Other than cool weather, there’s a few things that come with the fall season; special holidays, spicy yet warm scents, and delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables. In the months of October, November, and early December come an array of flavorful seasonal produce like apples, pomegranates, and pumpkins. While some of the produce is available year-round, the autumn season is the best time to pick up these fruits and vegetables, while they’re at peak flavor. So if you’re looking to warm up during these cold months, head over to your local Stater Bros. Market before the harvest season is over.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are undoubtedly the iconic vegetable of the fall season and for many it’s not autumn without it! A seasonal squash; this delicious vegetable comes in many varieties, shapes, colors, and sizes. The reason why pumpkins are so popular is because they contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids and they’re very versatile in the kitchen. Pumpkins can be made into hearty soups, savory sides, and of course pumpkin spiced desserts.
To make fresh pumpkin puree for recipes all you need to do is cut them in half, scoop out the seeds, sprinkle a bit of salt, and roast them in an oven until tender. Then just scoop out the soft pumpkin and puree in a food processor or blender until smooth.
And of course, pumpkins are great for decorating! Paint them in warm colors for a nice fall inspired centerpiece or carve them into Jack-O-Lanterns to make your home a little spooky. But don’t throw out those pumpkin seeds, turn them into a tasty snack by roasting and sprinkling on a bit of salt.
Need recipe ideas? Here’s some of our favorites:
Apples
If pumpkins are the fall vegetable icon, then apples are the fall fruit icon. While apples may be enjoyed year-round, they are in peak season and most delicious during the autumn. During the harvest season, apples come in many varieties that you can’t find year round. They also vary quite differently in texture, size, tartness, sweetness, and color depending on the specific one you buy. And like pumpkins, apples are quite versatile in the kitchen. Use them in a salad for a nice crunch, bake them into a warm dessert, or you can even make them into homemade apple cider.
For the perfect fall season treat, enjoy them with caramel dip. But be careful, they’re irresistible!
Some popular varieties include Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Pink Lady, Opal, and Macintosh. Check out our weekly ad to see which variety is on sale.
What we’re cooking up:
- Salted Caramel Apple Hand Pies
- Mini Brie and Apple Quiches
- Rotisserie Chicken and Apple-Kale Slaw Wrap
Persimmons
Persimmons are not a common fruit and they definitely have an uncommon flavor! These bright fruits are soft, sweet, and juicy when ripe. Many describe the flavor to be honey-like with the texture of an apricot and a slightly thick skin which you can peel or leave on. Persimmons are great by themselves, in salads, and excellent in desserts. If you see these wonderful little fruits next time you’re in-store, pick some up, they might become your new fall favorite.
Look for glossy, deep red color, and firm-yet-soft (like a ripe avocado) persimmons when choosing them. You might notice that some persimmons might have a few black lines which is totally normal and indicates ripeness.
If you’re using the fruit in a baked dessert we do recommend peeling beforehand. Persimmon skin can be quite tough when baked.
How we’re serving them:
- Wild Rice and Baby Kale Salad with Persimmons
- Sliced and served with whipped cream and candied walnuts
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are always a fall favorite because they’re sweet and tangy, and contain an abundance of healthy antioxidants. The inside is filled with mini seeds with a juicy layer called an “arils”. 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 are intimated by the amount of time it takes to de-seed a pomegranate but, did you know there’s an easy way? It’s simple, just slice in half in the middle, pull the edges just a bit, and take a wooden spoon and hit the back repeatedly over a bowl. The seeds will fall out easily and all you’ll have to do is remove the fallen white bits and then enjoy!
Recipes:
- Red Cabbage and Pomegranate Salad
- Pomegranate arils served with lime juice and chili spice blend like Tajín
Share your fall favorites with us by tagging us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We’d love to see what you’re cooking up during these cool months.