Okay, we want you to stop for a minute, close your eyes, and consider your favorite way to spend a Saturday wherever in the world you live. When we do this, we can’t help but think about grabbing a cup of coffee at our favorite local coffee shop, perusing books at the local book store, and stopping by the farmers market to purchase ingredients for the fresh meal we’ll be cooking later. If you’re like us and fancy a farmers market trip, you’ll want to read up on what you can start snagging this fall.
If you’re a planner, here are a few things to keep in mind before you get to the farmers market:
- Check out your local farmers market Facebook or Instagram to see what will be there.
- Plan your recipe(s) ahead so you know what you need.
- Make it a point to try something new.
- Treat yourself to something that isn’t produce. Farmers markets are the best for local handmade soaps, desserts, breads, and art.
So what can you even shop for throughout the fall at a farmer’s market? Don’t worry, we got you! Here is our list of fruits and vegetables that just hit differently in the fall:
- Apples. Apples are good all year round, but during the fall they are really at their prime. And there’s so much you can do with apples! Apples pair great with pork for a sweet and savory dish, and of course, we know apples make delicious desserts. (Can’t forget the apple cider!)
- Winter greens. Collard, mustard, and turnip greens are all readily available throughout the fall and so on, and these greens don’t get the recognition they deserve. Use these as you would any other greens to make a fresh green salad or pair with hummus and other vegetables for a veggie wrap.
- Pears. Another fall favorite that can made savory or enjoyed sweet. Personally, we love baking pears and topping them off with a little cinnamon, sugar, and caramel for a comforting fall dessert.
- Sweet potatoes. Tis the season! We’ve come to the conclusion you either love them or you hate them, and no matter where you stand, you can’t deny their versatility. Mashed sweet potatoes, sweet potato fries, baked sweet potatoes, you name it.
- Winter squash. Despite its name, winter squash becomes readily available early fall, and if you’re a squash lover, you know just how many dishes you can prepare using this vegetable.
- Carrots. Carrots are at their peak during the fall, and what better excuse to whip up a homemade carrot cake complete with cream cheese frosting?
- Pumpkin. We love pumpkin for so many reasons: coffee, decor, pie, coffee, bread, soup, coffee, cheesecake, cookies, did we mention coffee? Fall is THE time to start snagging pumpkins for all your pumpkin-y needs.
- Broccoli and cauliflower. Sure, these vegetables are available all year round at the grocery store, but they’re at their peak throughout the fall.
- Figs. Another super versatile fruit, the fig. Charcuterie enthusiasts know that fresh fig on a charcuterie platter can go a long way; figs can also be enjoyed in baked goods, in traditionally savory dishes, even with ice cream!
