How to Make the Most of 2020's Harvest Season

It’s finally autumn, which means we’re all looking forward to pumpkin-spiced everything. However, it’s not just time for all things pumpkin flavored… It’s also the harvest season, which means many fruits and vegetables are literally ripe for the picking. Here are a few ways to take advantage of the harvest season and enjoy a bountiful farmers' market crawl.

Locate Your Local Farmers' Market

First thing’s first, you have to find your local farmers' market so you can find the freshest produce at the best prices. The best part is that many of these markets are exclusively organic so you usually don’t have to worry about GMOs or pesticides.

This is a local farmers' market directory provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This directory allows you to search by state for farmers' markets.

https://www.ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/farmersmarkets

Now that you know where to shop, you can start planning on what you will be buying from these markets.

Figure Out What’s in Season in Your Region

Depending on where you’re from, different types of fruits and veggies will be in season. Farmers’ markets will only carry produce that’s in season, so be aware that it won’t be like shopping at your local grocery store.

This nifty seasonal food guide will help you determine what’s in season where you are depending on the time of year. 

https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/

Have a U-Pick Farm Adventure

If you’re wanting to try something new and different, check out a U-Pick farm. These farms allow you to pick produce from the crops yourself at a very low price point. This is not only cost-effective for both you and the farmer, but it’s a great idea for a date or a family outing – kids love it! You can make a whole day out of it and go on a ‘U-Picnic’ with all the produce you picked. 

Here’s another great directory organized by state that can help you find your closest local U-Pick farm.

https://upickfarmlocator.com/

Find Great Recipes for Your Seasonal Produce

Once you’ve collected your fresh and delicious produce, you’ll certainly want to whip up something yummy with your bounty. If you’re ever at a loss for what to make with your harvest, this website is a great resource that allows you to search for recipes by ingredient. You can add as many ingredients as you’d like to the filter, so you can combine seasonal produce items to make a fun festive meal.

https://recipeland.com/recipes/by_ingredient

With recipes like Harvest Time Pumpkin Soup and Autumn Pumpkin Marmalade, you’re sure to find plenty of recipes to fit the ‘fall feel’.

If you have any allergies or foods you’d like to avoid, rest assured that this site also has a “without these ingredients” search function. If you want to have a recipe with pumpkins, but no nuts, you can search with these filters in place so you can find the perfect meal. 

Get Festive!

Every season is full of new possibilities and ways to be festive. Shopping for seasonal ingredients is just one way to enjoy autumn this year, so be sure to get creative with new ways to celebrate the harvest. 

Don’t forget to take brisk walks in nature and check out your local pumpkin patch and do some pumpkin carving with the kids. Also, remember to start preparing for Halloween and Thanksgiving, which are just around the corner and will be here before you know it!