As summer nears its end, we tend to hear the same lament at farmers markets: “Oh, I’m so sad summer is gone! There goes fresh fruits and veg, there goes sunny summer days, say goodbye to these lovely farmers markets where I find such fun produce to experiment with!” And every single time we say the same thing…WHAT?!?
Just so everyone is on the same page, farmers are farmers YEAR ROUND and often they appear at farmers markets year round too. While the produce might change, there is no shortage of fresh that you can get your hands on all year.
In fact, fall is one of our very favorite times to be in the kitchen. Maybe it’s because we get to snuggle in and shelter ourselves from the incoming winter chill, but I’m pretty sure it’s because we get to play with some of our favorite vegetables and fruits! Soups and stews we can’t make in the summer, we get to make in the fall! We get to take advantage of heavier meals intended to keep us warm and fill our bellies, and roast all the vegetables our hearts desire!
Fall and winter dining don’t have to be boring, and we’re here to convince you. And in case you need reminding about why continuing to shop at your local farmers market is important, here’s a link for that too.
Here is a quick list of some fruits and veg you can find at your local farmers markets throughout the fall.
Apples
Artichokes
Arugula
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Chard
Cranberries
Eggplant
Fennel
Figs
Garlic
Green beans
Kale
Leeks
Lemongrass
Mushrooms
Pears
Persimmons
Pomegranates
Pumpkins
Shallots
Sweet potatoes
Winter greens
Winter squash
That list is by no means exhaustive, so head to your local farmers market all fall to find more for yourself! Bon appetit, as always!