Fall Fruits And Vegetables To Try: Your Autumn Produce Guide for 2024
Autumn is here, and it’s time to celebrate the bounty of the season!
Fall fruits and vegetables are not just delicious… they’re also packed with nutrients.
Think of vibrant pumpkins, crisp apples, and hearty squash. These fall produce options can elevate your meals with flavor and color.
Want to know the best autumn produce to try this year? Check out our seasonal eating shortlist below.
Fall Vegetables In Season: Farm-to-Table Options to Try
1) Leeks
Leeks are a tasty member of the onion family. They have a mild, sweet flavor that’s great in many dishes. You can eat both the white part and the green leaves.
Where It Grows:
Leeks grow well in cool, rainy places. They also do fine in warmer areas if given enough water and mulch.
When It’s In Season:
Year-round, but best from September to April
How Long It Stores For:
Up to a month, refrigerated and stored in a plastic bag
Recipe Ideas:
- Creamy Potato and Leek Soup
- Leek and Gruyere Quiche
- Roasted Leeks with Balsamic Glaze
2) Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable that comes in various colors, including white, orange, purple, and green. It’s part of the Brassica oleracea species, which also includes broccoli, cabbage, and kale. You can include cauliflower in a wide variety of dishes—it’s one of the most versatile fall fruits and vegetables on our list!
Where It Grows:
Cauliflower thrives in cool temperatures, making it ideal for fall gardens. It grows well in rich, moist soil without drought stress.
When It’s In Season:
Late summer through fall, with peak season from September to November
How Long It Stores For:
Up to 10 days at 41°F with 95% relative humidity for best results
Recipe Ideas:
- Cauliflower Cheese
- Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Chimichurri
- Cauliflower Fried Rice
3) Carrots
Carrots come in a rainbow of colors, including purple, red, white, yellow, and orange. Look for carrots that feel heavy for their size with no spongy bits or brown spots.
Where It Grows:
Carrots thrive in loose, clod-free soil. Raised beds work well for growing larger carrots.
When It’s In Season:
Year-round, but they’re at their peak from June to August in most climates
How Long It Stores For:
Up to a month in the fridge. Keep them in a loosely open plastic bag in the vegetable drawer.
Recipe Ideas:
- Honey-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
- Roasted Carrot and Chickpea Salad
- Carrot and Ginger Soup
4) Turnips
Turnips are vegetables with edible roots and greens. They’re high in fiber, vitamins C and B6, folic acid, calcium, and potassium. Turnips are an excellent choice among fall produce. They offer a mild, slightly peppery flavor that enhances soups, stews, and salads during the chilly autumn months.
Where It Grows:
Turnips thrive in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. They prefer cool conditions and moisture-retentive soil.
When It’s In Season:
Available year-round, with peak season from September through February
How Long It Stores For:
Up to two weeks in the refrigerator or 8 to 10 months in the freezer
Recipe Ideas:
- Mashed Turnips with Butter and Herbs
- Turnip Greens Sautéed with Garlic
- Roasted Turnips and Beets with Honey Drizzle
5) Beets
Beets are root vegetables with a sweet, earthy flavor. You can enjoy them raw, roasted, pickled, or steamed.
Where It Grows:
Beets thrive in well-prepared, fertile soil. They prefer areas with cool summers and cold winters.
When It’s In Season:
During spring and fall
How Long It Stores For:
Raw beets last 2-3 weeks in the fridge; cooked beets keep for 3-5 days in the fridge
Recipe Ideas:
- Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
- Honey-Roasted Beets with Thyme
- Pickled Beets with Dill and Vinegar
6) Kale
Kale is a nutritious leafy green that’s part of the cabbage family. You’ll love its health benefits! It comes in various types, including curly, Tuscan (dinosaur), and red kale.
Where It Grows:
Kale thrives in cool climates with full sun or partial shade. It grows best in fertile, well-drained soil high in organic matter.
When It’s In Season:
Year-round, but it’s at its peak from September through February
How Long It Stores For:
Up to a week in the fridge; frozen kale keeps for up to 6 months
Recipe Ideas:
- Kale Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
- Sautéed Garlic Kale with Parmesan
- Kale and White Bean Soup
7) Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are tiny cabbage-like veggies that grow on tall stalks. They’re part of the Brassica family, which includes cabbage and broccoli.
Where It Grows:
These cool-weather crops thrive in fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. They prefer a soil pH of about 6.8.
