Monday, October 26, 2026Updated hourly

What's Fresh at Farmers Markets Today

🎃Pumpkins is at peak season! Plus 13 other items fresh and ready at markets near you.

10Vegetables
3Fruits
1Herbs
Today's Featured Pick

Pumpkins

Sugar pumpkins are for eating - sweeter and less stringy than carving pumpkins.

Shopping Tip

Look for "pie pumpkins" or "sugar pumpkins" - they're bred for eating.

Perfect Pairings

cinnamon, nutmeg, cream, sage

Everything in Season This October

Vegetables (10)

🥬Spinach

Tender spring spinach is sweeter than summer crops. Perfect raw or lightly wilted.

Baby spinach is best for salads. Larger leaves are better for cooking.
Pairs with: garlic, lemon, feta, strawberries
🔴Radishes

Crisp, peppery, and colorful. Spring radishes are milder than summer ones.

Don't discard the greens - they're edible and nutritious!
Pairs with: butter, salt, tacos, salads
🎃Winter Squash

Butternut, acorn, delicata - fall's comfort food. Stores for months.

Look for a dry, dull skin and heavy weight. Shiny skin means picked too early.
Pairs with: sage, brown butter, maple, nutmeg
🥬Brussels Sprouts

Frost-sweetened sprouts are a revelation. Nothing like the frozen ones.

Buy on the stalk for maximum freshness. Cut in half for better caramelization.
Pairs with: bacon, balsamic, parmesan, hazelnuts
🥬Kale

Cold weather makes kale sweeter. One of the most nutritious vegetables.

Massage raw kale with olive oil and salt to tenderize for salads.
Pairs with: garlic, lemon, white beans, sausage
🎃Pumpkins

Sugar pumpkins are for eating - sweeter and less stringy than carving pumpkins.

Look for "pie pumpkins" or "sugar pumpkins" - they're bred for eating.
Pairs with: cinnamon, nutmeg, cream, sage
🥦Cauliflower

Fall cauliflower is dense and flavorful. Great roasted until caramelized.

Purple and orange varieties have more antioxidants than white.
Pairs with: curry, cheese, garlic, tahini
🥕Root Vegetables

Carrots, parsnips, turnips, beets - winter's sweet, earthy treasures.

Storage carrots are sweeter than spring carrots - cold converts starch to sugar.
Pairs with: honey, thyme, butter, roasted
🥬Cabbage

Humble but incredibly versatile. Stores for months in the fridge.

Green cabbage is milder, red is more peppery, savoy is most tender.
Pairs with: caraway, apples, bacon, vinegar
🧅Leeks

Mild, sweet onion flavor. Essential for soups and braises.

Cut lengthwise and rinse well - dirt hides between the layers.
Pairs with: potatoes, cream, chicken, gruyere

🍎Fruits (3)

🍎Apples

Fresh-picked apples have a crunch and flavor that stored apples can't match.

Different varieties peak at different times - ask the farmer what's best now.
Pairs with: cinnamon, cheddar, caramel, pork
🍐Pears

Pears ripen from the inside out. Buy firm and let ripen at home.

Press gently near the stem - if it gives slightly, it's ripe.
Pairs with: blue cheese, walnuts, honey, wine
🍇Grapes

Fresh table grapes at peak season are intensely sweet and flavorful.

The dusty bloom on grapes is natural and indicates freshness.
Pairs with: cheese, walnuts, roasted, salads

🌿Fresh Herbs (1)

🌿Cilantro

Bright, citrusy herb essential in many cuisines. Love it or hate it!

Store in a jar of water in the fridge, covered with a plastic bag.
Pairs with: lime, chilies, cumin, avocado

Find These Items at Markets Near You

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Frequently Asked Questions

What produce is in season right now?

In October 2026, Spinach, Radishes, Winter Squash and Apples, Pears are at peak freshness at farmers markets across the US.

How do I know if produce is in season?

Seasonal produce is more abundant, less expensive, and tastes better than out-of-season alternatives. At farmers markets, everything is harvested at peak ripeness and brought to market within days.

Why should I buy seasonal produce?

Seasonal produce is fresher, more nutritious, and better for the environment. It's harvested at peak ripeness rather than picked early for shipping, and it supports local farmers.

What's the best day to go to a farmers market?

Arrive early (within the first hour) for the best selection. Saturdays typically have the most vendors, but weekday markets often have shorter lines.

Last updated: Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7:13 AM UTC

Seasonal availability varies by region and weather conditions.