Sustainable Foods to Eat Right Now: What’s In Season During October
Opting for seasonal produce and sustainable seafood supports local farmers and fisheries, reduces carbon footprints, and ensures access to fresh, nutrient-rich food. As part of embracing the fall season, I’ve also created artwork inspired by these vibrant foods. Capturing the essence of what is seasonal through art brings an added appreciation for this fall season’s natural beauty.
Here’s a guide to what’s currently available. These are foods you might find in season at your local farmers’ markets, fish markets, or even nearby grocery stores – and some of my personal favorites to enjoy during this time of year:
Seasonal Produce
🍂 Pumpkins – A fall staple that can be used in soups, pies, or roasted as a side dish.
🥄 Winter Squash – Includes butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash. Each offers versatility for soups, roasts, or as a pasta alternative.
🥦 Brussels Sprouts – High in vitamins C and K, perfect for roasting or sautéing.
🥬 Swiss Chard – A nutrient-rich leafy green that can be sautéed, added to soups, or used in salads.
🍠 Sweet Potatoes – A good source of fiber and vitamins, great for roasting or mashing.
🌽 Corn – Though the season is ending, fresh corn can still be found for grilling, boiling, or adding to salads.
Seasonal Fruits
🍎 Apples – High in fiber and antioxidants. Ideal for snacking, baking, or salads.
🍐 Pears – Great for desserts, oatmeal, or savory dishes.
🍊 Persimmons – Best eaten when ripe, can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.
🍇 Figs – Naturally sweet, pairs well with cheese, or can be used in baking.
🍈 Pomegranates – Rich in vitamins, use the seeds in salads, yogurt, or grain bowls.
🍇 Grapes – Great for snacking or adding to a cheese board.
🍒 Cranberries – Fresh cranberries can be used in sauces, baking, or as an ingredient in savory dishes.
Herbs
🌿 Rosemary, 🌱 Sage, 🌿 Thyme, and 🌿 Oregano are all in season. These herbs enhance the flavor of fall dishes and can be used fresh for the best taste.
Sustainable Seafood
Consuming sustainable seafood is crucial for maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. Here are the sustainable options available in October:
🐟 Anchovies – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, commonly used to add depth of flavor to sauces and dressings.
🐠 Pacific Sardines – Another source of omega-3s, sardines can be grilled, added to salads, or enjoyed on toast.
🦪 Pacific Oysters – In season and can be eaten raw, grilled, or baked.
🦪 Mussels – Easy to cook and sustainable, mussels can be steamed and paired with simple ingredients like garlic and white wine.
🦀 Rock Crab – Versatile and sustainable, rock crab can be used in soups, salads, or as a main dish.
Seafood at Pillar Point Harbor
For those near Pillar Point Harbor, locally sourced seafood is available. The Fish Line App indicates that the following are currently in season:
🐟 California Halibut – A mild-flavored fish that can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared.
🐟 Albacore (Wooster Tuna) – Best enjoyed fresh, grilled, or as part of a poke bowl. My grandma’s tuna salad recipe is linked here. Please share and let me know what you think!
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