When It’s In Season:
Best from September to February
How Long It Stores For:
Up to a month in the fridge
Recipe Ideas:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
- Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Skillet
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries
8) Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are nutritious vegetables packed with beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and minerals. They’re relatively low in calories but offer some protein, calcium, and iron.
Out of all the fall vegetables in season, sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile. You can bake, steam, boil, or mash them.
Where It Grows:
Sweet potatoes thrive in sandy, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They need full sun exposure and prefer hot conditions.
When It’s In Season:
From late August to early November
How Long It Stores For:
3-5 weeks in the pantry or 2-3 months in the fridge
Recipe Ideas:
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Paprika
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
9) Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a delicious addition to your list of fall fruits and vegetables, known for its sweet, nutty flavor in a variety of hearty dishes. This tasty winter squash is perfect for fall cooking. You’ll love its sweet flavor and creamy texture.
Where It Grows:
Butternut squash plants need full sun and slightly acidic to neutral soil. They grow well in almost any climate, but make sure they get at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
When It’s In Season:
From September to December
How Long It Stores For:
2 to 3 months at room temperature
Recipe Ideas:
- Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
- Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry
10) Pumpkins
Pumpkins are fall vegetables perfect for decorations and cooking. They need lots of space to grow, with each plant requiring up to 200 square feet.
Where It Grows:
Pumpkins thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. They grow well in sandy loams to clay loams.
When It’s In Season:
From September to November
How Long It Stores For:
60 to 90 days
Recipe Ideas:
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Roasted Pumpkin and Quinoa Salad
- Pumpkin Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust
Fall Fruits In Season: Sweeten Your Dishes with These Treats!
1) Plums
Plums are sweet, edible stone fruits that come in various colors and shapes. You’ll find them growing in many parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. Plums, among the delightful fall fruits and vegetables, offer a sweet burst of flavor to your dishes.
Where It Grows:
Plum trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for proper fruit development.
When It’s In Season:
From September to December
How Long It Stores For:
2-3 days at room temperature or 3-5 days in the fridge
Recipe Ideas:
- Plum Crisp with Oat Topping
- Spiced Plum Jam
- Grilled Plums with Honey and Yogurt
2) Kiwi
Kiwi, or kiwifruit, is a tropical fruit with a fuzzy brown skin and sweet-tart flesh. It’s perfect for fruit salads, smoothies, and more. You’ll love its unique flavor in the kitchen.
Where It Grows:
Kiwifruit vines thrive in areas with winter temperatures below 45°F for 600-700 hours and a frost-free season of 225-240 days. They need frequent irrigation or rainfall to grow well.
When It’s In Season:
From October through May
How Long It Stores For:
2-3 days at room temperature or 3-5 days in the fridge
Recipe Ideas:
- Kiwi and Spinach Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
- Kiwi Smoothie Bowl with Granola and Nuts
- Kiwi Tart with Almond Crust and Whipped Cream
3) Quince
Quince is a unique fruit that looks like a mix of an apple and a pear. You’ll love its sweet floral scent. These golden fruits are rare in some places, making them a special treat.
Where It Grows:
Quince trees thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
When It’s In Season:
From September to December
How Long It Stores For:
Weeks at room temperature; months in a cool, dry place
Recipe Ideas:
- Quince and Apple Crumble
- Poached Quince with Honey and Cinnamon
- Quince Paste for Cheese Platters
4) Grapes
Grapes thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. You’ll find them across the world, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Grapes, among all the fall fruits in season, bring a burst of sweetness to both fresh snacks and culinary creations.
Where It Grows:
Grapes grow best in areas with winter temperatures below 45°F for 600-700 hours and a frost-free season of 225-240 days. They need frequent irrigation or rainfall to grow well.
When It’s In Season:
From August to October
How Long It Stores For:
Up to three weeks in the refrigerator
Recipe Ideas:
- Grape & Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
- Roasted Grape and Herb Flatbread
- Homemade Grape Jelly for Toasts and Spreads
5) Cranberries
Cranberries grow in bogs, thriving in cool climates with sandy, well-drained soil. You’ll find them in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington.
Where It Grows:
These berries grow on low-lying vines in bogs. The center of the berries contains air pockets, making them buoyant.
