The Best Seasonal Produce To Buy This Fall

There are plenty of reasons why you should buy produce that’s in season — it’s fresher, better-tasting, and has more nutritional value, to name a few.

We put together a list of some of the best produce that’s in season during the fall. We’ll be including a number of these on our upcoming fall menu, but you can also use this list as a starting point for any recipes you plan on trying throughout the season.

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Squash

As summer squash fades out in late September, winter squash fades in. Winter squashes have harder skin and flesh, so they’re a great addition to soups and stews. They’re ideal for making any meal heartier.

Winter squash offers a clean source of carbohydrates as well as many micronutrients like potassium. Varieties include acorn, buttercup, butternut, delicata, spaghetti, and of course, pumpkin.

Tubers

Beets, potatoes, carrots, parsnips and rutabaga are all in season during autumn. These tubers serve as  carbohydrates in addition to being a good dose of fiber and micronutrients like folate. Opt for roasting, boiling, or adding to soups and stews.

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Non-Starchy Veggies

Cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, leeks, fennel, endive, radicchio, eggplant, and peppers are all in season until the end of October or November. These are perfect for roasting or adding to salads and provide  many beneficial micronutrients to your plate — such as magnesium — for very few carbs or calories.

Fresh Herbs

Although herbs don’t provide us with calories or macronutrients, they give us a wealth of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects. Look for cilantro, basil, mint, rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano and tarragon. Add these to longer simmering dishes, blend into salad dressing, or simply sprinkle on top of any meal.

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Fruit

Apples stay in season all through the fall as stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums, and cherries) starts to fade out of season in late September. So enjoy them while they’re still around! Apples serve as a source of carbohydrates, fiber, and micronutrients, including Vitamin C. Slice one up and pair it with almond butter for a clean and balanced snack.