Delicious Fall Fruits and Vegetables to Eat This Year

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The fruits and vegetables in the produce department of your local store will change as fall sets in. That is because they will be stocking up on what is in harvest this time of year.  You’ll also find a large abundance of fruit and vegetables at local farmer’s market.  With so many fruits and vegetables to choose from, you may be wondering, “Which produce do I buy?”  If you have wondered which produce is the best this time of year, you have come to the right place.  Let’s take a look at the best fall produce to try this year.

Apples

Apples may be something that you see in the store year round.  However, their general harvest time is in September and October.  This fall, try to find apples that are firm, brightly colored, and free of bruises.  The skin should be clean and shiny.  If the skin on the apples is dull, this indicates the fruit may be past its prime.  You can eat the apples raw, or try one of these delicious recipes by clicking here.

Artichokes

Artichokes, which are classified as a flower but eaten like a vegetable, produce a second, smaller crop in the fall (the first crop is harvested in the spring).  If you haven’t eaten the first harvest of artichokes, be sure to check them out this fall. This autumn harvest will produce medium sized artichokes.  Artichokes have many health benefits, including that they have a large amount of fiber, protein, and antioxidants.

Arugula

Arugula is a cool weather green harvested at different times in different places (winter in warm climates, summer in cool ones) but grows in many places during autumn.  This vegetable is a member of the mustard family but it is not as bitter as mustard greens.  It looks similar to lettuce, and is often used in salads.  If you are wanting an alternative for your salads, arugula is a great option.

Beets

In some areas, beets will be available year round, but beets will definitely be available during the fall.  Make sure to try this delicious vegetable, as it has many health benefits.  Don’t forget to eat the greens, as they have many health benefits as well.

Belgian Endive

Belgian Endive are mostly forced to grow in artificial conditions, but their traditional harvest season is in fall and winter.  If you can’t find naturally grown Belgian Endive at your local store, be sure to check out local farmer’s markets.

Broccoli

Because broccoli can be grown any time of the year, its harvest season has been forgotten.  Make sure you choose broccoli with firm, tight, dark green florets.  The stalks should be slightly lighter in color.  Yellowing broccoli is old and will taste overly strong, while a whitish stalk will be tough and woody.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts naturally grow on a stalk, so if you can buy them this way that is the best way to buy them.  When they are still on the stalk, they last longer than when they are cut.  Look for firm, small compact heads that are bright green and free of blemishes.  Avoid Brussels sprouts that feel puffy or light for their size.

Butternut Squash

Tis the season for squash, and make sure butternut squash is on your shopping list.  Low in fat, butternut squash provides large amounts of potassium and vitamin B6.  Besides, butternut squash taste delicious.  It can be roasted, sautéed, or boiled and mashed.  Pick a squash that is rock solid and heavy for its size.  Learn some tasty recipes to make from squash by clicking here.

Carrots

Once again, this is a vegetable that is available year round at stores.  However, be on the lookout for a large abundance of them at local farmer’s markets and places that grow them in gardens. Baby carrots are usually harvested in spring and summer, but the larger carrots are harvested in the fall.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower may be grown, harvested, and sold year-round, but it is by nature a cool weather crop.  It is at its best during the fall since that is when it is naturally harvested.

Celery

Celery is at its best in the fall, so be sure to check out this vegetable.  Celery has many health benefits including reducing inflammation.  

Chard

When it gets too hot, chard can lose its flavor and become bitter.  That is why chard tastes the best during the fall when the weather is cooler.  Chard can be eaten raw, but most people prefer to cook it.

Cranberries

If you are wanting delicious fall fruits, be sure to check out the cranberries.  From mid-September to mid-October cranberries will be harvested.

Edameme

Edamame are fresh soybeans.  Be on the look out for them in late summer and fall.  Fresh edamame will be green colored and still in the pods.  You should be able to find them in the produce department.  Also be sure to check out local farmer’s markets for edamame.

Figs

Figs are harvested in the fall right around Thanksgiving.  You may see them in the store before that, but you should definitely be seeing figs in the store by fall.

Grapes

Even though grapes are available year-round, their natural harvest season is during the fall.  Look for grapes that are plump, unblemished, and firmly attached to a flexible stem.

