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    Home » Seasonal produce guides

    October seasonal produce and recipes

    Oct 5, 2021Leave a Comment As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

    October produce guide

    October seasonal produce and recipes! A guide to what’s in season in October plus vegetarian October recipes.

    October seasonal produce and recipes graphic with butternut squash

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Happy October, Rhubarbarians! It's as fall as fall can be this month. All the changing leaves, the crisp and foggy mornings, Halloween, and of course, the October seasonal produce! 

    Did you try all of the September recipes? Or are you looking forward to November recipes?

    The farmers markets are still stocked with the last of the harvest produce. I hope you are getting out and enjoying them (as safely as possible at least)! It won't be long before this harvest season is over, so let's make the most of it.

    We are ready for the coziness of October and all the fun fall activities to begin. Our favorite time of year!

    Check out our vegetarian fall recipes guide for recipes to try each week of fall!

    Jump to:
    • What produce is in season in October?
    • Apple
    • Apple recipes
    • Cauliflower
    • Cauliflower recipes
    • Cranberry
    • Cranberry recipes
    • Grape
    • Grape recipes
    • Kale
    • Kale recipes
    • Mushroom
    • Mushroom recipes
    • Pear
    • Pear recipes
    • Pumpkin
    • Pumpkin recipes
    • Butternut squash
    • Butternut squash recipes
    • Delicata squash
    • Delicata squash recipes

    What produce is in season in October?

    So many seasonal recipes to make in October! Some of your farmers markets might closing, but there is still so much fresh produce to enjoy this month. For this list we are going to focus on apples, cauliflower, cranberries, grapes, kale, mushrooms, pears, pumpkin, butternut squash, and delicata squash.

    Fruits:

    • Apple
    • Cranberry
    • Grape
    • Pear

    Vegetables:

    • Cauliflower
    • Kale
    • Mushroom

    Squash:

    • Pumpkin
    • Butternut squash
    • Delicata squash

    What to cook in October? Enjoy all the squash your heart desires. Plus apples, pears, and cruciferous veggies.

    Apple

    Apples are fruits that are in season from August to November. They are fantastic eaten raw, but are the quintessential flavor of fall in the Pacific Northwest when cooked. Apple pie anyone?

    Learn more about apples

    Oatmeal baked apples

    Apple recipes

    Breakfast baked apples with oatmeal
    Warm and cozy breakfast baked apples with oatmeal filling! Maple pecan steel cut oatmeal is stuffed into apples and then baked to perfection. The perfect vegan fall breakfast recipe.
    Check out this recipe
    Oatmeal stuffed baked apple
    5-minute apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe
    5-minute apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe! Skip the instant oatmeal package and make your own microwave apple oatmeal in minutes.
    Check out this recipe
    Warm halloumi salad with apples and pecans
    20-minute warm halloumi salad recipe with apples and pecans! A crunchy apple pecan salad with halloumi cheese that is perfect for fall.
    Check out this recipe
    Warm halloumi salad with apples and pecans
    Vegan individual apple crisp
    15-minute vegan individual apple crisp recipe! This single serve microwave apple crisp only takes a few minutes to make. Perfect for that fall dessert craving!
    Check out this recipe
    single serve apple crisp with ice cream
    Baked apple chips recipe
    How to make apple chips! This oil-free baked apple chips recipe is as easy as slicing up some apples, sprinkling on some spices, and slow baking in the oven. The perfect healthy snack!
    Check out this recipe
    baked apple chips

    Cauliflower

    Cauliflower is an edible flower (wow!) that is in season from July to November. Cauliflower is loaded with so many nutrients without a high carbohydrate count, that is has been modernly termed "cauliPower." The mild taste and texture make it incredibly versatile both raw and cooked. Fun fact: Mark Twain once described cauliflower as "cabbage with a college education." ?

