Don’t Miss the Abundance of Fall Farmers Markets
October is a magical month for farmers markets. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, market booths overflow with a colorful array of produce that bridges the end of summer and the beginning of fall. It’s a time of abundance — when sweet late-summer fruits meet hearty root vegetables and the rich flavors of autumn take center stage.
Whether you’re a seasoned market shopper or an every now and then browser, a new season can bring an exciting array of produce and pantry staples to the market.
A New Spread of Fruits
October is prime apple season here in Colorado. Whether you love the tart crunch of a Granny Smith or the honey-sweet flavor of a Fuji, you’ll find a wide selection of varieties perfect for snacking, baking, or turning into cider.
Farmers markets often carry heirloom and local varieties you won’t find in grocery stores — so ask your vendor for taste tests and recommendations. It’s also the ideal time to try your hand at homemade apple pie, applesauce, or apple butter.
Not only are apples abundant, pears also reach their peak in October. Varieties like Bosc, Bartlett, and Anjou are juicy, flavorful, and versatile — great for both savory and sweet dishes.
Winter Squash
No October farmers market would be complete without a display of pumpkins and winter squash. You’ll find edible varieties like pie pumpkins, kabocha, butternut, delicata, acorn, and spaghetti squash.
These seasonal vegetables are rich in flavor and nutrients. Roast them, puree them into soups, or cube them into salads and grain bowls. Delicata squash, for example, doesn’t even need peeling — just slice and roast for a quick, sweet side dish.
Roots and Greens
October marks the return of earthy, grounding root vegetables. Look for carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips, radishes, and more. Many of these roots store well, making them great staples as the weather cools.
Brassicas thrive in the cooler weather of October. In fact, a light frost often improves their flavor by converting starches into sugars. Look out for cabbage, kale, spinach, arugula, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and collard greens.
Seasonal Takes On Your Favorites
Producers aren’t the only vendors that bring seasonal goodies to the farmers market. Many of your favorite vendors do a seasonal take on the products they bring to market all season long. Think pumpkin pie from Hinman Pie, apple ice cream from Best One Yet, pumpkin spice lattes from Faire Isle Coffee, or pecan pie nut butter from Ray Road Nut Butter. Plus, stock up on apple butter and cider from Ela Family Farms and Topp Fruits to carry that seasonal deliciousness through all of your fall festivities.
And remember, we are an all weather market, so even as the days get cooler bundle up and show your farmers some love as they harvest the season’s bounty. Join us in Boulder every Saturday through November 22 and in Longmont through November 15.
