When the calendar flips to September, it signals the arrival of a rich harvest season. So if you want to take advantage of all the fresh produce this month has to offer, read up about the fruits and vegetables in season in September.
From the last vestiges of summer produce to the early bounty of fall, it’s a month filled with a vibrant array of fruits and vegetables.
You’ll also discover some delicious recipes to put this month’s cornucopia of produce to great use.
So before you take a trip to a fall farmer’s market, check out this list to see the fruits and vegetables in season in September.
Fruits in Season in September
During this transitory month, you’ll find the remnants of summer berries and the onset of autumn staple fruits. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for when you head to the grocery store in September.
- Apples: The quintessential fall fruit, apples are at their peak in September. From tart Granny Smiths to sweet Fujis, there’s an apple for every palate.
- Pears: Another autumn favorite, pears offer a delicate, sweet taste that is perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
- Plums: Juicy and sweet, plums are a late summer delight that continues to shine in September.
- Blackberries: These dark, juicy berries may be one of the last summer fruits standing, so get your fill while you can.
- Figs: With their unique texture and honeyed sweetness, figs are a real treat in September.
- Melons: These juicy, refreshing fruits are still going strong this month, providing a touch of summer sweetness.
- Grapes: Whether you prefer red, green, or black varieties, grapes are in their prime in September.
- Raspberries: These delicate berries may be on their way out as this month progresses, but they’re still a delicious addition to your early fall meals.
- Figs: This syrupy sweet fruit has a honey-like sweetness and pairs wonderfully with salads and charcuterie.
- Peaches: This summertime favorite is still going strong for the first half of September.
- Cranberries: This month marks the beginning of cranberry season, the delightfully tart fruit that’s a staple in fall cuisine.
- Pomegranates: Did you know that pomegranates don’t come into season until late September? It’s the perfect time to get your fill of the antioxidant-rich fruit.
Vegetables in Season in September
Just like the fruit, you’ll find the last of summer veggies and some autumn staples in season during September.
- Tomatoes: These summer essentials are still available in September, offering a juicy, tart flavor that can enhance many dishes.
- Bell Peppers: With their crisp texture and sweet taste, bell peppers are a versatile vegetable still in season.
- Corn: There’s nothing like the sweet crunch of fresh corn on the cob, and September is still a great time to enjoy this summer favorite.
- Pumpkins: As a herald of fall, pumpkins start appearing in September. They’re not just for carving; try them in soups, roasts, or even desserts!
- Squash: From butternut to spaghetti, different types of squash come into season, offering a hearty component to your autumnal dishes.
- Artichokes: These prickly veggies are at their best in September, offering a unique, mildly sweet flavor.
- Spinach: This nutrient-rich leafy green thrives in the cooler weather of September.
- Kale: Similar to spinach, kale thrives in the cooler fall temps.
- Beetroot: This vibrant root vegetable adds a pop of color and earthy flavor to your meals.
- Eggplant: This odd-looking purple veggie has a soft texture and takes on any flavor, blending in well with many dishes.
- Sweet Potatoes: You start to see this orange starchy spud make an appearance towards the end of September.
- Parsnips: This dependable root veggie works great for roasting and makes a delicious fall side dish.
- Brussel Sprouts: These tiny green sprouts are thickly layered with leaves and also make an excellent candidate for roasting.
September Recipes
Now that you know the fruits and vegetables in season in September, try making one of these recipes with your fresh bounty.
- Raw Brussel Sprouts Salad with Dried Fruit – A nutrient-packed salad loaded with sweet and savory flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables Wheat Berry Winter Salad – A fresh lunch or dinner that puts that harvest of fall squash to great use.
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – A quick and easy recipe that turns ordinary pumpkin seeds into a tasty snack.
- Roasted Butternut Squash with a Balsamic Reduction – A sweet, caramelized roasted butternut squash that makes the perfect addition to an autumn meal.
- Sweet Potato and Sun-Dried Tomato Braided Bread – A dense bread that couples the starchy texture of sweet potato with hints of sun-dried tomatoes.
- Baked Kale Chips – A quick recipe that transforms bitter kale into a savory, nutritious snack.
- Pumpkin Soup with Creme Fraiche and Fried Sage – A rich, heartwarming soup that will warm you up on a chilly September night.
- Brown Rice Salad – Chard, grapes, and hazelnuts create an unexpectedly delicious combination in this easy salad.
- Grilled Chicken Salad – A light lunch or dinner that features delicate raspberries, creamy feta, and crunchy pecans.
- Tomato and Summer Squash Cobbler – A flavorful medley of late summer produce that creates a mouthwatering cobbler.
- Udon Soup with Kale and Kimchi – A soothing soup featuring nutrient-dense kale for a healthy spin.
- Pumpkin Panna Cotta – A rich, creamy panna cotta flavored with sweet pumpkin for a fall twist.
- Baby Kale Salad – Candied pumpkin and pomegranate give this kale salad a sweet, fall spin.
- Candied Pumpkin Seed – Another way to transform bland pumpkin seeds into a snack you’ll be downing by the handful.
- Pumpkin Stuffed with Pasta, Fontina, and Sausage – A show-stopping pasta dish served in a carved-out pumpkin.