chopped apples (another fall favorite) and nuts with some crushed cranberries then enjoy it on your favorite recipes like grilled, sustainably raised chicken or roasted heritage pork. You can also bake up homemade stuffing, which pairs perfectly with almost any main entree, especially that Thanksgiving Day free-range turkey.
#4 Grapes
Just like apples and Asian pears, grapes are a great snack any time of day and pair well with your favorite additions like cheese and crackers. Grapes also make an excellent addition to any fall or holiday-inspired homemade charcuterie board.
#5 Pomegranates
Pomegranate seeds are a juicy snack and add a brilliant pop of color to homemade fall and winter salads. Just be careful because pomegranate juice stains so eat and enjoy with extreme caution.
Fall Herbs and Spices
#6 Garlic
Garlic adds a great flavor to most recipes, including marinades, meats, salad dressings, sauces, soups, stews, vegetables, and vinaigrettes. (Is there anything garlic cannot do?) Just be sure to use garlic in moderation. Less is always more!
#7 Ginger
Looking to flavor a dish with some classic fall flavor? Try some ginger root. Known to ease any digestive discomfort or sour stomach, ginger is great to always have on hand.
Fall Vegetables
#8 Acorn Squash
Acorn squash is a savory and sweet-tasting squash that makes a great alternative to classic fall and winter dishes like candied yams. When selecting an acorn squash, pick one that is dull in color and heavy in weight, and avoid any that have cracks or soft spots. Do not forget to save the seeds, either. Just like pumpkin seeds, acorn squash seeds can be roasted and enjoyed as a crunchy salad topper or salty fall snack. Yum!
#9 Brussel Sprouts
One of the best ways to make Brussels sprouts is to roast them. Simply wash and chop them in half, then toss them in avocado oil with a sprinkle of pink Himalayan salt. Next, bake low and slow at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown in color, soft, and super tender. Toss in a balsamic glaze and sprinkle with some crispy and irresistibly delicious bacon bits. Yum!
#10 Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that is extremely versatile. Wonderful when roasted, butternut squash can also be served boiled, pureed, or stuffed. Butternut Squash makes an excellent addition to curries, homemade ravioli, risottos, soups, and stir-fries and can also be substituted for any recipe that calls for pumpkin. Speaking of pumpkin…
#11 Pumpkin
Pumpkin is basically the unofficial produce pick of the fall season and is a fall favorite that is loved by many. Completely versatile, pumpkin can be enjoyed in a variety of recipes, including pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, and, of course, classic pumpkin pie.
When baking and cooking with pumpkin, make sure you are using real pumpkin puree as opposed to pumpkin-flavored fillings, which can be laden with artificial ingredients and loads of sugar.
#12 Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes pair together well with another fall favorite already mentioned above, roasted Brussel sprouts, but they also make for a great post-workout snack. Just slice a sweet potato in half, place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until the sweet potato is soft and tender, then drizzle with your favorite nut or seed butter.
Some other fruits and vegetables that are in season during the fall season include:
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Daikon radish
- Mushrooms
- Radicchio
- Swiss chard
- Turnips and so much more
The next time you visit the farmers market, pick up these fall favorites and enjoy all of the bounty the fall harvest has to offer you and your tastebuds.
Access a complete list of all seasonal produce in your region of the country here.
Our Animals Eat Right, so You Can Too! ~ Add a little (or a lot) of protein to your plate of seasonal fruits and veggies. Need a little inspiration? Check out our US Wellness Meats Discover Blog!
