September seasonal produce brings the best of both worlds: late-summer veggies still going strong and a new wave of crisp fall fruits. This guide will show you what's in season, plus recipe ideas and storage tips to help you make the most of your garden, CSA box, or farmers market haul.
At Roots and Radishes, I love celebrating the rhythm of the seasons with food that nourishes both us and the planet. Whether you're tending a garden, part of a CSA, or a regular at the farmers market, this September produce guide will help you make the most of what's fresh right now.
If you're new to eating seasonally, get excited! September fruits and vegetables are some of the most flavorful, budget-friendly, and nutrient-packed of the year. Not to mention, choosing what's in season supports your local community of growers, reduces your carbon footprint, and just tastes incredible.
With simple recipes and approachable techniques, eating seasonally is totally doable for busy home cooks like you and me. So let's talk what's in season in September, and how to best enjoy it!
Jump to:
- What's in Season in September?
- Seasonal Recipes to Make In September
- One Pot Easy Ratatouille with Chickpeas (Cozy Weeknight Dinner!)
- How to Roast Bell Peppers (Oven Method)
- Feel Good Zucchini Bread (Made with Oats in Blender!)
- Late Summer Veggie Pasta Salad
- Simple Chorizo Tacos
- Easy Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes and Pecans
- Apple Pie Yogurt Bowls
- Simple Sautéed Apples
- Easy Apple Crisp with Oats (Made for Fall Baking!)
- Quick Creamy Cucumber Salad with Yogurt Dill Sauce
- Basic + Awesome Vinegar Cucumber Salad
- Simple Quinoa Salad with Cucumber
- Thai Peanut Chicken Salad
- Zippy Summer Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes and Feta
- Garden Fresh Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup
- Summertime Tomato Peach Gazpacho with Basil
- Quick and Easy Garlic Roasted Tomatoes
- Eat Local Tip
- Veggie Black Bean Tacos with Carrots + Lime
- Roasted Beet and Avocado Salad with Basil Lime Vinaigrette
- Incredible Moroccan-Spiced Roasted Carrots with Tahini Sauce
- Simple Herb Roasted Beets
- Simple Citrusy Greens Salad with Beets and Carrots
- Quick Tips for Cooking with Seasonal Produce
- Seasonal Eating Challenge!
- Back-to-School Season
What's in Season in September?
In September, be sure to stock up on:
- Vegetables: tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, sweet corn (late season), green beans, bell & hot peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, carrots, beets, radishes, broccoli, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, arugula, potential early season butternut squash
- Fruits: apples, pears, plums, grapes, figs, late raspberries + blueberries (depending where you live), melons (early September), last peaches and nectarines of the season.
- Herbs: basil (end of season!), parsley, dill, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary.
Below are some recipe suggestions using some of this peak produce!
The CSA Way: When I signed up for my first CSA years ago, I learned about something called the "CSA Way". Simply put, it means eating and planning around seasonal produce first (i.e. what will I make with this eggplant I bought at the farmers market?). It's a great way to make plants the center of your plate, and completely transformed the way I eat!
Seasonal Recipes to Make In September
Zucchini, Eggplant & Peppers
Zucchini, eggplant, and peppers are still going strong in September! Whether you have a garden overflowing with zucchini, received an eggplant in your CSA, or you picked up some fresh peppers from your local farmers market, they're all SO good right now.
One Pot Easy Ratatouille with Chickpeas (Cozy Weeknight Dinner!)
Easy one pot ratatouille with chickpeas and sun-dried tomatoes! This nourishing dinner is made with seasonal ingredients and comes together easily on weeknights with minimal clean-up. Perfect for late summer and back-to-school dinners!
How to Roast Bell Peppers (Oven Method)
Roasting bell peppers is one of the easiest ways to elevate any dish! You can make sauces and spreads, add them to pasta salads and sandwiches, top pizza, or put them out as an appetizer.
Feel Good Zucchini Bread (Made with Oats in Blender!)
This nourishing zucchini bread is SO easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients like dates, oats, and zucchini! Whip everything up in a blender or food processor, and bake-perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a kid-friendly after-school snack.
