As summer fades and many of us can expect cooler weather up ahead, those of us who grow our own may well be inundated by harvesting jobs and overwhelmed by the abundance of the produce of the season. Celebrating and using autumn produce is the order of the day. 

If you already grow at least some of your own food at home, you will know that home growing really connects you to seasonal food. Of course, precisely what is in season right now will depend on where you live. But it is always important to understand what is in season throughout the year wherever your reside.

The Importance of Embracing Seasonal Food

In the modern world, unfortunately, many have become disconnected from the traditional eating patterns dictated by the seasons. We are used to supermarkets providing 'fresh' produce year round. 

Unfortunately, the wide availability of foods from outside our local areas comes at a cost. Food miles mean the carbon cost racks up. And we don't gain the benefits of eating heirloom, organic foods straight from the plant or from the ground. 

Embracing seasonal, local food cuts food miles and your carbon footprint, and allows you to enjoy a healthier and often more varied diet, as you explore the variety of seasonal, local foods on offer.

Celebrating Seasonal Produce

Autumn is the season of fruitfulness, and many main tree fruit harvests may now be coming to fruition.  Many berries are ripening. Of course, you may well be obtaining abundant yields from a vegetable garden too. 

If you have your own garden or farm, you may have your hands full right now. But during this busy harvesting time, it is important to pause every now and then to give thanks for and celebrate the abundance that has come from nature, and your own hard work. 

Whether or not you have your own garden, you can celebrate season produce by visiting farms or orchards and exploring the seasonal delights on offer, to feel more connected with the seasons, and with the food you eat. Berry picking, or other fruit picking excursions can be a great way to celebrate the seasonal produce on offer – and enjoy a day out in the process. And there are also festivals and events in various regions celebrating the seasonal delights on offer.

Making the Most of the Season's Yields – Using Autumn Produce

Whether you have grown the produce yourself, or bought from local producers, another key thing to think about is how you make full use of autumn produce. 

Of course, finding recipes to eat foods fresh is one great thing to do. But making the most of autumn produce often also means learning how to preserve that food for later in a range of ways. 

Remember, you might freeze, dry, or can your produce to use it later in the year, as well as making the most of fresh foods on offer. This time of abundance offers plenty of chances to put up stores for when food might be less abundant at other times of the year.