20 fruits and vegetables that taste best in autumn

Brussels sprouts might taste good in the summer, but they’ll taste even better in the fall. Plus, now is a great time to saute them in a pan with a maple glaze and bacon bits. Talk about a tasty side dish. 

Cranberries are one of autumn’s premier fruits. They make for a delicious addition to just about everything, whether it be a cocktail, side dish, appetizer, or entree. They’re so versatile and abundant in the fall, so it’s best to take advantage of them while they’re here.  

You already knew that pumpkins were at their peak in the fall. But this year, try making something with it instead of just carving one or letting it rot on your porch. The insides are so fresh and tasty this time of year, and pepitas also make for delicious fall eats. 

Yep, ginger is in season in the fall. That means it’s a great time to make an immune-boosting smoothie with the root or grate some of it into a stir fry. Ginger is also a great ingredient to use when you want to zest up a fall soup. 

Garlic is in season in the fall, too. Crush some up and put it in, well, everything. Garlic keeps well, too, so you can stock up while it’s at its peak and keep it for all your holiday cooking. 

Kiwi doesn’t have fall energy, but it’s in season in the fall. It’s a great snack if you want a fruit that’s not an apple or a pear, and it’s an excellent addition to a fruit platter. It adds some color and keeps the spirit of summer alive for those who need it. 

Like kiwi, mango doesn’t have the essence of fall, but that’s no reason not to enjoy it at its peak. Mango is fantastic in so many dishes and on its own, so hunt for it while it’s in season. 

Parsnips don’t get the credit they deserve. They’re root vegetables, so they can be used in place of carrots, potatoes, beets, and more. They’re excellent mashed, roasted, cut into fries, in soup — there’s so much to do with them and they easily take on so many flavors. 

Pears are a delectable autumnal treat. They’re crisp and delicious raw, but they’re even better when cooked. Pears can be used in entrees or side dishes, but they also make for excellent desserts. 

If you’re not quite sure how to handle a pomegranate, now is the time to learn. Pomegranates are in season in the fall, and they’re one of the most versatile fruits on the planet. They have far more uses than you might think, so start getting comfortable with those seeds. 

Fall is potato season. Mash them, fry them, grate them, bake them, stuff them - do whatever you want with them. Potatoes are a gift, so treat them as such while they’re in season. 

If you’re more of a sweet potato fan, that’s okay. They’re in season in the fall, too. Whatever you do with a regular potato you can do with a sweet potato. 

Winter squash comes in all shapes and sizes. And while they usually sit on counters and porches for decoration, they’re actually delicious vegetables that deserve to be eaten. Instead of throwing them away when it’s time to decorate for Christmas, cook with them.   

Fall is one of the best times of year for root vegetables. Rutabagas are one of the varieties that don’t get quite as much glory despite being just as delicious as the others. They’re a little sweeter than other root veggies, but they can be used in loads of savory dishes. 

Raspberries are making their last round in the fall. Now is a great time to use them in seasonal desserts. They’re a great fruit to use when bridging the gap in your cooking between summer and fall.

Grapes hit their peak at the end of summer and the beginning of fall. They’re at their biggest and sweetest, and if you’re buying them in the store, they should also be at their cheapest. 

Limes are surprisingly in season in the fall, as well, which is great news for anyone who loves to garnish their food with lime juice. Whether it’s a hot batch of fajitas or a pot of chicken tortilla soup, your meal will be made better with the juice of fresh lime. 

Fall is the time for eggplant. Make all your favorite eggplant meals in autumn — ratatouille, eggplant parmesan, moussaka. They’re all going to taste better now because eggplant is in season. 

If you love fennel, now is the time to take advantage. It’ll be in season through early spring, but it tastes so good with many fall recipes. Don’t lose your chance to make a stunning fall salad topped with fennel or to serve it alongside some winter squash and parsnips. 

After you use okra at home once, you’ll want to use it all the time. It’s so versatile and adds great flavor and texture to every dish it’s in. If you’ve never cooked with it, try it while it’s in season.