Crisp air, golden leaves crunching beneath your feet, your coziest sweater, fall has officially arrived. A season full of comforting aromas of warm spices, along with home-cooked meals, and the hearty flavors of seasonal produce at its very best.

From October through early December, our markets are filled with autumn fruits. Think juicy apples, vibrant pomegranates, sweet persimmons, and, of course, pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. While some of these fruits and veggies are available year-round, there’s something special about enjoying them in their true season, when their flavor, texture, and nutritional value are at their peak.

Ready to savor the season? Here’s your guide to the best fall fruits to pick up and enjoy right now.

Pumpkins

No fall season feels complete without pumpkins. They’re the undisputed stars of autumn. This seasonal squash comes in a stunning variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, adding festive charm to both your kitchen and your décor. But pumpkins offer more than just good looks; They are an incredibly nutritious food. They’re packed with health benefits from vitamins and minerals, along with their low sugar and high fiber content. Pumpkins also give you a hefty dose of beta carotene, which is partially converted into Vitamin A, which can help fight infection. They are also high in potassium and fiber, which supports heart health. Plus, pumpkins are very versatile in the kitchen, lending themselves to both sweet and savory dishes. From creamy, comforting soups to savory side dishes and, of course, those irresistible pumpkin-spiced desserts, there’s no shortage of delicious ways to enjoy this fall flavor.

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Apples

If pumpkins are the iconic vegetable of fall, then apples are undoubtedly the season’s signature fruit. Though available year-round, apples truly shine in autumn, when they’re at their freshest and most flavorful. Packed with fiber and immune-boosting vitamin C, they make an ideal seasonal snack. During harvest time, a wide range of apple varieties becomes available, many of which are hard to find at other times of the year. Each type offers something unique, varying in texture, size, tartness, sweetness, and color. Much like pumpkins, apples are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Toss them into a crisp salad, bake them into a cozy dessert, or transform them into homemade apple cider.

Some popular varieties include Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Red and Golden Delicious. And if you’re looking to bake an apple pie, Granny Smith and Golden Delicious are your apples.

Persimmons

Persimmons may not be the most common fruit, but their unique flavor makes them unforgettable. When ripe, these vibrant fruits are soft, juicy, and incredibly sweet, often compared to honey. Their texture is similar to that of an apricot, with slightly thicker skin that you can peel or eat as is.

Perfect on their own, persimmons also shine in salads and make a delicious addition to fall desserts. If you spot them during your next grocery run, don’t pass them up, they just might become your new seasonal favorite.

When selecting persimmons, look for a glossy, deep red color and a firmness that gives slightly, much like a ripe avocado. Don’t worry if you see a few black lines on the skin; it’s a natural sign of ripeness.

How we’re serving them:

Sliced and served with whipped cream and candied walnuts
Sliced and sprinkled with cinnamon for a bit of spice

Pomegranates

This fall favorite is sweet and tangy, and contains an abundance of healthy antioxidants. The inside is filled with mini seeds with a juicy layer called an “aril”. They’re often pressed into juices, placed atop salads, and added to yogurt for an extra crunch. If you see some in the produce section, make sure you pick some up! Pomegranates are only available during the fall season.

Many people are intimidated by how long it takes to de-seed a pomegranate, but there’s a quick and easy method! Simply slice the fruit in half across the middle, gently pull the edges to loosen the seeds, then hold it over a bowl and tap the back firmly with a wooden spoon. The seeds will fall right out. Just pick out any bits of white pith, and you’re ready to enjoy!

References

Pumpkin: Nutrition, Benefits, and How to Eat It healthline.com/nutrition/pumpkin-nutrition-review#health-benefits

The Best Apple Varieties to Bake, Cook, Blend, and Eat | Readers.com®