October Produce Guide

What’s in season in October?

October is the first full month of fall, and with it comes a definite cold bite to the air at night. The farmers’ markets are full of fall produce so start enjoying the warm flavors and using all the seasonal produce in the kitchen.

Apples

Whether you want to crunch into a fresh apple straight off the tree, simmer a big pot of applesauce or bake an all-American pie, there’s an apple varietal to meet your needs.

AWESOME APPLE RECIPES:

• Apple Cider Chicken Skillet by Well Plated
• Healthy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal by Foolproof Living
• Healthy Apple Crisp by Erin Lives Whole

Beets

Beets are extremely easy to grow and respond very favorably to the cooling conditions of late summer into fall. One of the beautiful options, from rich ones to extra sweet and earthy golden varieties.

AWESOME BEET RECIPES:

• Balsamic Roasted Beets by Joy Food Sunshine
• Chocolate Beet Snack Cake by Simple Bites
• Beet Hummus by The Forked Spoon

Broccoli

Broccoli is a great nutritional source: high in vitamins and fiber, but low in carbohydrates. Peel the stalks and they make a great raw snack or can even be roasted with root veggies.

AWESOME BROCCOLI RECIPES:

• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli by Easy Family Recipes
• Healthy Broccoli Potato Soup by My Vegan Minimalist
• No Mayo Broccoli Salad by Creme de la Crumb

Brussels Sprouts

Full of vitamins C and K, and antioxidants Brussels sprouts can be delicious when prepared properly. Pair them with something slightly sweet for great change of pace.

AWESOME BRUSSELS SPROUTS RECIPES:

• Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts by Well Plated
• Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad by Two Peas & Their Pod
• Brussels Sprouts Gratin by The Chunky Chef

Cabbage

We now know this hardy vegetable is antioxidant- and nutrient-rich and a great addition to any garden! Try roasting wedges or braising with apples. Or even stuff individual leaves with meat and rice to be simmered in a rich tomato sauce!

AWESOME CABBAGE RECIPES:

• Cabbage Soup by Carlsbad Cravings
• No Mayo Healthy Coleslaw by Ambitious Kitchen
• Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles by Butter For All

Carrots

When in season, freshly harvest carrots have a depth of flavor that is wonderful. Carrots are fabulous roasted or turned into soups.

AWESOME CARROT RECIPES:

• Creamy Carrot Soup by Natasha’s Kitchen
• Healthy Carrot Cake Cupcakes by Chocolate Covered Katie
• Creamy Carrot Orecchiette Pasta by Feasting at Home

Cauliflower

You can make cauliflower and cheese, mashed, riced, and even roasted as steaks for a plant-based main course alternative. Has become the go-to low carb replacement.

AWESOME CAULIFLOWER RECIPES:

• Garlic Butter Mashed Cauliflower by Healthy Fitness Meals
• Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese by Spend with Pennies
• Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup by Cookie and Kate

Celery

Celery on it’s own can be almost earthy and sweet. Pairs beautifully in salads with apples or fennel.

AWESOME CELERY RECIPES:

• Cozy Celery Soup by The Endless Meal
• Celery Salad with Dates, Almonds and Parmesan by Cookie and Kate
• Italian Cream Cheese Stuffed Celery by Plain Chicken

Corn

Sweet corn at the end of summer and into fall is so tasty. Corn cut off the cob sautés beautifully with some fresh herbs and butter for those looking for a unique holiday side dish.

AWESOME CORN RECIPES:

• Easy Mexican Street Corn by Food with Feeling
• Fresh Corn Salad by Yellow Bliss Road
• Summer Corn Chowder by Aberdeen’s Kitchen

Cranberries

Tart berries that are great when paired with other fruits for fall desserts. Get creative with these healthy vitamin C and antioxidant packed bombs.

AWESOME CRANBERRY RECIPES:

• Russian Cranberry Drink (Mors) by Cooking the Globe
• Baked Cranberry Chicken with Rosemary by The Mediterranean Dish
• Healthy Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Bread by Lively Table

Eggplant

Eggplant is a dark, glossy purple vegetable packed with nutrition. Pair this creamy and earthy vegetable with bell peppers and tomatoes for an early fall pasta, or stuff it with ground meat and spices for a low carb choice.

AWESOME EGGPLANT RECIPES:

• Crispy Baked Eggplant by Backyard Bohemian
• Eggplant Parmigiana (Italian Eggplant Parmesan) by Inside the Rustic Kitchen
• Braised Harissa Eggplant with Chickpeas by The First Mess

Figs

Figs come in a variety of colors and levels of sweetness. From the rich, jam-y Mission figs to the more vegetal Kadota ones, they are a great addition to any fall cheese plate or salad.

AWESOME FIG RECIPES:

• Fig Tart with Coconut-Cashew Cream by Rainbow Plant Life
• Fig Caramelized Onion Pizza by Nutmeg Nanny
• Fig, Honey and Goat Cheese Galette by Kitchen Confidante

Grapes

Early fall you can find really fresh grapes of all varieties. From dark and crisp black grapes to the incredibly sweet green princess grapes.

