As the days grow cooler and the leaves change, fall brings an abundance of fruits and vegetables to farmers markets across America. Each region — and each state — has its own signature crops that shine this time of year. Shopping seasonally means fresher flavors, better nutrition, and stronger support for local farmers.

This guide breaks down the top 5 fall fruits and vegetables by U.S. region and state — plus farmers market insights and one recipe for each.

Photo by Alesia Kozik

Northeast

What’s in Season

• Apples (September–October)

• Cranberries (October–November)

• Winter squash (September–November)

• Potatoes (Maine, Vermont)

• Cabbage & hardy greens

Farmers Markets: The Portland Farmers Market (Maine) and Union Square Greenmarket (NYC) highlight heirloom apples, local squash, and cranberries.

Recipe: Maine Cranberry Apple Crisp
Mix cranberries and apple slices with sugar and cinnamon. Top with oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar crumble. Bake until bubbling for a cozy fall dessert.

Southeast

What’s in Season

• Sweet potatoes (Tennessee, Georgia, Carolinas)

• Pumpkins (September–October)

• Apples (Appalachian orchards)

• Turnips & collards (late fall)

• Pecans (Southern states)

Farmers Markets: The Nashville Farmers Market and Appalachian roadside stands showcase apple cider, pumpkins, and greens.

Recipe: Tennessee Apple & Kale Salad
Massage chopped kale with olive oil and lemon juice. Add thinly sliced apples, walnuts, and cheddar. Toss with cider vinaigrette.

South / Gulf States

What’s in Season

• Sweet potatoes (Texas, Louisiana)

• Pumpkins

• Pecans (Texas is a top producer)

• Citrus (Florida oranges and grapefruits begin in November)

• Avocados (Florida, September–November)

Farmers Markets: Texas’ Dallas Farmers Market and Florida’s Orlando Farmers Market overflow with sweet potatoes, pecans, and tropical fruits.

Recipe: Texas Sweet Potato Pecan Casserole
Mash roasted sweet potatoes with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Top with chopped Texas pecans and bake until golden.

Midwest

Photo by Askar Abayev

What’s in Season

• Apples (Illinois, Michigan, Ohio)

• Pumpkins & squash

• Beets, carrots, and root vegetables

• Brussels sprouts & cabbage

• Grapes (early fall)

Farmers Markets: Illinois’ Green City Market (Chicago) and Michigan cider mills highlight apples, squash, and hardy greens.

Recipe: Illinois Harvest Roasted Vegetables
Toss squash, apples, carrots, and beets with olive oil, thyme, and maple syrup. Roast until caramelized.

Mountain West

What’s in Season

• Apples & pears (Colorado, Utah)

• Pumpkins & squash

• Potatoes (Idaho, Colorado)

• Beets & carrots

• Onions & garlic

Farmers Markets: The Boulder Farmers Market (Colorado) and small orchard stands in the Rockies feature root crops and crisp apples.

Recipe: Colorado Roasted Root Vegetables
Roast a mix of beets, carrots, and potatoes with rosemary, olive oil, and salt. Serve with herbed goat cheese.

West Coast

What’s in Season

• Grapes (California, Washington)

• Persimmons (California, October–December)

• Pomegranates (California, October–January)

• Apples (Washington’s #1 crop)

• Kale & chard (Pacific Northwest)

Farmers Markets: California’s Ferry Plaza Market (San Francisco) and Seattle’s Pike Place Market are nationally known for their fall harvest.

Recipe: California Persimmon & Pomegranate Salad
Combine persimmons, pomegranate seeds, arugula, goat cheese, and candied pecans. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Florida (Special Note)

Unlike northern states, Florida has a unique fall season that overlaps with tropical harvests.

Top Crops in Fall

• Oranges & grapefruit (start in November)

• Avocados (August–November)

• Okra (August–October)

• Sweet potatoes

• Herbs & greens

Farmers Markets: Miami’s Coconut Grove Market and Tampa’s Ybor City Market mix citrus with Caribbean influences.

Recipe: Florida Citrus Avocado Salad
Toss orange and grapefruit segments with sliced avocado, red onion, and mixed greens. Dress with honey-citrus vinaigrette.

Washington (Pacific Northwest Highlight)

Top Fall Crops

• Apples (Yakima, Wenatchee Valley)

• Pears

• Grapes (wine country)

• Squash & pumpkins

• Kale

Farmers Markets: Pike Place Market (Seattle) and Yakima Valley stands are famous for apples and cider.

Recipe: Washington Apple Cider Soup
Simmer apples, squash, onions, and carrots in apple cider and broth. Blend smooth, add cream, and season with nutmeg.

Final Thoughts

From Maine cranberries to California persimmons, America’s fall harvest tells a story of local flavor. Visiting farmers markets not only connects you with the season but also brings variety to your table. Each of these recipes showcases produce at its peak — simple, fresh, and true to its region.

Next time you shop, look for what’s in season near you and try a recipe that celebrates your state’s bounty.