As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, autumn brings plenty of rich, hearty produce that’s packed with flavour, nutrition, and versatility. This season is all about comforting root vegetables, crisp apples, juicy pears, and earthy greens—all at their peak freshness and ready to inspire your cooking.
Let’s explore what’s in season this autumn, the best ways to enjoy it, and how to make the most of fresh, local produce while it lasts!
Root Vegetables – Earthy, Sweet & Nutritious
Autumn is prime time for root veggies, which are naturally sweet, rich in fibre, and perfect for roasting, mashing, or adding to stews.
Some of the best root vegetables available now include:
Kumara (Sweet Potato) – Roast it for a crispy caramelized side, mash it with butter, or use it in warming soups.
Carrots – Sweet, crunchy, and great for roasting, juicing, or adding to salads.
Parsnips – Slightly nutty and sweet, they roast beautifully or add depth to creamy mashes.
Swede – A lesser-used but fantastic vegetable for stews, roasts, or creamy purees.
Beetroot – Earthy and vibrant, perfect for roasting, pickling, or blending into dips and salads.
Best Way to Enjoy: Roast a mix of root veggies with olive oil, salt, and fresh herbs for an easy, flavour-packed side dish.
Apples & Pears – Crisp, Juicy & Perfect for Baking
Autumn is apple and pear season, with new-season varieties arriving in stores. These fruits are incredibly versatile, whether you enjoy them fresh, bake them into desserts, or cook them down into chutneys and sauces.
Cox Orange Apples – Great for both eating fresh and baking—crisp, tangy, and full of flavour.
Sugar Pears – Naturally sweet and delicious raw, but also hold up well when poached or baked.
Bosc & Brown Pears – Perfect for roasting, pairing with cheese, or adding to autumn salads.
Best Way to Enjoy: Try an Apple & Pear Crumble for the ultimate autumn dessert, packed with warming spices and a crunchy oat topping!
Leafy Greens – Fresh, Nutrient-Packed & Versatile
With cooler weather comes an abundance of hearty greens, packed with iron, fiber, and antioxidants. These greens thrive in autumn and can be used raw in salads or cooked into warming dishes.
Kale – A superfood packed with vitamins, great in smoothies, salads, or sautéed with garlic.
Silverbeet (Swiss Chard) – A nutrient-rich, slightly bitter green that’s perfect for creamy dishes or stir-fries.
Cabbage – Crisp and versatile, great for coleslaw, stir-fries, or slow-cooked meals.
Brussels Sprouts – Roast them for a deliciously crispy side with balsamic glaze.
Best Way to Enjoy: Sauté silverbeet or kale with olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon for a quick, healthy side dish.
Pumpkins & Squash – The Ultimate Autumn Staple
Pumpkins, butternut squash, and kamokamo are at their peak during autumn, offering rich, creamy textures and natural sweetness. They’re perfect for soups, roasting, baking, and even desserts!
Crown Pumpkin – Ideal for soups, roasting, or making into gnocchi.
Kamokamo – A unique Kiwi favorite, great for stuffing or steaming.
Butternut Squash – A slightly sweeter pumpkin alternative, perfect for creamy soups and curries.
Best Way to Enjoy: Try a Roast Pumpkin & Kumara Soup, blending these rich, sweet veggies into a warming, velvety soup.
Citrus & Late Summer Fruits – A Burst of Freshness
Even as the weather cools, some citrus fruits and late-summer produce are still going strong, adding a zesty, refreshing balance to heavier autumn dishes.
New Season Lemons – Great for adding brightness to dishes and salad dressings.
Finger Limes – A unique, caviar-like citrus burst, amazing in seafood dishes.
Golden Watermelons – The last of summer’s sweetness, perfect for snacking.
Kiwi Berries – Small, sweet, and perfect for lunchbox treats or fruit salads.
Best Way to Enjoy: Add citrus zest to roasted veggies or drizzle fresh lemon juice over greens for extra brightness and balance.
Celebrate the Flavors of Autumn!
Now is the best time to take advantage of seasonal produce and bring the rich, hearty flavors of autumn into your kitchen. From sweet root vegetables to crisp apples, earthy greens, and warming citrus, there’s so much fresh goodness to enjoy.
Whether you’re slow-cooking a lamb roast, making a hearty soup, baking a crumble, or tossing a vibrant seasonal salad, these ingredients will bring natural flavor and warmth to your meals.
What’s your favourite autumn produce and recipe? Let us know in-store or in the comments below!
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