    Learn more about cauliflower

    Curry roasted cauliflower on a sheet pan

    Cauliflower recipes

    Coconut curry lentils and cauliflower
    Easy coconut curry lentils with roasted cauliflower recipe! A simple curried cauliflower and lentil bowl perfect for a vegan weeknight dinner. 
    Check out this recipe
    Coconut curry lentils and cauliflower with naan
    Cauliflower quinoa burgers with mushrooms and onions
    These delicious cauliflower quinoa burgers will become your new favorite veggie burger! Packed with flavor and topped with buttery, garlicky sauteed mushrooms and onions. YUM!
    Check out this recipe
    Cauliflower quinoa burgers with mushrooms and onions! A flavor packed veggie burger topped with buttery, garlicky sauteed mushrooms and onions. This will become your new favorite veggie burger recipe! So good!
    Curried butternut squash cauliflower soup
    Cozy curried butternut squash cauliflower soup recipe! This warm vegetable curry soup with rice is always a hit with the whole family.
    Check out this recipe
    Butternut squash cauliflower soup
    Vegan cauliflower curry with potatoes and cashews
    Vegan cauliflower curry with potatoes and cashews recipe! This coconut curry stew is packed full of flavor and healthy ingredients, and ready in under an hour.
    Check out this recipe
    Vegan cauliflower curry with potatoes and cashews recipe! This coconut curry stew is packed full of flavor and healthy ingredients! Create a warm and comforting dinner in under an hour! // Rhubarbarians //
    Coconut cauliflower golden soup with kefir
    Coconut cauliflower golden soup with kefir recipe! A healing, turmeric golden milk soup with creamy cauliflower, sweet coconut, and tangy kefir. So much goodness in one bowl!
    Check out this recipe
    Coconut cauliflower golden soup with kefir recipe! A healing, turmeric golden milk soup with creamy cauliflower, sweet coconut, and tangy kefir. // Rhubarbarians
    Spiced lentil stew with sweet and sour cauliflower
    Spiced lentil stew with sweet and sour cauliflower recipe! A delicious, healthy, and hearty vegetarian dinner that the whole family will love. Vegetarian, and easily adapted to a vegan and/or gluten free diet.
    Check out this recipe
    Spiced lentil stew with sweet and sour cauliflower recipe! Yellow lentils spiced with turmeric, cumin, and brown mustard seed, and topped with crispy sweet and sour cauliflower. A delicious, healthy, and hearty vegetarian dinner that the whole family will love. Vegetarian, gluten free, and easily adapted to a vegan diet. So good! - Rhubarbarians

    Cranberry

    Cranberries are fruits that are in season from September to November. Raw cranberries are very tart and are rarely eaten raw as a snack. But, when cooked they become a bit sweeter and are one of the quintessential fruits of fall here in America. You HAVE to have cranberries on your Thanksgiving table, right?

    Learn more about cranberries

    fresh cranberries in a blue basket

    Cranberry recipes

    How to make homemade cranberry sauce
    How to make both whole berry AND jellied homemade cranberry sauce at home! This classic holiday favorite is so much easier than you think, and so much better than canned store bought!
    Check out this recipe
    Jellied cranberry sauce in a white container
    Vegan cranberry portobello pot roast
    Vegan cranberry portobello pot roast recipe! Serve this over creamy mashed potatoes for the perfect vegetarian holiday dish or a warm and hearty dinner.
    Check out this recipe
    Cranberry portobello pot roast with mashed potatoes
    Fresh cranberry smoothie recipe with cinnamon and pomegranate
    Amazingly refreshing cranberry smoothie recipe! This cinnamon spiced cranberry pomegranate smoothie is naturally sweetened and a great way to get a healthy boost after the holidays.
    Check out this recipe
    cranberry pomegranate smoothie
    Cranberry pancakes with buttermilk and cinnamon
    Got some cranberries in your fridge? Try this fresh cranberry pancakes recipe with buttermilk and cinnamon. Buttery and bursting with flavor!
    Check out this recipe
    A square photo of a stack of cranberry pancakes with cranberry sauce, butter, and sugared cranberries on top.
    Easy cranberry orange hand pies
    Quick and easy cranberry orange hand pies recipe! Festive and flaky holiday hand pies made with cranberry sauce and store bought pie crust.
    Check out this recipe
    Cranberry orange hand pies in a red pan

    Grape

    Grapes are fruits that are in season from August to October. Fresh grapes are wonderful eaten out of hand, but are used for so many things! Sweet desserts, juices, wines, dried to make raisins, or added to savory dishes for a little sweet crunch. 

