Fall Produce Is Here!

September is a month of transition, and that's apparent (and delicious) at the farmer's market! Summer produce is still hanging around, but fall favorites are beginning to appear. Juicy tomatoes and peppers share space with apples, squash, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.

Rather than thinking of seasonal eating as a strict change from one season to another, think of September as an opportunity to enjoy the best of both.

Start with Apples

Apples are one of the quintessential signs of fall.

They make an easy snack on their own, but they're also incredibly versatile. Slice them over oatmeal, add them to salads, pair them with almond butter, or chop them into grain bowls for a little natural sweetness and added fiber. 

Keep the Tomatoes Coming

If your garden or farmers market is still full of tomatoes, keep enjoying them.

Late-summer tomatoes are perfect for:

• Fresh salsa
  
• Pasta sauce 
• Sandwiches
• Salads
• Soups

Pair them with fresh basil, olive oil, and whole grains for an easy plant-forward meal.

Bring on the Squash

As temperatures begin to cool, winter squash starts making its way back onto the table.

Butternut, acorn, delicata, and spaghetti squash can be roasted, blended into soups, stuffed with grains and vegetables, or added to salads.

Their naturally sweet, hearty flavor makes them a perfect bridge between summer and fall cooking.

Add More Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another versatile fall favorite.

Roast them for grain bowls, mash them as a side dish, add them to soups, or cut them into wedges for an easy snack or side. Pairing sweet potatoes with leafy greens and plant-based protein creates a simple, balanced meal.

Don't Forget Leafy Greens

Cooler temperatures make hearty greens particularly appealing.

Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and other greens can be added to soups, salads, smoothies, grain bowls, and sautés.

Let the Seasons Overlap

You don't need to stop eating watermelon because apples are arriving or abandon tomatoes because squash is coming into season.

September is about enjoying the overlap. Combining late-summer ingredients with early fall produce can create some of the most interesting and tasty meals of the year.

Try a salad with apples, kale, roasted squash, and toasted nuts. Add tomatoes and corn to a grain bowl with roasted sweet potatoes. September gives us the best of both worlds: the final abundance of summer alongside the comforting ingredients of fall. Fill your kitchen with colorful produce, try something new, and enjoy the transition one delicious meal at a time.