The fall season doesn’t just mean pumpkin patches and hot lattes, it also means a whole new crop of fruits and veggies are in season! From apples to broccoli, from celery to kale, there are more ways than one to make sure you get your daily fill of fruits and veggies. So whether you’re an herbivore at heart or just trying to eat more veggies this season, here’s all you need to know about the spots for fresh produce.
PRODUCE IN SEASON (THE SHORTLIST)
- Apples
- Artichokes
- Arugula
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Chard
- Cranberries
- Eggplant
- Green Beans
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Okra
- Pears
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Spinach
- Sweet potatoes
- Zucchini
For a full list of produce in season visit the Florida Department of Agriculture website.
Where to Find Them
Be sure to explore the many local markets around town and check out all the seasonal produce that vendors have available. Chat with your local farmers, get to know where your food is coming from, and ask about the best ways to enjoy these seasonal treats. With so many options to choose from, you’ll be cooking up delicious dishes all season long!
Wednesday Farmers Market at The Pier
Taking place alongside the St. John’s County Pier, this market is held every Wednesday from
Saturday Market at The Amp
This market is held at the St. Augustine Amp every Saturday from 8:30am-
Nocatee Farmers Market
This local gathering takes place on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10am-2pm with plenty of produce vendors, you’ll be sure to find enough veggies to fill up a basket or two.
Salt Air Farmers Market at Marineland
Held every Sunday from
If You Don’t Want to Cook Your Own
Luckily for us, many restaurants around town are known for serving fresh, seasonal ingredients which means their menu will always reflect the items that are currently in season! For a taste of local flavor, check out some of the great restaurants that offer dishes with seasonal produce so you can enjoy the flavor of fall without having to do the dishes afterwards.
Catch 27
Always focused on the freshest ingredients, Chef Josh Smith changes his dishes with the seasons. Here deliciously fresh seafood reigns supreme (unsurprisingly, considering the name), but the menu is never lacking for produce grown locally. You’ll get to experience some of the best that our little slice of paradise has to offer.
www.catchtwentyseven.com
The Sprout Kitchen
For a bite on the lighter side, The Sprout Kitchen offers veggie-packed meals and harvest bowls to keep you feeling full and satisfied all day long. The new cafe also offers fresh-pressed juices to help you get your day started, or as the perfect mid-day pick-me-up. Be sure to try the ‘blood cleanser’ packed full of seasonal fruits such as apples, beets, and celery, so you’ll be zinging all day long.
www.thesproutkitchen.com
Michael’s
This restaurant offers seasonal ingredients so you know you’re always getting the best. Enjoy their harvest salad, packed full with beets, fresh greens, and much more to keep your tastebuds satisfied, or for something a bit less green, check out their appetizer of Spanish mushrooms!
www.michaelssa.com
The Floridian
Locals know that this eatery changes their menu depending on the season, so be sure to enjoy these dishes while they’re available! Not only is there a variety of salads and hearty grain bowls for you to choose from, but the Pappare Primavera dish is packed full of seasonal veg including zucchini, carrots, peppers, and of course tons of flavor. Don’t forget about the fried green tomatoes, and the soup of the day is usually full of fresh veggies, so be sure to ask your server what they’re cooking up!
www.thefloridianstaug.com
Blackfly
The fall season is all about the cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower, and while some may find cauli a bit boring, Blackfly knows exactly how to get you excited about this seasonal dish. Try out the creamy Buffalo Cauliflower dip for a new way to get your veggies in, and if you’re really hungry, they also offer a Cauliflower “t-bone” for the herbivores who sometimes find themselves craving a juicy steak…it may not taste exactly the same, but the thought is there.
www.blackflytherestaurant.com
Preserved Restaurant
Located on the outskirts of downtown in Lincolnville, this restaurant is farm to table, so you know everything you’re being served is in season! For a dish that will curb your veggie craving, be sure to try the Vegetable Shepards Pie, loaded with tons of veggies, this is one dish that will be sure to leave you satisfied. Be sure to keep an eye out for any specials they may have for a new take and fresh taste on some veggies you may be missing out on.
www.preservedrestaurant.com
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