Seasonal Produce Guide: What's Fresh This Fall & How to Use It

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, a new bounty of fresh produce becomes available at local farms and markets. Fall is a time of harvest, and it’s the perfect season to enjoy hearty vegetables and fruits grown locally. Eating with the seasons not only ensures you're getting the freshest produce, but it also supports local farmers and helps the environment by reducing the need for long-distance food transportation.

In this guide, we’ll explore what’s in season this fall, how to store your produce, and offer delicious recipes to make the most of these fresh ingredients.

What’s in Season This Fall?

Here’s a quick list of produce that shines in the fall:

• Squash (Butternut, Acorn, Spaghetti)

• Pumpkins

• Sweet Potatoes

• Brussels Sprouts

• Carrots

• Apples

• Pears

• Beets

• Kale

• Turnips

• Cauliflower

• Pomegranates

These fruits and vegetables are not only flavorful but packed with nutrients that your body craves during the cooler months. For example, pumpkins and carrots are high in beta-carotene, which boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin. Brussels sprouts and kale are loaded with vitamins C and K, supporting bone health and immune function.

How to Store Seasonal Produce

Storing fall produce correctly helps keep it fresh for longer and reduces food waste. Here are some tips:

• Squash & Pumpkins: Store in a cool, dry place. They can last up to 3 months if stored properly.

• Apples & Pears: Keep these in the crisper drawer of your fridge, away from other produce to prevent them from ripening too quickly. Apples can last 4-6 weeks.

• Root Vegetables (Carrots, Beets, Turnips): Store in a dark, cool place. If you remove the greens, these veggies can last up to several weeks.

• Kale & Leafy Greens: Keep them in a breathable bag in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. A damp paper towel inside the bag can help keep them crisp.

• Sweet Potatoes: Store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area to keep them fresh for 1-2 months.

  
  

  Eating seasonally isn’t just about flavor—it also benefits your health and the environment.

  
  

  Here are a few reasons to prioritize seasonal produce:

• Nutrient-Rich: Produce picked at its peak is often more nutrient-dense. Seasonal foods retain more vitamins and minerals because they don’t require long storage times.

• Support Local Farms: By buying what’s in season, you’re supporting local farmers who grow these crops. This helps strengthen the local economy.

• Lower Carbon Footprint: When food is grown locally, it travels shorter distances, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.

As fall settles in, make the most of the season’s bounty by incorporating fresh, local ingredients into your meals. Whether it’s a cozy soup, a crisp salad, or a hearty roast, seasonal produce is the key to flavorful, nutritious dishes.

Ready to get started? Visit your local farmers' market or farm-to-table store and bring home the best that fall has to offer!