Autumn is a season of change, and November is all about gratitude and abundance! In the United States, this month means one thing: Thanksgiving! Thankfully, there is so much wonderful produce that is at peak season in autumn, so it’s a great time to revisit favorite family recipes while also trying new-to-you ingredients!
The season of fall is sometimes thought to be the best time for fresh produce, because you get to harvest what was sowed in spring and summer. From root vegetables to late summer stone fruits, there’s SO much variety to explore at your local farmers market! Pumpkins and other squash are readily available. Cruciferous vegetables like Brussel sprouts and broccoli pop up, and winter greens like kale and Swiss chard even start to make an appearance. Talk about bountiful!!!
While this list will vary slightly based on your geographical location, here’s what you can expect to find across the United States in the winter month of November. Looking for more? Be sure to check out my other seasonal produce guides!
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infographic of what’s in season in November
Here’s a handy infographic to showcase some of the freshest seasonal produce available in November. Save this image for all your grocery store trips this month, or pin it for later!
complete list of fruits & veggies in season in November
Check out these two comprehensive lists of seasonal fruits and veggies that’re in season during the month of November! You’ll notice that some of these fruits and veggies make an appearance throughout the year, but choosing produce that is in peak season is the best way to get a better payoff in terms of flavor. Not to mention, they’ll likely be on sale at your local grocery store!
what fruit is in season in November:
- Apples
- Clementines
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Kumquats
- Lemons
- Limes
- Oranges
- Passionfruit
- Pears
- Persimmons
- Pomegranate
- Tangerines
what vegetables are in season in November:
- Beets
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Kale
- Leeks
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Parsnips
- Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Rutabagas
- Sweet potatoes
- Turnips
- Winter squash
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November ingredient spotlight & seasonal recipes
Check out a quick list of what produce is in season in November at your local grocery stores, as well as a handful of recipe ideas for different uses of each fruit or veggie! Don’t see something? Leave me a comment below and I’ll add to the list for you! 🥰
It seems fitting that fall is known as pie season, which immediately makes me think of apple pie!
With so many varieties of apples available, it’s important to know which kind to use in what recipe. Thankfully, most recipes out there will tell you outright which apples to use. When baking, be sure to pick firmer and more tart varieties that will hold up to the heat and sweetness of a baked good. When cooking, you’ve got a bit more leeway! And don’t forget one of my favorite ways to use apples: liquor infusions! You can infuse apples into any liquor you like, like green apple vodka or spiced apple bourbon!
Persimmons are in season in November, and they’re becoming easier to find.
Described as having a slightly sweet, slightly tart flavor, persimmons are definitely a unique fruit to check out this season. They have a mild flavor, that’s sort of a mix between a mango and melon. There are a few types of persimmons that may pop up at your local market, but the two most popular are Fuyu persimmons and Hachiya persimmons. If you’re new to this fruit, try it in a persimmon simple syrup recipe! Once you make the syrup, you’ll have an easy way to enjoy an endless variety of custom seasonal drinks!
Cranberries do not come from a can, and November is their time to shine!
There are so many different ways you can use cranberries, it seems a shame that Cranberry sauce seems to be the most famous use of them in November. But I prefer to work with fresh cranberries, and you better believe that a huge portion of my beverages this month incorporate this fruit! Use them to make customized cranberry ice cubes to toss into all your drinks at the Thanksgiving table, or make a cranberry simple syrup to highlight the tart and bright flavor of this berry.
Cauliflower is in peak season during the fall and winter months, and it’s a great option for lighter sides and mains!
I love enjoying roasted cauliflower florets in dishes like salads, grain bowls, and even tacos! At this time of year, I prioritize using fresh cauliflower, which is more firm even after cooking than frozen florets, which can get soggy. Try tossing fresh florets with some olive oil and a spice blend, then roasting in the oven until browned. Spread some homemade crostini with whipped ricotta, then put your roasted cauliflower on top! It’s the perfect appetizer or side side! I also love using roasted cauliflower on pizza!
Sweet and bright kiwifruit might be associated with tropical fruits and summer, but it’s actually a fall and winter fruit when it’s grown in the United States!
Kiwi have a sweet flavor that partners well with so many other fruits, like citrus fruits, apples, and pears. A simple fruit salad recipe complete with a light and bright dressing can be a quick and easy dish to whip up when you’re tired of turning on the oven during the holidays. Of course, a kiwi simple syrup can turn any drink into a kiwi-infused masterpiece, like these kiwi mojitos!
So, what’s on your shopping list during November?
Meals tend to get heavier this time of year with the holidays in full swing, so I’m always on the lookout for creative ways to weave some lighter options into my meal planning. Hearty vegetables like squash, leafy greens, and cauliflower are some of my go-to ingredients to keep things on the lighter side during November!
