An assortment of fruits in the summer I enjoyed that were in season and tasted fresh and sweet.
As the weather slowly transitions to autumn, there’s many fruits and veggies that soon become “out of season”. Usually, September marks the end of summer berries and fruits, however there’s still plenty of harvest that makes this season exciting. Given that we’re covered in a snowy tundra half the year, sometimes eating fruits in season can seem out of touch with reality. However, it is still possible to do so. Farmers and researchers also use a variety of technology to help improve yield and length of growing time.
Fruits grown in season taste fresher and are perfectly ripe. Sometimes, when fruits and veggies are artificially ripened, they taste bland and lack the distinct flavor that a particular fruit carries. For example, tomatoes that are bulk produced in the winter taste bland and watery to me. Another reason to eat fruits and vegetables in season is that it keeps the prices down. Usually, I go to local farmers and markets that only have available what is currently being grown. This summer, when I visited Portland, Oregon blackberries happened to be in season, and I was able to purchase a large bucket at a huge discount.
Now that you’re convinced of eating locally grown food and more importantly in-season veggies and fruits. What are some veggies and fruits that are ripe for the picking in the fall season?
Pictured with my favorite fall fruit – wine grapes.
Fall fruits in season:
Apple: While apple varieties have expanded and have growing seasons that vary all through the seasons. In the fall, Honeycrisp apple seasons, Mcintosh apples, Empire apples are all in season right now. If you’re not a fan of apples, there’s options to make them into salads, pies, and other desserts.
Cranberries: Besides the classic cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving, cranberries can be used for baking, for cocktails and even as dressing for salads. Fall is the only time of the year when fresh cranberries are harvested and then frozen to eat for the rest of the year.
Grapes: grapes have a short harvest season starting around September to early October.
Nectarines: Needless to say, nectarines are perfect for snacking but also for desserts and even for salads and slaws. Although the peak season ends in August, there’s usually still nectarines available in the fall.
Pears: Some of the most popular varieties of pears are available throughout September, ending in October. Pears are great to eat plain or baked in many dessert recipes. Sometimes, I will add pears to my oatmeal and breakfast adding sweetness and essential vitamins to my breakfast.
Blackberries are in season currently and they are juicy and delicious.
Fall veggies in season:
Kale: despite not being a huge fan of kale for its bitter and leafy scent, they are currently in season. The thick fibrous leaves work great when sauteed or grilled. The stems are also edible and are great for vegetable stock as well.
Pumpkins: starting about mid-September, pumpkins come into the market and are generally around until November. Other squashes and courgettis are also coming into season. If you’re into homemade squash soups, this is the time to stock up on a few of your favorite squashes. If you’re debating whether it’s pumpkin spice season, the colder weather definitely has confirmed that it’s time to take out some warm cozy sweaters and drink a cup of pumpkin spice latte.
Corn: The abundance of corn in most supermarkets is a sign that it’s certainly time to have some roasted corn on the cob or make a Mexican salad. The corn I had this month so far has been so fresh, juicy, and sweet. There’s no better time to eat corn than right now.