Herbs

Be on the lookout for herbs this fall.  During the fall herbs will be fresh and will taste even better than herbs harvested during other times of the year.

Kale

Kale is often used in replace of lettuce in salads, as well as grilled, roasted, and cooked in a pan. This vegetable is similar to lettuce and cabbage, but it has its own unique flavor.  It has more nutrition than spinach, and can taste delicious especially when cooked.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms can be grown year round, but are most plentiful during the fall.  Remember to select fresh mushrooms that are firm and evenly colored.  They should have a smooth, dry (not dried) skin and the caps should be closed tightly around the stems.

Okra

Okra is a vegetable that is grown from a pretty flower.  There are many ways to eat okra, including to fry it, steam it, roast it, and add it into soups.  Okra can also be eaten raw, but it tastes better when cooked.  Keep your eyes out for okra, because autumn is the time of year when it is harvested.

Onions

Onions can be found at the store year round, but they are usually harvested around late summer to early fall.

Pears

Pears ripen off the tree, so most of the fruit you’ll find at the market will need a few days to soften at home.  There are many different types of pears.  Common varieties include Anjou, Bosc, and Bartlett, which has a red skin or a green skin that yellows as it ripens.

Peppers

Both sweet and spicy peppers are ready to be harvested by fall.  Sometimes they are harvested during the summer, but by fall there should be some for sure.

Potatoes

Choose firm, smooth potatoes with few eyes.  Avoid those with green patches, which is a sign of prolonged exposure to light.  The discolored spots taste bitter and are toxic if eaten in large quantities.  There will be many different types of potatoes available this time of year.

Pumpkins

Pumpkins are definitely considered a fall produce, and will be common to see during the fall since people will be buying them for Halloween.  People will also be buying them for making Thanksgiving pumpkin pies.  You should be able to easily find pumpkins at stores and farmer’s markets, but if you want to have a fun experience consider going to a local pumpkin patch.  Have fun picking your own pumpkin from the large field.

Can I Use Pumpkin Seeds to Enhance the Flavor of My Fall Fruits and Vegetables?

The answer is yes! You can absolutely make roasted pumpkin seeds to enhance the flavor of your fall fruits and vegetables. Pumpkin seeds add a delicious crunch and nutty taste that complements the earthy sweetness of seasonal produce. Simply roast the seeds with your favorite spices or a sprinkle of salt for a delightful autumn twist to your dishes.

Radishes

Radishes can actually be grown multiple times in a year, so you should be able to find radishes early on during the year.  Fall marks the end of the season for small red radishes and the beginning of the season for larger daikon-type radishes.  No matter what, by fall you should see plenty of radishes available.

Can I Transplant My Plants During the Fall Season?

Transplanting a plant step by step during the fall season requires careful planning and execution. Start by selecting a suitable location with adequate sunlight and well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the plant’s root ball. Gently remove the plant from its current container or ground, making sure to preserve the root system. Place the plant in the prepared hole and backfill with soil, watering generously. Finally, provide proper care and monitor its progress throughout the fall season.

Radishes can actually be grown multiple times in a year, so you should be able to find radishes early on during the year.  Fall marks the end of the season for small red radishes and the beginning of the season for larger daikon-type radishes.  No matter what, by fall you should see plenty of radishes available.

Zucchini

Zucchini has a harvest season from summer into fall in most climates.  There are so many things you can make from zucchini, including baked zucchini, fried zucchini, zucchini bread, and zucchini noodles.

Final Thoughts

Fall is approaching, and that means delicious fall fruits and vegetables will be available at stores and farmer’s markets.  Hopefully this article has helped you understand more about the fall fruits and vegetables available this time of year so you know exactly what to buy and keep your eye out for.  Keep in mind that not all stores will have these fall seasonal fruits and vegetables.  For example, fresh edamame or okra may be hard to find at some stores.  On a different note, a lot of these fall seasonal vegetables and fruits I went over will be available year round. Apples, carrots, potatoes, and grapes are just a few of the produce that is available year round but taste especially good during the fall.  Hopefully you now know what to look for when shopping for fall seasonal produce.  Happy shopping!

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