September is a delicious time of year for food lovers. As summer slowly gives way to autumn, the abundance of late-summer produce meets the first comforting flavours of the new season. From crisp apples and juicy blackberries to earthy squash and sweetcorn, there’s plenty of fresh, seasonal produce to enjoy.
Eating seasonally is a simple way to make the most of the ingredients available at their freshest. It can also inspire you to try new recipes and make the most of home-cooked meals. So, what foods are in season in September in the UK?
Apples
September marks the start of one of the best times of year for British apples. With many varieties coming into season, it’s the perfect time to enjoy them fresh, baked into a crumble or cooked into a comforting dessert.
Try slicing apples into a warm porridge, adding them to a salad for a little sweetness, or pairing them with cinnamon for an easy autumnal treat.
Blackberries
Wild and cultivated blackberries are at their best towards the end of summer and into early autumn. Their deep colour and sweet-tart flavour make them wonderfully versatile.
Add a handful to pancakes, porridge or yoghurt, bake them into a crumble, or simmer them into a homemade sauce. They’re also delicious paired with other September fruits, such as apples and pears.
Pears
September is also a great month for pears. Look for fruit that feels firm but gives slightly when pressed near the stem.
Pears work beautifully in both sweet and savoury dishes. Try roasting them with honey and spices, adding slices to a salad, or pairing them with cheese for a simple autumn-inspired lunch.
Plums
Sweet, juicy plums are another late-summer favourite that can still be enjoyed in September. Their natural sweetness makes them ideal for desserts, but they can also bring a lovely contrast to savoury dishes.
Roast plums with a little honey and serve with yoghurt, or add them to a crumble for an easy seasonal pudding.
Sweetcorn
September is a great time to enjoy British sweetcorn while it’s still wonderfully fresh. Whether you boil it, grill it or roast it, sweetcorn makes an easy side dish for family meals.
For something different, cut the kernels from the cob and add them to a stir-fry, salad or soup.
Courgettes
Courgettes are still readily available in September and are one of those wonderfully versatile vegetables that can be used in countless ways.
Slice and roast them, add them to pasta, grate them into fritters or use them in a warming vegetable soup. Their mild flavour also makes them a great ingredient for experimenting with herbs, spices and sauces.
Tomatoes
Although tomatoes are associated with summer, many varieties are still at their best as September begins. Make the most of ripe, flavourful tomatoes before the cooler months arrive.
Roast them slowly with garlic and herbs, use them in pasta sauces or simply slice them and serve with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Squash and Pumpkin
As autumn approaches, squash varieties begin to take centre stage. Pumpkin, butternut squash and other winter squashes are ideal for hearty September cooking.
Roast chunks of squash with herbs and spices, blend them into soup or add them to curries and stews. They’re especially good for creating comforting one-pan meals as the evenings start to get cooler.
Carrots
Carrots are available throughout much of the year, but they’re particularly well suited to the comforting dishes of early autumn. Their natural sweetness becomes delicious when roasted or caramelised.
Try roasting them with honey and herbs, adding them to a hearty soup or using them as part of a colourful traybake.
Beetroot
Earthy, vibrant beetroot is another excellent September ingredient. Roast it whole or chopped, grate it into salads or pair it with ingredients such as goat’s cheese, walnuts and fresh herbs.
Its rich colour also makes even the simplest autumn dishes look impressive.
How to Make the Most of September Produce
One of the easiest ways to enjoy seasonal ingredients is to keep your cooking simple. Fresh produce doesn’t need complicated preparation to taste great.
A good-quality pan can make all the difference when you’re roasting, sautéing or simmering seasonal vegetables. With the right cookware, you can easily turn September’s ingredients into everything from quick midweek meals to leisurely weekend dishes.
Why not pick a few seasonal ingredients on your next food shop and build a meal around them? Try roasted squash with carrots and beetroot, a comforting apple and blackberry crumble, or a simple courgette and sweetcorn pasta.
Welcome to Autumn Cooking
September sits at a delicious crossroads between summer and autumn. It’s a chance to enjoy the last of the season’s tomatoes, courgettes and sweetcorn while welcoming apples, pears, squash and other autumn favourites into the kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking a quick family dinner or trying something new at the weekend, seasonal produce provides plenty of inspiration. So, grab your favourite Circulon cookware and make the most of everything September has to offer.