    Learn more about grapes

    Fresh grapes on a silver plate

    Grape recipes

    Maple cinnamon roasted grapes and figs with walnuts
    Warm roasted grapes recipe! Maple cinnamon roasted grapes with figs and walnuts is a cozy, vegan fall dish perfect with yogurt, ice cream, crostinis, or cheese boards.
    Check out this recipe
    roasted grapes and figs in a white pan
    Chickpea salad sandwich with grapes and walnuts
    5-minute smashed chickpea salad sandwich with grapes, walnuts, and fresh dill. A delicious and easy vegetarian lunch that everyone in the family will love.
    Check out this recipe
    stacked chickpea salad sandwich
    Mulled concord grape cider
    No sugar added, mulled grape cider in just 30 minutes! An amazing way to use concord grapes and make your house smell like fall. Vegan, refined sugar free.
    Check out this recipe
    30 minute mulled concord grape cider recipe! Make a batch on your stovetop and make your house smell like fall! Sweet enough without any sugar added. The perfect drink for your fall party, or just getting cozy. Naturally vegan and refined sugar free. // Rhubarbarians #grapecider #falldrink
    Three Cheese Roasted Grape Pizza | Live Eat Learn
    This mouth-watering 3 Cheese Roasted Grape Pizza is packed with savory roasted grapes and 3 types of creamy, gooey cheese.
    Check out this recipe
    Three Cheese Roasted Grape Pizza | Live Eat Learn
    Easy Grape Jam - 3 ingredients & no added pectin!
    Easy Grape Jam is the easiest grape jam recipe you’ll find - no peeling grapes here and no added pectin! With a taste that’s out of this world, this really is a jam recipe you have to try!
    Check out this recipe
    Easy Grape Jam - 3 ingredients & no added pectin!

    Kale

    Kale is a leafy vegetable that is in season from October to April. It's a rough and hearty green that is usually eaten by removing the rib or stem and eating the leaves, although the stem is actually edible. Kale is enjoyed raw or cooked and has been modernly labeled a "superfood." 

    Learn more about kale

    Tossing kale salad

    Kale recipes

    Roasted squash salad with broccoli rabe and kale
    30-minute roasted squash salad with broccoli rabe and kale recipe! A warm, vegan salad perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meatless monday.
    Check out this recipe
    30-minute roasted squash salad with broccoli rabe and kale recipe! A warm, vegan salad perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meatless monday. // Rhubarbarians // vegetarian salad / dairy free dinner / gluten free meal / #roastedsquash #meatlessmonday #vegandinner #healthysalad #rhubarbarians #glutenfree
    Sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic and lemon
    Sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic and lemon recipe! A simple yet flavorful way to enjoy broccoli rabe. No blanching needed!
    Check out this recipe
    Sauteed broccoli rabe with lemon slices
    Easy saag paneer recipe
    Easy saag paneer recipe! A flavorful Indian creamed spinach and greens curry with paneer cheese. A great vegetarian meal!
    Check out this recipe
    Saag paneer with yogurt
    Kale Falafel (Baked, Not Fried!) | yupitsvegan.com
    Kale falafel recipe - baked, not fried. A vegan, gluten-free, protein-packed chickpea fritter. Options to make grain-free and oil-free.
    Check out this recipe
    Kale Falafel (Baked, Not Fried!) | yupitsvegan.com
    Creamy Vegan Gnocchi with Garlic & Kale
    Creamy Vegan Gnocchi with Garlic & Kale. Soft fluffy pillows of gnocchi & tender, sautéed kale, tossed in a creamy, garlic infused sauce.
    Check out this recipe
    Creamy Vegan Gnocchi with Garlic & Kale

    Mushroom

    A mushroom is any edible fungus (whoa!). They are in season here in the Pacific Northwest during the rainy seasons, so spring and then again in the fall. Mushrooms are packed with earthy, umami flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. They're distinct flavor makes them perfect for adding to vegan or vegetarian dishes that may lack that "meaty" flavor, and some mushrooms even resemble the texture of shredded meat. How cool is that?