Late Summer Veggie Pasta Salad
A late summer veggie pasta salad with late summer seasonal produce, creamy and tangy goat cheese, and a light and bright lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for holding on to summer while also prepping for back-to-school!
Simple Chorizo Tacos
These simple chorizo tacos bring BIG flavor and only require 20 minutes! Lightly crisped corn tortilla shells, flavorful Mexican chorizo, poblanos, and a homemade quick chipotle mayo.
Grapes & Apples
Time for a little fruit transition in September! You might still see the tail-end of some fresh peaches and plums, but early apples and grapes are now starting to shine. Both are great for back-to-school snacks, and they're also lovely in these recipes!
Easy Chicken Salad Recipe with Grapes and Pecans
This chicken salad recipe is ready in 15 minutes and is a perfect lunch to have prepped for the week! Made with Greek yogurt and juicy red grapes, it's hearty and nourishing. Serve on salads, sandwiches, or wraps!
Apple Pie Yogurt Bowls
These nourishing apple pie yogurt bowls are perfect for starting your days with a protein-packed, healthy breakfast! With sautéed apples that taste like apple pie filling, these yogurt bowls taste festive and make the most of those fall and winter apples.
Simple Sautéed Apples
These simple sautéed apples taste like apple pie filling and can top anything your heart desires! Spoon warm over your morning oatmeal, pancakes, cakes, ice cream, or French toast. Or, serve chilled on top of yogurt or overnight oats.
Easy Apple Crisp with Oats (Made for Fall Baking!)
This cozy apple crisp recipe strikes the balance between wholesome and indulgent, so it's the perfect cozy and sweet addition to your fall or holiday table! The oat topping creates an incredible texture atop saucy, cinnamon-spiked apples. YUM!
How to eat seasonally where YOU are: Fruit and veggie seasons will vary across climates and hemispheres, so "seasonal" might mean something slightly depending on where you live. The best (and most fun!) way to know exactly what's in season near you? Experience it for yourself! This is how I learned to embrace seasonal eating-going to local farmers markets, shopping at local food co-ops, and signing up for CSAs. Notice what is local and available. Maybe even join a community garden or start your own, even if it's small!
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are also in season in August, and the party continues into September. These are the salads we tend to have on repeat all summer long with cukes!
Quick Creamy Cucumber Salad with Yogurt Dill Sauce
Make this creamy cucumber salad when you're wondering what else you should make with dinner! It's especially great as a side for cookouts and is ready in 20 minutes.
Basic + Awesome Vinegar Cucumber Salad
This simple vinegar cucumber salad recipe is one of my favorites to eat all summer long! It comes together quickly for a healthy, refreshing side dish for summer cookouts/barbecues or any meal.
Simple Quinoa Salad with Cucumber
This simple quinoa salad with cucumber contains simple ingredients that taste delicious and make your body feel good! Prep this in advance for lunches or simple side dishes, and add your favorite protein if desired.
Thai Peanut Chicken Salad
A slightly spicy Thai peanut chicken salad loaded with crunchy veggies, marinated chicken, chickpeas, and cashews, doused in a delicious peanut sauce. Go-to summer salads, here we come.
Tomatoes
My love for tomatoes knows no bounds! From smaller varieties to big, juicy heirloom tomatoes, we've got tomatoes recipes that'll help you use fresh summer tomatoes.
Zippy Summer Chickpea Salad with Tomatoes and Feta
This zippy chickpea salad with feta and tomatoes comes together in just 15 minutes! A tangy peperoncini brine vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and creamy feta make it perfect for quick lunches, easy sides, or meal prep. A delicious way to use up seasonal tomatoes and pantry staples.
Garden Fresh Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup
This fresh roasted cherry tomato soup is a nourishing, comforting, and absolutely delicious soup late summer/early fall soup (or whenever tomatoes are in season near you)! While cherry tomatoes pack a flavorful punch, feel free to use any tomatoes. Serve for a wholesome dinner that the whole family will love.
Summertime Tomato Peach Gazpacho with Basil
This tomato peach gazpacho adds a fruity twist to classic gazpacho! Still tomato-based, but infused with a couple sweet summer peaches, fresh basil, and optional swirl of balsamic glaze. Make a batch in advance and store in jars for grab-and-go lunches!
