Your guide to fall’s coziest and most colorful produce
October brings the true heart of the autumnal produce season. This is when late summer produce like figs and grapes overlap with hearty autumn vegetables like winter squash, Brussels sprouts, and kale. The weather cools, the recipes get cozier, and the variety at peak ripeness is at an all-time high.
Here’s what October produce to shop for—and how to make the most of it.
Fruits in Season in October
Apples
Apple season is still going strong! Crisp, sweet, tart—there’s a variety for every recipe and snack plate. → Explore apple recipes for snacking, baking, and more
Pears
Juicy and elegant, pears shine in both sweet and savory recipes. Try them roasted, poached, or sliced raw with cheese.
Grapes
Cooler nights deepen the flavor of fall grapes. Roast them for a sweet-savory topping or enjoy fresh by the handful.
Keep reading: A Complete Guide to Grapes
Cranberries
These tart berries start appearing in early fall and are excellent for sauces, baking, and even roasting alongside vegetables.
Figs
Soft, floral figs are in their final weeks—slice them into salads, bake into pastries, or enjoy fresh with honey.
Blackberries
One of the last berries to linger into fall, blackberries are dark, juicy, and great in jam, pie, or smoothies.
Pomegranates
Their bright, juicy arils add a burst of color and tang to fall salads, bowls, and roasts.
Vegetables in Season in October
Pumpkins & Winter Squash
It’s gourd season! Beyond jack-o’-lanterns, October is prime time for squash varieties like:
- Butternut: Smooth, nutty, perfect for soups and roasting
- Acorn: Mild and slightly sweet, great for stuffing
- Honeynut: A smaller, sweeter butternut
- Kabocha & Koginut: Rich, dense, and ideal for stews
- Delicata: Thin-skinned and easy to roast
- Spaghetti Squash: Stringy and low-carb, great with sauces
Hungry? Try this One-Pan Chicken & Winter Squash
Brussels Sprouts
Whether roasted, shredded, or sautéed, Brussels are a fall favorite for good reason: they’re flavorful, hearty, and crisp up beautifully.
Cauliflower & Broccoli
These cool-weather crops are peaking in flavor. Roast, steam, or blitz into soups or mash for a cozy side dish.
Kale & Cabbage
Leafy greens like kale and cabbage become sweeter after a chill—perfect for soups, sautés, and slaws.
Turnips, Sweet Potatoes & Potatoes
Root veggies offer grounding, satisfying flavor this time of year. Roast them solo or toss into stews and casseroles.
Eggplant
On its way out, but still delicious in early October—especially when roasted or layered into bakes.
Onions (Yellow, White, Red)
Long-lasting and endlessly versatile, onions are foundational to fall cooking.
Maitake Mushrooms
Earthy and meaty, maitake (or hen-of-the-woods) are a must for fall risottos, roasts, and stir-fries. → Check out our favorite mushroom recipes
More Cozy Fall Recipe Ideas
- Whole Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Herb Sauce
- Frozen Persimmons and Mozzarella
- Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Want to Shop Seasonal Year-Round?
Now you know exactly when to buy fall produce in season. Explore our ultimate Seasonal Produce Guide to see what’s in season every month—plus how to make the most of it.