In September, we begin to see the fruits of our labor as the harvest season begins. We have many fruits and vegetables available that are considered “in season” during the fall harvest. Enjoy the benefits of purchasing produce in their natural growing season.
 
Increased Nutrients and Produce Freshness

Fresh produce purchased locally has more nutrients than commercially grown produce. Locally grown produce can arrive in your home shortly after harvest, while produce grown elsewhere goes through a lengthy transportation and distribution process. This process results in older produce yielding fewer nutrients than their fresh counterparts.

Locally grown produce also will taste better because it is fresh, crisp and bursting with flavor.

Good for the Budget

Purchasing local produce in season can stretch your budget significantly. With a bountiful crop, your local market will be able to offer produce at a discounted price. You will be able to enjoy fresh produce at a fraction of the cost of what you’d find in the grocery store.

Helps Local Economy and Environment

Money spent on the produce purchased from your local growers and farmers remains is reinvested in local businesses in your local community. Your purchase also positively impacts the environment.

A great deal of energy and resources are used for growing, transporting and distributing commercially grown produce. By purchasing locally, you are helping reduce travel time and the resources used, thus reducing your overall carbon footprint.

Safer Food Supply

The more steps involved in processing and transporting perishable goods such as produce, the higher the risk of contamination. By purchasing locally, you will reduce the amount of handling required to get fresh produce to your kitchen table.

You also have the ability to ask local growers and farmers about their growing and harvesting practices. Knowing your produce is handled minimally and safely should give you peace of mind.

What’s in Season Locally for September?

Here are a few fruits and vegetables available locally in the Midwest throughout September:

• Apples
• Beans
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Eggplant
• Endive
• Kale, lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard and other leafy greens
• Muskmelon
• Okra
• Onions
• Parsley
• Parsnips
• Peppers
• Plums
• Potatoes
• Pumpkins
• Raspberries
• Summer squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Turnips
• Winter squash
• Watermelon
• Zucchini