September signals the arrival of autumn and for many, it’s a time of fresh start. But the best part? September is a treasure trove of flavours, offering an abundance of produce that’s been patiently ripening throughout the summer. And as the summer produce starts to fade out, the presence of autumnal vegetables also ramps up. This marks the beginning of heartier, earthier flavours to our tables, perfect for comforting soups and stews to keep us warm as winter approaches.
Let’s dive into some of our favourites this month.
As the leaves start to turn golden, cobnuts make their appearance, providing a delightful crunch and a nutty, slightly sweet flavour. Perfect for snacking, baking, or adding texture to salads or sandwiches, these cultivated hazelnuts are best served roasted, which brings out their flavour.
Worcester Apples, in particular, with their distinct tartness and firm texture, are an autumnal favourite for pies, crumbles, and sauces. As the apple orchards burst into life, these versatile fruits bring a burst of acidity to recipes, balancing both sweet and savoury dishes.
Figs are considered a luxurious treat in the world of fruits. With their honeyed sweetness and tender flesh, September is the month when they are at their juiciest in the UK. Fresh figs can elevate your salads, cheese platters, and desserts to gourmet levels, while dried figs make the perfect nutritious snack.
Kale, a nutritional powerhouse, thrives in the cooler temperatures of September. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this leafy green is a versatile ingredient that can be sautéed, steamed, or blended into smoothies. It’s robust flavour and hearty texture make it a great addition to soups and stews.
Though available all year round in the UK, Cauliflowers reach peak season between September and November. The white cauliflower is by far the most popular variety and is best served brushed with spices and roasted. It also makes for an impressive veggie substitute for meat mealtime favourites.
September marks the peak of grape season, with vineyards abundant with clusters of plump, sweet grapes. Whether you enjoy them fresh as a snack, transformed into homemade jams and jellies or folded into bakes, grapes are a quintessential taste of the season.
Damsons are small, tart plums with a distinctive blue-black hue, and add a delightful tanginess to bakes, jams, jellies and preserves. They can also be used in savoury dinner recipes, pairing well with pork, beef and duck when made into a sauce.
Make the most of seasonal plump damsons with the recipe below!