    Learn more about mushrooms

    Mushroom toast

    Mushroom recipes

    Garlic swiss mushrooms on toast
    Garlic swiss mushrooms on toast recipe! Sautéed mushrooms on a rustic slice of bread topped with cheese and thyme. An easy, vegetarian meal!
    Check out this recipe
    Cheesy mushrooms on toast
    Easy vegan mushroom pot pies
    Easy vegan mushroom pot pies recipe! Individual sized vegetable pot pies with puff pastry crust. Great for a weeknight dinner!
    Check out this recipe
    vegan chicken pot pie
    Cheese tortellini with caramelized onion sauce and mushrooms recipe
    Cheese tortellini with caramelized onion sauce and mushrooms recipe! This simple and delicious vegetarian tortellini pasta has the most flavorful sauce you will ever taste. Your whole family will love this!
    Check out this recipe
    A square photo of caramelized onion tortellini pasta in a blue dutch oven with fresh parsley on top and a wooden spoon.
    Grilled portobello mushroom burgers
    Marinated grilled portobello mushroom burgers recipe! These all-American portobello burgers are so tasty, even meat lovers love them. The BEST vegetarian cheeseburgers!
    Check out this recipe
    Portobello mushroom burger with tomato on a metal plate
    Homemade pesto pizza with mushrooms and goat cheese
    Easy homemade pesto pizza with mushrooms and goat cheese! A quick homemade pizza dough recipe for a fun pizza night at home. YUM!
    Check out this recipe
    homemade mushroom pesto pizza

    Pear

    Pears are fruits that are in season from August to November. Pears are wonderful eaten raw on their own, but are similar to apples in the sense that they pair well with an endless number of flavors and are fantastic when cooked.

    Learn more about pears

    Red anjou pears

    Pear recipes

    Baked apples and pears with cranberries and pecans
    Cozy baked apples and pears recipe! A baked fruit casserole perfect for fall. You’ll love this fresh out of the oven cranberry apple bake.
    Check out this recipe
    Baked apples and pears
    Pear and apple spinach salad with honey mustard dressing
    10-minute pear and apple spinach salad with honey mustard dressing recipe! This Autumn crunch salad is loaded with pecans, pomegranate, and cheddar cheese.
    Check out this recipe
    autumn apple salad in a white bowl
    Cranberry Pear Steel Cut Oats (Vegan, Gluten-Free) - Sharon Palmer, The Plant Powered Dietitian
    This hearty recipe for Cranberry Pear Steel Cut Oats makes for a healthy breakfast on the run. It’s nutritious as it is delicious!
    Check out this recipe
    Cranberry Pear Steel Cut Oats (Vegan, Gluten-Free) - Sharon Palmer, The Plant Powered Dietitian
    Vegan Chocolate Pear Cake - Vegan on Board Cake
    Looking for a tasty vegan pear cake? Try this dark chocolate loaf cake with whole pears. It looks impressive, but is very easy to make!
    Check out this recipe
    Vegan Chocolate Pear Cake - Vegan on Board Cake
    Pear Chips
    Fresh pears dehydrated become a delicious pear chip. No added sugar - just pears!
    Check out this recipe
    Pear Chips

    Pumpkin

    Pumpkins are fruits (yep!) that are in season from September to January. You may be imagining a jack-o-lantern or maybe a pumpkin spice latte, but there are many varieties of delicious pumpkins! For most varieties, the inner flesh and the seeds are edible and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. 

    Learn more about pumpkin

    pumpkin fettuccine alfredo with pecans and parsley

    Pumpkin recipes

    Cauliflower pumpkin fettuccine alfredo
    Creamy cauliflower pumpkin fettuccine alfredo recipe! A healthier, savory pumpkin alfredo pasta that tastes rich and delicious. 
    Check out this recipe
    Skinny cauliflower pumpkin fettuccine alfredo recipe! A healthy, fall version of the classic alfredo pasta. Topped with toasted pecans, fresh parsley, and parmesan cheese. The perfect fall dinner! // Rhubarbarians . . #caulifloweralfredo #pumpkinalfredo #skinnyrecipes #healthyrecipes #fallpasta #pasta #falldinner #fallmeal #pumpkin
    Pumpkin lentil soup
    Easy vegan pumpkin lentil soup recipe! This hearty and healthy pumpkin red lentil and vegetable soup makes the perfect meatless fall dinner. 
    Check out this recipe
    Pumpkin lentil soup with a spoon
    Healthy pumpkin smoothie
    Delicious and healthy pumpkin smoothie recipe! A super creamy pumpkin pie smoothie with yogurt perfect for a fall breakfast or snack.
    Check out this recipe
    Pumpkin smoothie with hand picking it up
    Pumpkin cranberry bread
    Spiced pumpkin cranberry bread recipe! Dark rye flour makes this whole grain pumpkin cranberry loaf moist and flavorful.
    Check out this recipe
    A square photo of a loaf of pumpkin cranberry bread.
    Chunky pumpkin granola recipe
    Super chunky pumpkin granola recipe made with real pumpkin! Big cluster pumpkin spice granola that is sure to be your favorite healthy fall breakfast.
    Check out this recipe
    eating pumpkin granola and yogurt

