The Market

What's in Season

What's at its peak right now, how to pick a good one at the market, and recipes that use it.

At its peak in October

Fruit

Apples

Peak crunch; Honeycrisp and Pink Lady shine now.

Gumbo Z'HerbesHawaiian-Style Kalua Pork SlidersHawaiian-Style Kalua Pork SlidersHawaiian Kalua-Style Pulled Pork SlidersHawaiian Kalua-Style Pulled Pork Sliders

Fruit

Pears

Ripe when the neck gives to a thumb.

Moghrabieh with ChickenMoghrabieh with ChickenStifadoStifadoBubur Cha ChaBubur Cha Cha

Fruit

Cranberries

Firm and bouncy.

Frango com Molho de Cranberry

Fruit

Pomegranates

Heavy with slightly angular sides.

Za'atar Roasted CauliflowerZa'atar Roasted CauliflowerÇoban SalatasıÇoban SalatasıBife à RomãBife à Romã

Fruit

Quince

Golden, fragrant; always cook it.

Recipes using it coming soon.

Fruit

Persimmons

Fuyu firm like an apple; Hachiya jelly-soft.

Recipes using it coming soon.

Fruit

Grapes

Plump, firmly attached.

Recipes using it coming soon.

Vegetable

Pumpkin

Small sugar pumpkins for cooking, not carving.

Recipes using it coming soon.

Vegetable

Butternut Squash

Matte skin and heavy.

Miso-Glazed Kabocha SquashMiso-Glazed Kabocha SquashSimmered Kabocha SquashSimmered Kabocha SquashPinakbetPinakbet

Vegetable

Delicata Squash

Firm, no green; the skin is edible.

Miso-Glazed Kabocha SquashMiso-Glazed Kabocha SquashSimmered Kabocha SquashSimmered Kabocha SquashPinakbetPinakbet

Vegetable

Spaghetti Squash

Pale yellow, hard and heavy.

Miso-Glazed Kabocha SquashMiso-Glazed Kabocha SquashSimmered Kabocha SquashSimmered Kabocha SquashPinakbetPinakbet

Vegetable

Brussels Sprouts

Small, tight, bright green.

Recipes using it coming soon.

Vegetable

Wild Mushrooms

Dry and firm; never store in plastic.

Hot and Sour SoupPan-Roasted Polenta with Wild MushroomsPan-Roasted Polenta with Wild MushroomsMiso-Glazed Shiitake SteaksMiso-Glazed Shiitake Steaks

Vegetable

Sweet Potatoes

Smooth skin, no soft ends.

Cari GaCari GaBubur Cha ChaBubur Cha ChaDak-galbiDak-galbi

Vegetable

Cauliflower

Tight, heavy head.

Za'atar Roasted CauliflowerZa'atar Roasted Cauliflower

Vegetable

Broccoli

Dark, tight buds.

Recipes using it coming soon.

Vegetable

Cabbage

Heavy and tight.

Lion's Head Meatballs
Gumbo Z'HerbesBorschBorsch

Vegetable

Kale

Deep color, crisp leaves.

Gumbo Z'HerbesSecretos de Porco Preto com MigasSecretos de Porco Preto com MigasHorta VrastaHorta Vrasta

Vegetable

Beets

Firm and smooth.

BorschBorschBiff LindströmBiff LindströmRödbetsbiffarRödbetsbiffar

Vegetable

Parsnips

Small to medium for sweetness.

Recipes using it coming soon.

Vegetable

Celery Root

Heavy, no soft spots.

Gumbo Z'Herbes
Duck and Smoked Sausage Gumbo
Louisiana Seafood Gumbo

Vegetable

Sunchokes

Firm with few knobs.

Recipes using it coming soon.

Nut

Chestnuts

Glossy shells that feel full.

Lion's Head Meatballs

Herb

Sage

Fry it in brown butter.

Duck and Smoked Sausage Gumbo
Chicken and Andouille GumboGnocchi con Burro e SalviaGnocchi con Burro e Salvia

Herb

Thyme

Bright, fragrant sprigs.

Gumbo Z'Herbes
Duck and Smoked Sausage Gumbo
Louisiana Seafood Gumbo