What’s in Season This Fall in North Carolina?

Cooler weather, changing leaves, and comfort food season are officially here! Fall brings some of our favorite North Carolina-grown fruits and vegetables, making it a great time to shop seasonally and see what local farmers are harvesting.

According to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, a variety of produce is harvested throughout the fall months. Here are a few seasonal favorites to keep an eye out for this time of year.

Apples

It wouldn't feel like fall without apples! North Carolina apple season brings plenty of opportunities for snacking, baking, and cooking. Slice them for an easy snack, bake an apple crisp, make homemade applesauce or apple butter, or add them to a fall salad.

And yes—you can find locally grown apples on Piedmont Fresh!

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a North Carolina staple and perfect for cooler weather. Roast them with herbs, mash them for an easy side, add them to soups and stews, or start planning ahead for that Thanksgiving sweet potato casserole.

Pumpkins & Winter Squash

They're not just fall decorations! Pumpkins and winter squash are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Roast them, blend them into soups, add them to casseroles, or use them in baked goods.

Winter squash is especially great for those nights when you want something warm, filling, and simple.

Don't Forget the Greens

As temperatures begin to cool, it's also time to think about leafy greens. Collards, kale, and other greens are perfect for hearty fall meals and can be served as a side, tossed into soups, or paired with other seasonal vegetables.

Fall Fruits Beyond Apples

Apples may get most of the attention this time of year, but they're not the only fruit worth looking for. Pears and persimmons are other fall favorites that can bring something different to your kitchen.

Try them fresh, add them to salads, pair them with cheese, or use them in a seasonal dessert.

Pecans & Peanuts

Fall baking season is also a good excuse to bring out the nuts. Pecans are perfect for pies, breads, salads, and homemade treats, while peanuts make an easy snack and are another crop closely associated with North Carolina agriculture.

Start Thinking About Thanksgiving

We know—it might feel early. But fall produce makes it pretty hard not to start thinking about Thanksgiving!

Instead of waiting until the last minute to plan your menu, start watching for local ingredients now. Sweet potatoes, winter squash, apples, greens, meats, breads, cheeses, and other locally produced foods can all find a place on your holiday table.

Shopping locally for even a portion of your Thanksgiving meal is a simple way to support farmers and food producers in our area while serving something grown or made closer to home.

See What's Available Locally

Seasonal availability changes from week to week—that's part of shopping local! Something available today may be gone next week, while another seasonal favorite may be just beginning its harvest.

Check Piedmont Fresh throughout the fall to see what's currently available from our local farmers and producers. Whether you're planning weeknight dinners, looking for fresh fall flavors, or getting an early start on Thanksgiving, there's always something new to discover.

Shop local. Eat with the seasons. Support the people growing food right here in our community.

Resources

NCDA&CS Produce Availability Chart — See when North Carolina fruits and vegetables are typically in season.
NCDA&CS Recipes — Browse North Carolina recipe ideas, including vegetables, soups, salads, desserts, and more.
NCDA&CS Vegetable Recipes — Includes seasonal ideas such as oven-roasted sweet potatoes and kale chips.
NCDA&CS Horticulture & Local Produce Resources — Information for finding and learning more about locally grown NC fruits and vegetables.