    Butternut squash

    Butternut squash is a fruit (yep!) that is in season from September to December. It's very similar to a pumpkin, but has more of a bell shape and thinner, paler, skin. This winter squash is most commonly eaten when cooked and has a very sweet, squash flavor.

    Learn more about butternut squash

    two butternut squashes

    Butternut squash recipes

    Sheet pan butternut squash tacos with black beans
    Easy sheet pan butternut squash tacos recipe! Vegetarian sheet pan veggie tacos are perfect for a weeknight meal.
    Check out this recipe
    Butternut squash tacos in corn tortillas
    Maple roasted butternut squash with cranberries and pecans
    Cozy maple roasted butternut squash with cranberries recipe! This cranberry pecan butternut squash bake is the perfect blend of fall flavors and makes a great Thanksgiving or holiday side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Butternut squash with cranberries and pecans in a white dish
    Butternut squash leek soup with potatoes and herbs
    Cozy vegan butternut squash leek soup recipe! An easy, one-pot butternut squash potato leek soup that is silky smooth and oh-so comforting.
    Check out this recipe
    Butternut squash leek soup with herbs on top
    Thai curried butternut squash soup recipe
    Easy vegan Thai curried butternut squash soup recipe! A mildly spicy coconut curry butternut squash soup with Thai red curry and fresh lime.
    Check out this recipe
    Thai butternut squash soup
    Roasted butternut squash halves
    Easy roasted butternut squash halves recipe! Just a few minutes of prep and baked to perfection in the oven. Herb honey butter adds richness and flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    A square photo of roasted butternut squash halves on a white plate.

    Delicata squash

    Delicata squash is a fruit (yep!) that's in season from September to November. Although it's considered a winter squash, it's actually a summer squash that is harvested in early fall. The pin striped skin is pleasantly edible, making delicata a favorite squash to cook with!

    Learn more about delicata squash

    Roasted delicata squash halves

    Delicata squash recipes

    Lentil stuffed delicata squash with cranberries and pecans
    Mushroom lentil stuffed delicata squash with cranberries and pecans! This vegetarian stuffed squash recipe is loaded with cozy, sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for a meatless holiday!
    Check out this recipe
    Lentil stuffed delicata squash
    Roasted Delicata Squash Salad - Two Peas & Their Pod
    This beautiful Roasted Delicata Squash Salad is the perfect salad for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall or winter meal.
    Check out this recipe
    Roasted Delicata Squash Salad - Two Peas & Their Pod
    The Best Delicata Squash Soup
    This delicata squash soup is incredibly flavorful and made quickly on the stovetop. It’s great for the whole family, and is dairy free, paleo, and Whole30.
    Check out this recipe
    The Best Delicata Squash Soup
    Roast Delicata Squash Recipe on Food52
    A quick and simple to prepare side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Roast Delicata Squash Recipe on Food52
    Roasted Delicata Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta
    Roasted delicata squash and goat cheese pasta
    Check out this recipe
    Roasted Delicata Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta

    More monthly produce guides to check out:

    • December seasonal produce and recipes
    • November seasonal produce and recipes guide
    • Delicata squash: everything you need to know
    • September seasonal produce and recipes

    That’s a wrap! Hope you enjoy all that great October seasonal produce.

    If you make any of these recipes, please let me know on social media or in the comments below! Leave a star rating in your comment or tag me on Instagram with #Rhubarbarians.

    Thank you so much for reading and supporting Rhubarbarians and the brands that I recommend. If you’re looking for a group of people cooking vegetarian recipes through the seasons, join us on Facebook in our vegetarian and vegan recipes group!

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    Hi, I'm Trish, a vegetarian mom with a passion for cooking meatless meals with seasonal produce. I'll help you create vegetarian recipes that your whole family will love. Welcome!

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