What's In Season for September: Fresh Produce Guide with Recipes
Sept 2nd, 2024
As summer winds down and September arrives, your local grocery store or delivery service brings you the season’s freshest produce. This is the perfect time to explore new flavors, cook with vibrant ingredients, and enjoy nature’s bounty at its peak. Here’s a guide to what’s in season and some delicious, easy-to-make recipes to showcase September’s best offerings.
Grapes
Grapes are sweet, juicy, and full of antioxidants this time of year. They’re perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or roasting for a savory dish. Try this recipe:
Recipe: Balsamic Roasted Grapes
Ingredients: 2 cups of red or black seedless grapes, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, a pinch of salt, and fresh thyme.
Instructions: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the grapes with balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until they are soft and caramelized. Sprinkle with fresh thyme and serve on crostini with goat cheese.
Figs
Figs are a luxurious, short-season fruit perfect for sweet and savory dishes alike.
Recipe: Grilled Figs with Honey and Cinnamon
Ingredients: 6 fresh figs, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
Instructions: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Slice figs in half and place them cut-side down on the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes until grill marks appear. Remove from the grill, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or alongside a cheese board.
Blackberries
Blackberries offer a burst of tart sweetness and are excellent in both desserts and savory dishes.
Recipe: Blackberry Vinaigrette
Ingredients: 1/2 cup blackberries, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: In a blender, combine blackberries, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over salads, grilled chicken, or use as a dip for fresh veggies.
Mango
Mangoes are a sweet, tropical fruit that brings a bright flavor to many dishes.
Recipe: Mango Salsa
Ingredients: 2 ripe mangoes (diced), 1/2 red onion (diced), 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), juice of 1 lime, salt to taste.
Instructions: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Serve with grilled fish, chicken, or as a fresh topping for tacos.
Persimmons
Persimmons add a unique sweetness and texture to autumn dishes.
Recipe: Persimmon and Arugula Salad
Ingredients: 2 persimmons (sliced thin), 4 cups arugula, 1/4 cup walnuts (toasted), 1/4 cup feta cheese, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Toss the arugula, persimmons, walnuts, and feta together in a large bowl. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then drizzle over the salad. Serve immediately.
Artichokes
Artichokes offer a nutty, rich flavor perfect for autumn.
Recipe: Stuffed Artichokes
Ingredients: 4 large artichokes, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped), salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Trim and clean the artichokes, removing the choke. Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stuff the mixture into the artichokes’ leaves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and bake for 1 hour until tender.
Beets
Beets bring an earthy sweetness to any dish.
Recipe: Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients: 4 medium beets, 4 oz goat cheese, 4 cups mixed greens, 1/4 cup walnuts (toasted), 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Wrap beets in foil and roast for 1 hour or until tender. Cool, peel, and slice beets. Toss greens, beets, goat cheese, and walnuts. Whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper together, then drizzle over the salad.
Carrots
Carrots are a sweet and versatile vegetable, great for roasting or raw in salads.
Recipe: Honey-Glazed Roasted Carrots
Ingredients: 1 lb carrots (peeled and cut into sticks), 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp thyme, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss carrots with honey, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Corn
Corn is sweet and flavorful, a true symbol of late summer and early fall.
Recipe: Grilled Corn with Herb Butter
Ingredients: 4 ears of corn, 4 tbsp butter (softened), 1 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or cilantro), salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Mix butter with herbs, salt, and pepper. Grill corn for 10-15 minutes, turning frequently until charred. Spread herb butter over hot corn and serve.
Eggplants
Eggplants have a rich, meaty texture, making them a great addition to vegetarian dishes.
Recipe: Baba Ganoush
Ingredients: 2 large eggplants, 1/4 cup tahini, 2 cloves garlic (minced), juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Roast eggplants until skin is charred and flesh is soft, about 30-40 minutes. Cool, then scoop out the flesh and blend with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Serve with pita or fresh veggies.
Why Seasonal, Local Produce?
Eating seasonal produce ensures you’re getting the freshest and most flavorful ingredients available. It’s also a great way to support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint by cutting down on the distance your food travels.
With the convenience of grocery delivery, you can enjoy these seasonal delights without leaving your home. Order now to get the freshest, local produce delivered straight to your door, and try out these recipes to make the most of September’s bounty!