As the golden-red hues of fall start to descend, the produce aisle becomes a cornucopia of autumn staples. If you’re wondering about the fruits and vegetables in season in October, you’re in the right place.
This month marks the very end of summer produce but brings a bunch of fall essentials you won’t want to miss.
You’ll also discover some of the top recipes to make using your fall bounty. (Here’s a preview: pumpkin-everything).
So next time you take a trip to a fall farmer’s market, keep your eye out for these fruits and vegetables in season in October.
Fruits in Season in October
October’s fruit offerings are a delightful mix of lingering summer fruits and some fall essentials in full swing.
- Apples: This autumn staple is at its best in October. Whether you opt for a tart Granny Smith or savor the sweet undertones of a Honeycrisp, you can’t go wrong with this fall fruit.
- Pears: Pears in October are exceptionally sweet and juicy. Enjoy them raw for a sweet, crisp snack, or use them to create festive fall baked goods.
- Blackberries: As the last hurrahs of summer produce, blackberries add a tangy sweetness to your dishes. Enjoy them fresh in salads, or transform them into a heart-warming blackberry pie.
- Cranberries: These ruby-red jewels are in full swing during October. They add a tart punch to your sauces, desserts, and drinks.
- Figs: Experience the unique, honeyed sweetness of figs before they bid goodbye for the year. They have a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with cheese and nuts.
- Raspberries: Though traditionally associated with summer, raspberries will continue to produce until early October.
- Grapes: October grapes are a luxurious treat. Pop them in your mouth as a quick snack, or use them to elevate your cheese platters, salads, and desserts.
- Pomegranates: This antioxidant-rich fruit is the jewel of fall and creates a visually striking garnish to any dish.
- Nectarines: Relish the smooth, sweet, and slightly tart flavor of nectarines before they retreat for the winter. Enjoy them fresh or baked into delicious desserts.
- Peaches: This fuzzy orange fruit brings a lingering summer flavor to cobblers and salads.
- Plums: The sweet and tart flavor of plums add a delightful twist to your fall recipes. Enjoy them fresh, or incorporate them into your baking.
- Melons: The early October harvest of melons marks summer’s last gift.
Vegetables in Season in October
October brings a variety of vegetables that are perfect for hearty, warming dishes. From earthy brussel sprouts to the sweet butternut squash, let’s explore what’s in season.
- Artichokes: This unique vegetable is incredibly versatile. You can grill it, steam it, or use it to make a delicious dip.
- Brussel Sprouts: These tiny leafy sprouts are at their peak in October.
- Corn: While many people associate corn with the summer, it also tastes equally delicious during the fall.
- Pumpkins: These giant orange fruits are the star of autumn and have many uses, from carving to roasting.
- Parsnips: These sweet root vegetables are perfect for roasting or pureeing into a comforting soup.
- Eggplant: This versatile veggie makes a mean addition to any dish, including pasta, stir-fries, and soups.
- Peppers: With their vibrant color and crunchy texture, peppers bring a sweet, slightly spicy flavor to recipes.
- Butternut Squash: This fall-favorite makes a stand-out addition to soups, pasta, and risotto.
- Tomatoes: You’ll find the very last of this savory summer staple in early October.
- Sweet Potatoes: This sweet spud is in full swing during the fall. Whether you roast it, mash it, or turn it into fries, the sweet potato can do it all.
- Zucchini: You can still find this summer squash kicking around during October. Use it in stir-fries, baking, or to create carb-free noodles.
- Fennel: With a unique anise-like flavor and crunchy texture, fennel makes a welcome addition to salads, slaws, and roasts.
- Spinach: You can find this nutrient-packed green growing in abundance during October. Use it in salads, smoothies, or wraps for an extra punch of vitamins.
- Kale: This hardy green can stand up to the chill of fall. Try mixing it with fruit and nuts for a sweet-savory salad, or roast it into kale chips.
October Recipes
Find the perfect recipe to make with your fresh October produce.
- Pumpkin Protein Waffles – A warmly-spiced breakfast packed with protein to start your day right.
- Chargrilled Eggplant – A perfectly charred eggplant with zingy, herbal flavors.
- Raspberry Chia Pudding – Raspberries take the lead in this pudding, adding a tart flavor to complement the creamy chia.
- Nectarine Salad with Dill Vinaigrette – A refreshing, light salad that’s great for those warmer October days.
- Winter Vegetable Minestrone Soup – Put that butternut squash and zucchini to good use in this healthy, soothing soup.
- Kale Stir Fry with Crispy Curried Tofu – A delicious soy-ginger sauce coats the kale to offset the bitterness in this flavorful stir fry.
- Raw Brussel Sprouts Salad – A sweet and savory salad that accompanies a fall dinner perfectly.
- Spiced Cranberry Swirl Nice Cream – A vegan banana-based icy treat with pops of cranberry sweetness.
- Pumpkin Sage Soup – A soothing, creamy soup featuring a subtly sweet flavor and hints of fresh herbs.
- Marinated Pumpkin Salad with Quinoa and Pomegranate – A festive, healthy salad that lets October’s bounty shine.
- Lentil Apple Salad – The sweet crunch of apples offset the soft lentils in this hearty salad.
- Pumpkin Bread Rolls – Simple-yet-impressive rolls shaped like cute pumpkins.
- Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Quinoa Tabbouleh – A healthy, vegan take on the loaded baked potato recipe.
- Baked Sweet Potato Falafel – A sweet, crunchy treat that makes an excellent side dish or snack.
- Spicy Sweet Potato Soup – A warming soup, perfect for those chilly October nights.
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Balsamic Reduction – An effortless side dish loaded with sweet, savory flavors.
- Baked Kale Chips – If you’re not into the bitter flavor of kale, try roasting it with spices and oil for a delectable snack.
- Candied Pumpkin Seeds – Got leftover pumpkin seed after carving jack-o’-lanterns? Try making this crave-worthy recipe.