Quick and Easy Garlic Roasted Tomatoes
These quick and easy garlic roasted tomatoes are SO simple and will level up any recipe! Keep a batch on hand for stirring into pasta, and topping sandwiches or salads. Yum!
Eat Local Tip
If you can, head to your local co-op or farmers market, or sign up for a CSA or community garden plot (or your own garden at home!). Eating locally grown food is an easy way to have a more sustainable kitchen. If it's not possible or accessible, select seasonal produce from your usual grocery store based on this guide!
Carrots & Beets
Let the root veggies reign! I love me some root vegetables... I called my blog Roots and Radishes, after all 🙂 These recipes are some of my absolute favorite ways to use these beautifully hued veggies. Try them out in easy sides, hearty lunches, and simple weeknight meals.
Veggie Black Bean Tacos with Carrots + Lime
Easy black bean tacos baked with carrots on a sheet pan! Done in about 30 minutes for an easy weeknight meal that will satisfy any taco craving.
Roasted Beet and Avocado Salad with Basil Lime Vinaigrette
This roasted beet and avocado salad has a variety of flavors and textures that come together in one big, hearty, delicious salad. Shake up your healthy lunch routine!
Incredible Moroccan-Spiced Roasted Carrots with Tahini Sauce
These sweet, savory, flavor-packed Moroccan-spiced roasted carrots might just become your new favorite easy side dish. Roasted until caramelized and tossed with warm Moroccan spices like cinnamon and cumin, they're served drizzled with a simple, delicious tahini sauce. Perfect alongside your favorite protein or added to grain bowls!
Simple Herb Roasted Beets
These simple herb roasted beets and sweet, savory, and one of my favorite salad ingredients! Roasting beets caramelizes their sugars and brings out their sweetness, while olive oil, herbs, and salt add a savory flavor.
Simple Citrusy Greens Salad with Beets and Carrots
This simple citrusy salad with beets and carrots is fresh, vibrant, and packed with winter flavors. Featuring leafy greens, crisp raw beets, crunchy carrots, and a bright citrus vinaigrette, it comes together in just 15 minutes. Enjoy it as a refreshing side or add protein for a hearty, nourishing meal!
Quick Tips for Cooking with Seasonal Produce
- Clean greens and topped veggies! If you're storing salad greens, beets, kohlrabi, carrots, or other veggies with tops, clean them first! Remove tops from root veggies and kohlrabi, as they will otherwise dry out quickly in the fridge. Use a veggie scrubbing brush to scrub carrots and beets, then dry them with a clean towel. Spin tops in or other greens in a salad spinner, and store in a zip-top bag or container with a reusable paper towel to absorb moisture.
- Helpful storage and cleaning tools: I don't think I can live without my salad spinner, vegetable brush, and Stasher bags for storing veggies!
- Storing fresh herbs: Herbs have a brief shelf life as it is, and it can be even shorter when not stored properly! I recommend storing tender herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, dill) upright in a jar of water in the fridge. Just like flowers! You can cover them lightly with a bag, bees wrap, or other reusable cover, if desired. For hardier herbs (like rosemary or thyme), wrap them in a damp cloth or paper towel and store in an airtight container in the fridge. For a complete guide to storing herbs (including freezing and drying), take a look at my free herb storage guide!
Seasonal Eating Challenge!
Ready to start eating seasonally, or max out your CSA and garden produce? Try completing the challenge steps listed to below to nourish yourself and the planet.
- Connect! Sign up for my newsletter and follow me on Instagram @rootsnradishes for more seasonal recipe guidance and inspiration.
- Farmers market field trip. Take one trip to a local farmers market or farm stand (better yet, combine it with social time with a friend or family!).
- Pick a veggie or fruit. Pick up one or more of the ingredients featured here.
- Make a new recipe. Make one of the recipes in this produce guide!
- Tell me about it! Let's be a community of seasonal eaters! Tag me on Instagram or email me 🙂 I want to hear about what you bought and what you made with it <3
Back-to-School Season
September is also time for back-to-school, and that routine shift often calls for easy weeknight dinners and healthy snacks for kids. Here are some ideas!
Ready for more? Check out the October seasonal produce guide next!
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