I love this time of year when we start to eat hearty meals. They are comforting and warming and perfect for when the weather starts to get a bit chillier. It’s the perfect time to embrace the changing seasons and dive into the rich flavours of autumn. I love going to our local farm shop and buying fresh produce and these are some of the best things to buy at this time of year.
Apples!
What to Buy: Autumn is apple season in the UK, and the variety available is staggering. Bramley's are perfect for cooking with their tart flavour and fluffy texture when baked. If you’re after a sweet snack reach for the Cox’s Orange Pippin or the Egremont Russet both bursting with flavour.
How to Use It: Apples are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them fresh or try making a classic apple crumble, change things up a bit with a Toffee Apple Crumble or even a spiced apple chutney. For something a bit different why not bake a caramelised apple cake.
Pumpkins!
What to Buy: Look for bright orange pumpkins like the traditional Cinderella or the smaller, sweeter varieties such as the Sugar Pie pumpkin.
How to Use It: Pumpkins are perfect for warming soups like this creamy one. They also make a fantastic addition to risottos or can be pureed for pies and muffins.
Root Vegetables!
What to Buy: Carrots, parsnips, and beetroot are at their best in autumn. Look for vibrant colours and firm textures. These hardy veggies are perfect for the cooler months bringing a depth of flavour and satisfying texture to any dish.
How to Use It: Roast a mix of root vegetables for a simple, comforting side dish or incorporate them into a hearty stew. Try a beetroot salad with goat cheese when the Autumn weather is still more like summer or a creamy carrot and parsnip soup for a warming treat when the days are a little chillier. Don’t forget about mash, a parsnip and potato mash is a delightful twist on the classic.
Cabbage and Kale!
What to Buy: Cabbage and kale come into their own in autumn. Savoy cabbage with its crinkly leaves, is perfect for hearty dishes, while kale rich in nutrients adds a robust green to your meals.
How to Use It: These greens are incredibly versatile. Stir fry shredded cabbage with bacon and onions for a quick side dish or add it to soups and stews for extra bulk and flavour. Kale chips are a healthy snack alternative just toss in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and bake until crisp. You can also blend kale into smoothies for a nutrient boost.
Mushrooms!
What to Buy: Look out for local varieties like chestnut, shiitake or the wild and wonderful hedgehog mushrooms. Look for mushrooms that are firm and dry, with a pleasant earthy smell.
How to Use It: Mushrooms are great in risottos, pasta dishes, or simply sautéed with garlic and herbs. They add a deep, umami-rich flavour to any meal. You can also stuff large mushrooms with cheese and breadcrumbs for a comforting starter.
Pears!
What to Buy: British pears like Conference or Comice are juicy and fragrant. A ripe pear should give slightly when pressed and have a sweet aroma.
How to Use It: Pears are delicious eaten fresh but they also shine in cooked dishes. Try poaching them in red wine for a sophisticated dessert. Pears also pair wonderfully with blue cheese in a salad or can be baked into pear and frangipane tarts.
Squash!
What to Buy: Butternut squash and acorn squash are both excellent choices for autumnal dishes. Look for firm, unblemished skin and a heavy feel, which indicates ripeness.
How to Use It: Roasted squash can be added to salads, blended into soups like this butternut squash and sweetcorn soup or used as a filling for ravioli. You can also roast slices of butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of sage for a delicious side dish. For a twist, try a butternut squash paella.
Leeks!
What to Buy: Look for leeks with firm, white bases and vibrant green tops.
How to Use It: Leeks are fantastic in soups, try a classic leek and potato soup or use them in quiches and casseroles for a subtle sweet onion flavour.
Blackberries!
What to Buy: If you’ve had a good foraging season you might come across some wild blackberries otherwise market stalls often have them fresh.
How to Use It: Blackberries are perfect for jams, desserts, or a tangy fruit sauce over pancakes. They also make a lovely addition to smoothies, crumbles or add them to apple & blackberry crumble bars.
Do you shop from markets or farm shops?
