What’s In Season in September? The Produce You Need to Look For at The Grocery Store

September is a month of transitions, marking the shift from the warmth of summer to the crispness of fall. The school year starts anew, the weather (hopefully) turns a bit chillier, and we enter that magical stretch of the year where every month ends in “-ber,” leading us toward the much-anticipated winter holidays. But September isn’t just about changing wardrobes or getting back into routine—it's also a unique time for produce. This month, your table can host a delightful mix of lingering summer fruits and vegetables alongside the first offerings of fall. Here's everything you need to savor one last time or start getting familiar with as September unfolds.

Fruits to Savor in September

As summer bids its final farewell, some fruits linger a bit longer, giving us one last taste of sunshine.

Peaches are still hanging on, their juicy sweetness making them a late summer delight. Peaches are packed with vitamins A and C, which are great for your skin and immune system. Try them grilled, tossed in a salad, or baked into a comforting peach cobbler to keep that summer feeling alive just a little longer.

Blackberries also make a late appearance in September. These dark, luscious berries are not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants and fiber. Whether you’re adding them to your morning yogurt, baking them into a pie, or simply enjoying them fresh, blackberries are a delightful way to close out the summer season.

Plums are another fruit that straddles the seasons. Rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, plums are perfect for making jams, chutneys, or even poached in a spiced syrup for a fall-inspired dessert. They’re a great way to transition your taste buds from summer’s sweetness to the more robust flavors of fall.

Grapes are at their peak in September, bursting with flavor and health benefits, including being a great source of vitamins K and C. Whether you enjoy them fresh, in a salad, or perhaps as part of a homemade wine-making experiment, grapes are a must-have this month.

Figs are another treat that shines in September. Rich in fiber and essential minerals like magnesium, figs are fantastic in both sweet and savory dishes. Try them stuffed with goat cheese, wrapped in prosciutto, or baked into a fig tart to experience their versatility.

On the more autumnal side, apples begin their reign in September. Crisp and refreshing, apples are packed with fiber and vitamin C. Perfect for everything from pies to cider, they are the epitome of fall comfort.

Pears also start making their appearance this month. Their delicate sweetness and grainy texture make them ideal for poaching, baking, or simply enjoying raw. Pears are high in fiber and antioxidants, making them as nutritious as they are delicious.

Finally, pomegranates start to show up in September, marking the beginning of fall’s bold flavors. Known for their high antioxidant content, pomegranates are excellent in salads, as a garnish, or even as a juice to start your day with a punch of flavor.

Vegetables to Bridge the Seasons

September is a month where summer vegetables meet their heartier, fall counterparts. This mix allows for a wide variety of flavors and textures in your cooking.

Tomatoes are still going strong in September. Rich in lycopene, which is great for heart health, tomatoes can be used in sauces, soups, or simply sliced fresh with a sprinkle of salt. They’re a versatile veggie that captures the essence of summer right up until the frost hits.

Zucchini is another summer vegetable that lingers into September. Its mild flavor and high water content make it perfect for everything from grilling to baking. Zucchini bread, anyone? Plus, it’s packed with vitamins A and C, which are great for your skin and vision.

Corn is in its prime in September, offering a sweet, starchy treat that’s hard to resist. Rich in fiber and essential nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins, corn is perfect grilled, boiled, or even made into comforting corn chowder as the nights get cooler.

As we shift into fall, butternut squash starts to come into season. This versatile vegetable is packed with vitamins A and C, making it a nutrient-dense choice. Roast it, turn it into soup, or use it in a hearty stew to embrace the cozy flavors of fall.

Sweet potatoes also begin their season in September, offering a starchy, sweet alternative to regular potatoes. Rich in beta-carotene, sweet potatoes are perfect for roasting, mashing, or even baking into fries. They’re a comforting staple as the weather cools.

Brussels sprouts start to make their appearance, much to the delight (or dismay) of many. These mini cabbages are full of vitamins K and C and are delicious when roasted with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or even tossed with bacon for a savory treat.

Kale is another leafy green that comes into its own in September. Packed with iron and vitamins A, C, and K, kale is great in salads, soups, or sautéed as a side dish. It’s a robust green that pairs well with the richer, heartier dishes of fall.

Finally, mushrooms start to pop up as the weather cools, offering a savory, umami-rich addition to many dishes. Whether you’re adding them to a risotto, a stir-fry, or simply sautéing them as a side, mushrooms bring a depth of flavor that’s perfect for fall cooking.