AWESOME GRAPE RECIPES:

• Kale, Grape, and Farro Salad with Feta by Cooking Classy
• Roasted Grape Mascarpone Tart by Emma Duckworth Bakes
• Roasted Chicken, Grapes, and Rosemary by Reluctant Entertainer

Leeks

A cousin to onions and garlic, leeks are milder in flavor and become sweet when roasted or braised.

AWESOME LEEK RECIPES:

• Healthy Potato Leek Soup by Well Plated
• Creamy Mushroom and Leek Chicken Breasts by Foodie Crush
• Parmesan Roasted Leeks by Spend with Pennies

Melons

Fresh, sweet melons pair wonderfully with salty foods and make for excellent appetizers at autumn parties.

AWESOME MELON RECIPES:

• Watermelon Smoothie by I Heart Naptime
• Spiced Cantaloupe Tea Loaf by Jo Cooks
• Watermelon Skewers With Prosciutto by Recipes From a Pantry

Pears

A fall classic, with several varieties and different textures, they can go sweet or savory, soft or crunchy. Pears can be stored for a long time as long as they are not bruised.

AWESOME PEAR RECIPES:

• Cinnamon Walnut Pear Crisp by Ambitious Kitchen
• Baked Pears with Honey, Pecans, & Cinnamon by Easy Peasy Creative Ideas
• Arugula Pear Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts by Family Style Food

Peppers

Take advantage of the last of the fresh peppers at the markets in October. A fresh pepper harvested in season is so much more flavorful than the versions found the rest of the year.

AWESOME PEPPER RECIPES:

• Italian Stuffed Peppers by Little Sunny Kitchen
• Chicken Fajitas by Downshiftology
• Vegan Roasted Red Pepper Pasta by Vegan Heaven

Persimmons

Bright orange fruits coming in two varieties; squat fuyus are to be eaten when firm and perfect in a salad, oblong hachiyas needs to be left to ripen until fully soft before eating.

AWESOME PERSIMMON RECIPES:

• Arugula Persimmon Salad by Real and Vibrant
• Soft and Moist Persimmon Cookies by Two Peas and Their Pod
• Persimmon Ginger Chicken by Abbey’s Kitchen

Pomegranates

One of the gems of the fall fruit season. Pomegranates give you that great pop of tart sweetness on a salad or creamy dessert.

AWESOME POMEGRANATE RECIPES:

• Spinach, Apple, and Pomegranate Salad by Countryside Cravings
• No-Bake Chocolate Pomegranate Fudge Tart by Wife Mama Foodie
• Pomegranate Chicken by Our Salty Kitchen

Potatoes

Fresh crop is right around October. Fall is a great time to embrace this comforting vegetable that is the perfect base for so many dishes.

AWESOME POTATO RECIPES:

• Crispy Garlic Butter Potatoes by Sprinkles & Sprouts
• Classic French-Style Potato Salad by Pardon Your French
• Skinny Crockpot Potato Soup by Carlsbad Cravings

Pumpkins

All things pumpkins! With plenty of options you can roast them, fill them with soup or custard, batter and fry slices. Experiment with the different varieties!

AWESOME PUMPKIN RECIPES:

• Butter Chicken Pumpkin Curry by A Saucy Kitchen
• Healthy Pumpkin Bread by Kristine’s Kitchen
• Thai Coconut Pumpkin Soup by Just a Taste

Radishes

Fall is the perfect time to try them roasted or sauteed or stick with them in your salad. Cooking brings out the natural sweetness of these normally spicy vegetables.

AWESOME RADISH RECIPES:

• Garlic Roasted Radishes by The Real Food Dietitians
• Radish Chips by Kimspired DIY
• Radish Salad with Radish Top Pesto by Love & Lemons

Romanesco

Also known as a romanesco cauliflower. A delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with citrus.

AWESOME ROMANESCO RECIPES:

• Roasted Romanesco and Radicchio Salad by Breaking Bread with Ashley
• Whole Roasted Romanesco by This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
• Nutty Roasted Romanesco Curry by Searching for Spice

Sweet Potatoes

Less starchy than standard potatoes, sweet potatoes come in a variety of colors and flavors. And don’t be afraid to eat the skin – that’s where a lot of the best nutrients are!

AWESOME SWEET POTATO RECIPES:

• Vegan Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes by Joyful Healthy Eats
• Healthy Sweet Potato Pie by Amy’s Healthy Baking
• Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole by Eating Bird Food

Tomatoes

Last chance to can some for-winter use or just relish in those last few lightly acidic bites. Tomatoes are a great addition to your immune boosting fall meals.

AWESOME TOMATO RECIPES:

• Parmesan Zucchini and Tomato Gratin by Delicious Meets Healthy
• Baked Tomatoes with Mozzarella & Parmesan by The Cookie Rookie
• Simple Tomato Panzanella Salad by The Mediterranean Dish

Winter Squash

Several varieties of winter squash have arrived at the markets. The most common, butternuts are incredibly versatile. Roasted whole, its soft texture can be a fun change from mashed potatoes.

AWESOME WINTER SQUASH RECIPES:

• Vegan Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese by The Simple Veganista
• Spaghetti Squash Lasagna by Savory Experiments
• Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup by Omnivore’s Cookbook

Drop us a line with any question on fall produce.