There’s nothing quite like fall seasonal produce. Once the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, I start craving fall favorites like apples, pumpkins, and cinnamon. Keep reading for the ultimate guide to buying fall seasonal produce.
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Convenience Comes at a Cost
Before learning how to garden and preserve food, I never once considered eating in season. I also didn’t give much thought to it until I was an adult and responsible for buying my own food. I started to notice that certain types of produce tasted better and cost less at certain times of the year.
While there are benefits to convenience, it often comes at a cost. While modern grocery stores have pretty much any food available year-round, that usually comes with a higher price tag and less-than-exceptional produce.
Choosing Seasonal Produce
While my family does have a garden, we don’t grow everything ourselves. Over the last few years, as I myself have been learning, I have been pointing out to my kids what food is currently in season. We talk about how it tastes fresher and more flavorful if it was grown locally as opposed to being imported due to the time of year.
We especially love visiting local farm stands to support our local farmers in addition to growing some of our own seasonal produce. My oldest, who is currently four, often talks about when the corn or berries will be ready to harvest and eat.
Teaching Kids About Fall Seasonal Produce
Teaching your kids about seasonal produce and how to cook or preserve it properly is a way to teach them about valuing and appreciating their food. There’s nothing like peaches in June and pumpkins in October.
I recommend taking your children to a local farm to pick seasonal produce if possible. In the fall, we like to visit apple orchards and pumpkin patches. In the summer, we like to go berry picking at a local farm!
You could even have your kids compare the appearance and taste test produce from a local farm verses from the grocery store. Talk about how in-season produce is even better if bought locally because it doesn’t have to travel as far.
Fall Seasonal Produce Shopping List
Seasonal produce is often more affordable than purchasing out-of-season foods. This is because it is in high supply, doesn’t have to travel as far, and isn’t being grown against the elements.
While it may depend on where you live, here are some general guidelines for fall seasonal produce:
Vegetables
- Pumpkins
- Butternut Squash
- Acorn Squash
- Spaghetti Squash
- Sweet Potatoes
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Beets
- Turnips
- Parsnips
- Radishes
- Kale
- Swiss Chard
- Leeks
- Fennel
- Celery Root
- Mushrooms
Fruits
- Apples
- Pears
- Cranberries
- Pomegranates
- Grapes
- Figs
- Persimmons
Nuts
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Hazelnuts
- Chestnuts
- Pine Nuts
- Macadamia Nuts
Where to Buy Fall Seasonal Produce
If possible, I recommend purchasing fall seasonal produce from a local farmer or at a farmer’s market. You could also grow it yourself for a more holistic experience!
If this isn’t an option, you could also purchase it at your local grocery store. I personally like to buy some of my seasonal produce from Azure Standard because they offer organic options in bulk at an affordable price.
Read this post to learn more about how Azure Standard works and what I like to order from them.
Tips for Choosing the Best Fall Seasonal Produce
When looking for seasonal produce to purchase, it’s important to take a few things into consideration. Here’s how to choose the best fall seasonal produce:
Look for Vibrant Colors and Texture
Color: Bright, vibrant colors typically indicate freshness. Avoid dull or faded produce.
Texture: Feel for firmness in fruits like apples and pears, and slight softness in items like tomatoes and avocados. Check leafy greens for crispness and avoid wilted leaves.
Smell the Produce
Ripe produce often smells fragrant: Fruits and berries should have a sweet aroma. Avoid produce with off or sour smells, as this could indicate overripeness or spoilage.
Check for Signs of Ripeness
Fruit: Some fruits should be slightly soft when ripe, such as peaches, avocados, and tomatoes. Others, like apples and pears, should be firm.
Vegetables: Vegetables like corn, beans, and peas should be firm. For root vegetables, check for firmness without shriveling.
Avoid Bruises or Blemishes
While minor blemishes may not affect flavor, large bruises or dark spots can indicate spoilage. Check the underside of the produce for any hidden signs of decay.
Shop at Farmers’ Markets or Buy Local
Local produce is often harvested at peak ripeness, offering better flavor and freshness. Seasonal, local produce also tends to have fewer preservatives or chemicals.
Consider Organic Options
Organic produce, while more expensive, can be a good choice for those looking to avoid pesticides.
Ask for Advice
When in doubt, ask the farmers or grocery store staff for recommendations. They can often tell you what’s freshest and how to choose the best produce.
By being mindful of the season, and considering appearance, texture, and aroma, you can enjoy the best quality and flavor from your produce.
My Favorite Fall Seasonal Produce Recipe
One of my all-time favorite fall recipes is my cranberry pumpkin bread recipe. It combines creamy pumpkin with tart cranberries and is the perfect brunch treat to try this autumn!
Shopping for and cooking with seasonal produce can be a big change, but the taste, quality, and even cost of purchasing seasonal produce makes it more than worth it!
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