Fall is just around the corner, which means the best of two seasons this month! In addition to corn, tomatoes and melons, sweet potatoes, squash and apples come into season this month.
WHAT’S IN SEASON IN SEPTEMBER?
- Fruits: Raspberries are still in season during September as well as grapes and melons. All are wonderful in hearty fruit salads and refreshing drinks. Or just enjoy September fruits on their own as a healthy snack.
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, corn and cucumbers are still plentiful and can be enjoyed in both soups and salads this month. If you’re ready for fall, try cooking with Brussels sprouts, eggplant, sweet potatoes and parsnips this month.
Fall is almost here! I’m as excited as you are, but let’s enjoy the last of that summertime produce while we still can. A month from now were going to miss all the fresh tomatoes and corn on the cob.
Of course, I’m 100% ready for all things fall, which officially begins September 21. Mostly I’m ready for football, and delicious game day food, like caramelized onion dip, and street corn everything! And wings, of course, but those are always in-season, aren’t they.
You still have time to incorporate fresh raspberries into your menu. And then it’s time to embrace apple season. Whether you go to the orchard and pick your own, or pick up apples at your local farmer’s market, you’ll be able to enjoy this versatile fruit in cakes, pies and cobblers this month.
Whether you’re enjoying the lingering days of summer, or ready to jump into the cool, crisp days of fall, there are plenty of options for using seasonal produce this month.. Here’s a list of the some most popular fruits and vegetables that are in season during the month of September.
WHY COOK WITH WHAT’S IN SEASON?
- Seasonal food is fresher and more nutritious than out-of-season food. Fruits and vegetables start losing nutrients the moment they’re picked, so the quicker food reaches the table, the more nutritious it will be.
- You’ll save money using in-season foods. Especially if you grow your own fruits and vegetables. And locally grown produce doesn’t have to travel far to reach you–those savings are passed on to you!
- You’re likely to try new ingredients, and a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, if you are focused on cooking and baking with what’s in season.
- You’ll rely less on global, industrial agriculture, which is better for the environment.
- Fresh, locally grown (if possible) in-season produce just tastes better! If you’re lucky enough to have year round farmer’s markets where you live, that’s the best place to find delicious seasonal produce. Plus it helps support the local economy and farmers.
Pickled Red Onions
You only need three simple ingredients to make this tangy pickled onions! They’re perfect on burgers, sandwiches salads and more.
Balsamic Roasted Mini Peppers
Sweet, colorful mini peppers are roasted with garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a dash of salt in pepper in these incredibly easy, healthy side dish that goes with almost any meal.
Traditional Afghan Salad
Loaded with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce, and tossed with a bit of lime juice, this light, refreshing side-dish is the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal.
Foil Pack Steak Fajitas
Flank steak, peppers and onions are grilled in foil, then rolled in flour tortillas with sour cream and guacamole in this yummy Tex-Mex meal.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
This easy to make corn salsa if fresh tasting, delicious, and just like the corn salsa at Chipotle restaurants.
Beef Pineapple Curry
Thinly sliced beef with pineapple chunks and red peppers in a creamy, coconut milk based curry.
Roasted Broccoli with Breadcrumbs
Broccoli is roasted with garlic and seasonings, then tossed with toasted breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in these easy, healthy side dish.
Simple Israeli Salad
Cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion and parsley are tossed with a lemon tahini dressing in this fresh, delicious and simple salad.
Cucumber Tea Sandwiches
Herbed cream cheese is layered with thinly sliced cucumbers in these beautiful little sandwiches that are perfect for any special occasion, including Easter and Mother’s Day.
Confetti Corn with Orzo
Orzo pasta is combined with corn, peppers and savory seasonings in this easy, colorful side dish that’s perfect with almost any meal.
Skillet Raspberry Brownies
Rich chocolate brownies are baked with chocolate filled raspberry squares and fresh raspberries in this decadent dessert recipe.
Roasted Poblano Chicken and Corn Chowder
Chicken, roasted poblano peppers, corn, potatoes, bacon and cheese come together in a rich, creamy broth for a comforting, flavorful soup the whole family will love.
Sweet Potato, Quinoa and Chicken Chili (Slow Cooker)
Black beans, sweet potatoes, chicken and quinoa simmer in the slow cooker to create this healthy, hearty meal that’s an easy dinner solution for a cold winter evening.
Easy Roasted Tomato Chutney
This simple tomato chutney is bursting with flavor, and the perfect condiment for sandwiches, grilled meats and fish, and it makes a great bruschetta too.
Berry Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon, strawberries and blueberries are tossed with mint and feta cheese in a honey-lime poppy seed dressing to create this light, refreshing summer salad.
Creamy Tomato Parmesan Soup
Homemade tomato soup with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. You many never eat the canned stuff again after trying this easy recipe.
Spicy Pork Tacos with Green Apple Slaw
Savory marinated pork is served in tortillas with a tangy green apple slaw and a drizzle of lemon yogurt sauce in these tasty tacos that are bursting with flavor
Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp
Fresh, in season pears and cranberries are lightly spiced and baked with a crumbly oat topping in this comforting fall dessert. Delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Air Fryer Asian Sesame Broccoli
Made in the air fryer and garnished with toasted sesame seeds, this crispy broccoli side dish is bursting with the flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, with a hint of sweetness from honey.
Roasted Sweet Potato Chickpea Grain Bowls
Brown rice is topped off with roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, then tossed with a tangy sriracha lime dressing in this healthy meal option.
Orange Pineapple Chicken Pasta Salad
Rotini pasta is tossed with pineapple, mandarin oranges and tender chicken, then mixed in a slightly sweet and savory dressing in this popular potluck salad.
Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers
Sweet bell peppers are stuffed with a cheesy chicken filling in this hearty, satisfying Tex-Mex dinner, that’s a delicious twist on traditional enchiladas.
No-Bake Raspberry Cream Cheese Pie
A sweet cream cheese base is topped with a tart raspberry filling plus more fresh raspberries in this easy no-bake pie that’s sure to be a summer time favorite.
Slow Cooker Chicken Posole
Chicken and hominy are slow cooked in a seasoned, tomato based broth, then topped with fresh herbs and vegetables in this classic Mexican soup recipe.
Roasted Tomato Salsa
Roma tomatoes and green onions are roasted until charred, then combined with chipotle peppers, garlic, herbs and spices in this smoky, flavorful salsa.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Buttery pan fried onions are mixed with sour cream, mayonnaise and spices in this savory dip.