15 Fruits and Vegetables That Taste Best — and Cost Less — in Fall

If you think the cost of groceries is worrisome, you aren't alone. According to a recent CNET survey, a whopping 93% of Americans said they're concerned about inflation, while 77% said that price tags on groceries shocked them the most.

To lessen your grocery bill, you could turn to artificial intelligence to track your spending or switch to a cheaper grocery store, but there's one more option people often forget about when it comes to saving on groceries: Buying produce when it's in season. This is typically when the supply is the highest, meaning the prices will drop in return. 

So whether you're more interested in eating the freshest produce available or lowering your grocery bill, buying produce in season can accomplish both. Here are 15 fruits and vegetables that are in season in the fall. 

Apples 

One of fall's most recognized fruits is always extra fresh during this season. The majority of apple varieties are harvested between late August and early November.

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Beets

Beets offer numerous nutritional benefits, including antioxidants and fiber, and research also suggests that they can help you out during an intense workout. 

Broccoli

In addition to being cholesterol free, broccoli is a good source of fiber and vitamin C. You can enjoy this veggie raw or cook it in the oven, microwave, on the stovetop and even in the air fryer.

Brussels sprouts 

While Brussels sprouts boast a more earthy flavor, there are plenty of ways to cook them to suit your taste. On Reddit, users share how they prefer to cook them, with some saying Brussels taste best when cooked in butter and garlic, and others saying all you need is salt, pepper and olive oil to enjoy this veggie.  

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Carrots 

It's long believed that carrots can have a positive impact on your eyesight. And according to Gailey Eye Clinic, there is truth to that thanks to beta-carotene, the nutrient that makes carrots orange and converts to vitamin A in our bodies, and lutein in the veggie. 

Collards

Closely related to cabbage, collards — or collard greens — are especially popular in the south. They can be prepared in various ways but are often cooked with smoked meat to create a mouthwatering flavor. 

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Cranberries

"Pass the cranberry sauce, please!" Cranberries are often featured in Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and are used in desserts, too. 

Grapes 

If you feel the urge to visit a winery this fall, that may be because numerous varieties of grapes that make up popular wines are harvested in late summer and early autumn. 

Kale 

This leafy vegetable can be a substitute for collards in recipes and vice versa. It is also considered a superfood due to the high nutritional value it offers. 

Kiwi 

You may be surprised to see kiwis on this list, but they are in fact a fall and winter fruit. The furry fruit is harvested between October and May. However, California crops are harvested in December and January, which is important to remember because 98% of kiwi in the US comes directly from the state.

Parsnips

This root veggie is closely related to carrots and is harvested in late fall. In many recipes, you can substitute one for the other, but they do have different tastes with parsnips being slightly sweeter. 

Potatoes 

Whether you like them mashed, boiled, baked or roasted, potatoes are one of the most beloved vegetables. This starchy vegetable can also make you feel full longer thanks to its fiber contents. 

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Pumpkins 

Of course, no fall list is complete without including pumpkins. While you may be tempted to categorize them as vegetables due to their savoriness, they are actually a fall fruit. When they're not being used to create jack-o'-lanterns, pumpkins are often used in desserts and breads. 

Squash 

In addition to pumpkins, there are an assortment of squash varieties that peak in the fall, including butternut squash, spaghetti squash, honeynut squash and more. 

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another Thanksgiving dinner staple, and they are generally thought to be healthier than regular potatoes.