On the hunt for new, weather-appropriate meal ideas to try now that long, hot summer days are giving way to cooler autumn nights? Our ultimate guide to seasonal September foods has you covered. This month marks the start of harvest season, meaning that plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables are on their way – but that doesn't mean you can't still use up the last of the summer glut in some tasty pies, crumbles and soups. If you're planning ahead, it's also the perfect time to prepare preserves, pickles and jams for winter too. Here's our pick of the very best produce to look out for in September, and the most delicious recipes to make with it.
Sections
Vegetables
Autumn vegetables like parsnips, pumpkins and leeks are starting to make an appearance this month – but make sure you don't miss out on the last crop of summer vegetables like courgettes, green beans and spinach. It's also a good time to look out for fresh fennel.
There should still be plenty of aubergines, peas, runner beans and sweetcorn around, as well as marrow, which is at its best in September.
Wild mushrooms are plentiful this month. If you're not keen on foraging yourself, your farmers' market is sure to have an abundance of girolles, morels and chanterelles as well as truffles from across the Channel.
Runner bean and tomato casserole
Fennel, leek and Parmesan bake
Tastehead/Parmigiano Reggiano
Meat
As game season is now in full swing, why not take the opportunity to cook with rabbit, guinea fowl, duck or grouse? Red meats such as venison are slowly making an appearance too, while summer lamb should still be widely available.
Venison sausage and wild mushroom traybake
Pot-roasted guinea fowl with wild mushrooms, prunes and thyme
Roasted pork belly with pears and thyme
The Really Quite Good British Cookbook/Nourish Books
Seafood
September is the perfect time to indulge in shellfish – especially oysters, clams and mussels, which are now back on the menu after a summer break. Fish at their best at this time of year include halibut, cod, lemon sole and mackerel, as well as herring and sea bass.
Smoked mackerel, orange and beetroot salad
Mussels in beer with chilli jam
Judy Joo's Korean Soul Food/White Lion Publishing
Fruit
Apple and pear season is in full swing, with English classics like Cox, Royal Gala and Bramley all at their best. Meanwhile, it's the last chance to make the most of summer stone fruit like peaches and apricots, alongside an abundance of figs and plums. Gooseberries, raspberries and blackberries are still very much in season too.
September is also the best time to roll up your sleeves and venture outdoors, foraging for bilberries, redcurrants and elderberries.
Roast stone fruit with almond and orange flower crumb
From the Oven to the Table/Mitchell Beazley