What Seasonal Foods Should You Be Eating Right Now?

From the changing leaves to the crisp air and cozy sweaters, many things make fall a great time of year—especially the foods ripe with seasonal flavors. Whether it's a neighborhood event or an annual Friendsgiving gathering, there are countless fruits and veggies to take advantage of right now. Here are those at the top of our grocery list.

Pumpkins

Whether you're eating them, carving them, or using them as holiday décor, pumpkins are our current obsession. And, believe it or not, when it comes to cooking with this versatile gourd, the possibilities go beyond the typical pumpkin pie or loaf of bread. We love this delicious pumpkin cheese-stuffed pasta Bolognese bake from Half Baked Harvest. It's creamy, comforting, and sure to be a hit!

Apples

Another vital staple in seasonal foods for autumn, with a multitude of uses, is apples. Apples should have a permanent spot in your pantry this time of year. Skip the grocery store and head to your nearest apple orchard for a vast, high-quality selection—and fun activity for the whole family. Use the fruit to make a cinnamon apple sauce, eat raw as a snack, or whip up this irresistible granny smith apple pie.

Pears

While they may not get as much love as their cousin, the apple pears are also in season and full of fall flavors. Many types of pears are notoriously hard to shop for—but don't let that scare you away. To ensure the ripeness of all varieties, only buy those that yield to the pressure when you press on the neck, and then store them at room temperature. You can enjoy pears for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert; however, these pork chops with pear chutney are always a showstopper.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower has become increasingly popular thanks to its mild taste and versatility. A healthy swap for our favorite starches, this cruciferous veggie can replace anything from rice and pizza crust to mashed potatoes and chicken wings. We love to cozy up with this delectable roasted cauliflower soup as the temperatures drop.     

Winter Squash

Move over summer squash and zucchini—winter squash, like spaghetti squash, butternut squash, acorn squash, is here—and we’re thrilled about it. These hardy and nutrient-dense foods can be used in many forms, eaten as a main or side, and enjoyed with a sweet or savory flavor. This roasted squash salad with crispy shallot & balsamic reduction recipe is one of our favorites. It’s the perfect autumnal twist on an everyday dish!

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious, but they’re also packed with vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, iron, calcium, and potassium. While sweet potatoes are available year-round, they’re in peak season in the fall—but you shouldn’t wait until Thanksgiving to enjoy them. These spicy honey-baked sweet potato fries are a guilt-free snack that’s super easy to make.    

Now It's Time to Celebrate!

Learning to make the ideal meal with these staple seasonal foods for November will warm your events and guests. Unleash your creativity and make these yummy recipes perfect for gifts, and remember to use our smart spending tips to spend less and gift more!