When It’s In Season:
From October through December (or even early January)
How Long It Stores For:
Two weeks in the fridge; up to a year in the freezer
Recipe Ideas:
- Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
- Spiced Cranberry Relish
- Cranberry and Pecan Salad with Feta Cheese
6) Pomegranates
Pomegranates thrive in warm, arid regions like parts of Arizona and California. These ruby gems add pops of sweet tartness to your dishes.
Where It Grows:
You’ll find pomegranates growing in sunny spots that get at least 6 hours of direct sun. They’re native to India and Iran, and are widely cultivated across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of the U.S.
When It’s In Season:
From September through November, with some varieties available into December or early January
How Long It Stores For:
On the counter for a week or in the fridge for up to 3 months
Recipe Ideas:
- Pomegranate Molasses Glazed Chicken
- Pomegranate and Walnut Salad with Feta
- Pomegranate-Cranberry Smoothie
7) Persimmons
Persimmons are vibrant orange fruits that brighten up autumn and winter. You’ll find two main types: Fuyu and Hachiya. Fuyu persimmons are squat and can be eaten when firm or soft. Hachiya persimmons are heart-shaped and should only be eaten when very ripe.
Where It Grows:
You can grow persimmon trees in USDA zones 4 through 9. They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil.
When It’s In Season:
From October to January
How Long It Stores For:
Weeks (or sometimes months) in the fridge
Recipe Ideas:
- Spiced Persimmon Chutney
- Persimmon and Kale Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
- Persimmon Pudding Cake
8) Figs
Figs are sweet, delicate fruits that thrive in warm, dry climates. You’ll find them growing in California’s Central Valley. These luscious fruits come in various types, including Mission, Brown Turkey, Sierra, and Tiger, each with unique flavors.
Where It Grows:
Figs flourish in sunny spots with well-drained soil. They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In the U.S., you’ll find most fig trees in Madera, Fresno, and Merced counties.
When It’s In Season:
From mid-May through November
How Long It Stores For:
5-7 days in the fridge or 3-4 days at room temperature
Recipe Ideas:
- Fig and Goat Cheese Flatbread
- Fresh Fig and Prosciutto Salad
- Honey-Roasted Figs with Yogurt
9) Pears
Pears are a beloved autumn fruit, signaling the start of the season. They’re grown in the Pacific Northwest, where rich volcanic soil and ideal climate conditions create perfect growing conditions. Pears ripen off the tree, so they’re picked when mature but not yet ripe.
Where It Grows:
Pears thrive in the Pacific Northwest, where the cool, rainy climate and fertile soil create ideal growing conditions.
When It’s In Season:
From July to January
How Long It Stores For:
3-5 days in the refrigerator
Recipe Ideas:
- Poached Pears in Red Wine
- Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
- Caramelized Pear Tart
10) Apples
We can’t wrap up our list of fall fruits and vegetables without talking about apples.
Apples are a beloved fall fruit, perfect for picking and enjoying. You’ll find many varieties to choose from, each with its own unique flavor.
Where It Grows:
You can find apple orchards across the U.S., from Pennsylvania to Oregon. Many farms welcome visitors to pick their own apples.
When It’s In Season:
From August to October
How Long It Stores For:
Multiple months (with proper storage)
Recipe Ideas:
- Classic Apple Crisp
- Homemade Applesauce
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Enjoy Seasonal Eating with Gobble!
Embracing fall seasonal produce supports local farmers and enhances your meals with the vibrant flavors of autumn. No one is more excited for the season than our chefs at Gobble, who have crafted a fall menu that you won’t be able to resist.
We celebrate seasonal eating by sourcing the freshest ingredients, tailoring our menus to showcase the unique flavors and nutritional benefits of winter fruits and vegetables, summer fruits and vegetables, spring fruits and vegetables, and of course—autumn ones!
Our chefs make sure every dish is a true reflection of the season’s bounty.
New to Gobble and want to know how it works?
It’s simple: choose from our weekly menu, get fresh ingredients delivered to your door, and create delicious meals in just 15 minutes! Choose from the Classic Plan, Lean and Clean Plan, and numerous options to fit your dietary needs and preferences.
Now’s the perfect time to join thousands of satisfied customers lining up to taste this year’s fall menu. Get your first six fall meals for only $36! Whether you’re looking for a meal delivery service for families or healthy meal kits for one, Gobble has you covered.
Don’t wait until fall is over and risk missing out on the unforgettable food you’ll be dreaming about all year long! With a meal kit service from Gobble, you’ll get to experience all these seasonal fruits and vegetables in new and exciting ways.
