Hello October! The crisp air is here, leaves are turning, and markets are overflowing with rich, bold fall produce. Just like in September, October brings its own harvest favorites and this is the perfect time to lean into deeply flavored vegetables, cozy fruits, and hearty roots.
Below is a list of produce that tends to be in season in October (especially in New England / Northeastern U.S.). Use it as inspiration for what to shop, cook, or experiment with this month.
Why This Matters (Beyond Flavor)
- Peak flavor & nutrients: Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak, so it’s more flavorful, often more nutrient-dense, and generally fresher.
- Support local farmers: Buying local helps reduce transportation footprint and supports farms close to home.
- Better cost & availability: In-season often means better pricing and variety.
- Culinary challenge + creativity: It forces you to shift your menus and try things you might not otherwise.
Apple
Although apples are the star produce of September, they’re still very much in season throughout October, especially here in New England, where orchards are overflowing with late-harvest varieties. From crisp Honeycrisp to tart Granny Smith, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy them this month.
Tips & Tricks:
🍏 Store apples in the crisper drawer of your fridge to keep them fresh for weeks.
🍎 Prevent browning by tossing sliced apples with a little lemon juice.
🥧 When baking pies or crisps, mix sweet and tart varieties for the best depth of flavor.
🍯 Turn bruised apples into applesauce, smoothies, or baked goods to reduce waste.
Featured Recipe of the Month
Apple Pie Protein Smoothie
This Apple Pie Protein Smoothie has all your favorite apple pie flavors. Sweetened with maple syrup and infused with warming…
Winter Squash
October is when winter squashes truly shine! From the sweet, nutty flavor of butternut squash to the tender skin and creamy flesh of delicata squash, and the rich, caramel-like taste of honeynut squash, these hearty vegetables are the backbone of fall cooking. And of course, we can’t forget the pumpkin, the ultimate symbol of autumn, perfect for both savory dishes and sweet treats.
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I can’t get enough of cooking with squash. I love how versatile and cozy it makes every meal. From soups and skillets to casseroles and pastas, squash always finds its way into my kitchen this time of year.
For more inspiration on how to add more winter squash recipes to your rotation, don’t miss my Butternut Squash Recipe Round-Up and this list of 15 Best Winter Squash Recipes to help you make the most of fall’s favorite veggie.
Fennel
With its crisp texture and delicate anise flavor, fennel is one of October’s most underrated gems. The bulb can be thinly sliced and added raw to salads for a refreshing crunch, while roasting brings out its natural sweetness. Don’t toss the fronds because they make a beautiful garnish and add a mild, herbal note to soups, salads, and even pesto.
Tips & Tricks:
🥗 Shave fennel bulbs thin with a mandoline and pair with citrus for a bright fall salad.
🔥 Roast wedges of fennel with olive oil and parmesan for a sweet, caramelized side dish.
🌱 Save the fronds to sprinkle over pasta, fish, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and color.
🍲 Use fennel stalks in homemade stocks, just like you would celery.
Fennel’s versatility makes it a wonderful bridge between summer’s lighter fare and fall’s heartier dishes. Here are a few recipes to try:
Cauliflower Soup Recipe
I love how simple this cauliflower soup recipe is to make yet it still tastes indulgent. It only calls for 5 basic ingredients. It’s velvety, savory, and nutty, it’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter night!
Turkey Fennel Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Farro Salad with Arugula
Mushroom
Mushrooms are hands-down one of my favorite ingredients to cook with. I love how they soak up flavors, add rich umami depth to any dish, and can be prepared in so many ways, from simple sautés to hearty stews and creamy pastas.
Beyond their versatility in the kitchen, mushrooms are also a nutritional powerhouse. They’re low in calories yet packed with vitamins.
Mushrooms are truly one of those ingredients that make me excited to step into the kitchen. They are healthy, hearty, and endlessly inspiring. Here are a few recipes featuring a variety of mushrooms that I’ve cooked over the years;
