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.
Betty Crocker Pumpkin Pudding Dump Cake
This mouthwateringly moist Betty Crocker Pumpkin Pudding Dump Cake will live up to your pumpkin spice dreams! It’s everything you want and more this pumpkin season!
Ingredients
- 1 box (4-serving size) Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding & Pie Filling Mix
- 1 ½ cups Stater Bros. 2% Milk
- 1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix
- ½ cup Full Circle Market Organic 100% Pure Pumpkin Purée
- 2 tsp. McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ¼ cup from 1 tub (16 oz.) Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting, as drizzle per tip, if desired
Directions
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13×9-inch pan with cooking spray.
- In large bowl, beat pudding mix and milk with whisk about 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cake mix, pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice until well mixed. Spread batter evenly in pan (mixture will be thick).
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.
Pick Your Favorites at Stater Bros.
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
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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!
Pomegranate-Orange Prosecco Spritz
Fall’s answer to romance. This spritzer is bright, effervescent, and just sweet enough to make hearts flutter.
Juicy pomegranate, a kiss of citrus, and bubbly prosecco come together in a perfect balance of tart and sweet. Garnished with a slice of orange and a few ruby seeds, it’s the kind of drink that begs to be sipped slowly.
Ingredients
- 1 medium navel orange, cut into 4 wedges
- 1 bottle (6.8 fluid ounces) nonalcoholic ginger beer
- 1/2 cup 100% pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup Stater Bros.® 100% Orange Juice
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate arils
- 2 cups dry Prosecco
- 4 cinnamon sticks
- 4 fresh rosemary sprigs
Directions
Fill 4 (20-ounce) stemless wine glasses with ice. Squeeze orange wedges into glasses over ice; place wedges in glasses. Top with ginger beer, pomegranate juice, orange juice and pomegranate arils; stir gently. Top with Prosecco; garnish with cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs.
Approximate nutritional values per serving (1 spritz): 169 Calories, 0g Fat, 0g Saturated Fat, 0mg Cholesterol, 15mg Sodium, 20g Carbohydrates, 1g Fiber, 17g Sugars, 6g Added Sugars, 1g Protein
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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®