A Seasonal Eater's Guide to Fall Produce and What to Cook With It
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Cool breezes whip through the air, and the nights may be getting shorter, but we're all for it, as this time of year is arguably the best time to eat. Why, you ask? Because Fall is synonymous with harvest season, a magical time when tomatoes, pears, butternut squash, and blackberries — not to mention many other favorites — are at their finest. Keep reading for an overview of when to expect these autumnal delights as well as recommended recipes for each item.
— Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
The Fall Food: Apples
Apple harvest season runs from August through November with some varietals like Gravensteins coming to markets as early as the end of July. The rest of the year, these fruits are available thanks to cold storage.
Red Cabbage, Cranberry, and Apple Slaw
Get the recipe: red cabbage, cranberry, and apple slaw
The Fall Food: Broccoli
Broccoli is available year-round but is at its peak during the chilly Fall and Winter months.
Creamy, Garlicky Broccoli Soup
Get the recipe: broccoli soup
Broccoli Salad With Puffed Grains and Ricotta
Get the recipe: charred broccoli salad
The Fall Food: Butternut Squash
Winter squashes like butternut squash are typically harvested October through December and are available as late as early April thanks to their hearty nature.
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Get the recipe: butternut squash soup
Butternut Squash Ricotta Casserole
Get the recipe: butternut squash ricotta casserole
Maple-Roasted Butternut Squash, Kale, and White Bean Salad
Get the recipe: maple-roasted butternut squash, kale, and white bean salad
The Fall Food: Chestnuts
As one might guess from their cultural ties to the holiday season, chestnuts are typically available during blustery Fall and Winter months, roughly October through January.
Roasted Chestnut Cornbread Stuffing
Get the recipe: chestnut cornbread stuffing
The Fall Food: Cranberries
Cranberry harvest typically runs from September through October, and they are available fresh through December.
Cranberry-Apple Baked Oatmeal
Get the recipe: cranberry-apple baked oatmeal
Cranberry-Swirled Gingerbread Cake
Get the recipe: cranberry-swirled gingerbread cake
The Fall Food: Cucumbers
Cucumbers are at their peak growing time from early Summer to mid-Fall (June through November).
Southeast Asian Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Get the recipe: tomato and cucumber salad
Salt-Massaged Cucumber With Miso and Sesame
Get the recipe: sesame miso cucumber salad
The Fall Food: Eggplant
Look for squat and sturdy globe eggplants and slender Japanese varieties from July through October.
Marinated Eggplant With Tahini and Oregano
Get the recipe: marinated eggplant
Baked Eggs With Tomato, Cheese, and Fire-Roasted Eggplant
Get the recipe: Filipino baked eggs with eggplant
The Fall Food: Fennel
Fennel is available year-round, with its peak in the Fall months.
Fennel and Feta With Citrus and Sumac
Get the recipe: fennel, citrus, and feta salad
Blood Orange, Fennel, and Avocado Salad With Lemon Citronette
Get the recipe: blood orange, fennel, and avocado salad
Socca Pizza and Arugula Salad
Get the recipe: socca pizza and arugula salad
The Fall Food: Figs
Figs are typically at markets from mid-Summer to early October.
Fig Tart With Orange Blossom Custard
Get the recipe: fig tart
The Fall Food: Ginger
Ginger's harvest season runs August through November, and it is available through cold storage all the way into February. During the rest of the year, try substituting ginger juice 1:1.
The Fall Food: Grapefruit
Zingy grapefruit can be found at farmers markets from September through April.
The Fall Food: Kale
While kale is generally available year-round, the peak of its season is in Fall and Winter.
Flamin' Hot Cheetos Kale Salad
Get the recipe: Flamin' Hot Cheetos kale salad
Farmers Market Cantaloupe, Kale, and Ginger Smoothie
Get the recipe: cantaloupe, kale, and ginger smoothie
Miso-Glazed Kale and Shiitakes With a Poached Egg
Get the recipe: miso-glazed kale
The Fall Food: Pumpkins
Pumpkins are available as early as late September and as late as early April, with their peak falling in the Fall and Winter months.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bar Cookies
Get the recipe: pumpkin cream cheese bar cookies
The Fall Food: Raspberries
Although their peak is in Summer months, raspberries have, thankfully, a long season that runs from May through early November.
Greek Frozen Yogurt With Raspberry Swirl
Get the recipe: greek frozen yogurt with raspberry swirl
Raspberry Ginger Lime Chia Jam
Get the recipe: raspberry ginger lime chia jam
The Fall Food: Strawberries
Strawberries are at their sweetest from April to July, though they are available at farmers markets as early as March and as late as October.
Strawberry Margaritas
Get the recipe: strawberry margaritas
Strawberry French Toast Roll-Ups
Get the recipe: strawberry french toast roll-ups
The Fall Food: Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are typically available September through March, with their peak season ending in December.
Caramelized Sweet Potatoes With Onions
Get the recipe: caramelized sweet potatoes with onions
Baked Kale and Sweet Potato Chips
Get the recipe: baked kale and sweet potato chips
Sweet Potato Soup With Za'atar Oil
Get the recipe: sweet potato soup
The Fall Food: Tomatoes
From rainbow-hued heirloom varietals to juicy Early Girls to the tiniest grape and cherry versions, tomato season is surprisingly long. Smaller varieties can come to harvest as early as April (but more typically around June) and last till November; larger tomatoes are available through the peak Summer and mid-Fall months.
Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi
Get the recipe: spinach and ricotta gnudi