Autumn fruits in Spain
As you know, each season has specific fruits and vegetables that are at their optimum ripeness during that time of the year.
Autumn is a season full of warm colours – dark greens, yellows, oranges and browns – which are accompanied by delicious flavours. Therefore, there is no better way to enjoy this season than with the fruits it has to offer. And in Huerta de Pancha we offer the best autumn fruit and vegetables so that you can enjoy the best of this season: seasonal fruit.
Why eat seasonal vegetables?
Eating seasonal vegetables is highly recommended at any time of the year. It is even more so in autumn. This is a time when our bodies tend to need more nutrient-rich foods to strengthen the immune system and prepare for winter. Autumn vegetables, in this case, are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and help to keep us healthy.
This is only part of the reason why we should eat seasonal fruit and vegetables, which is complemented by the reasons of sustainability and supporting local production.
Which fruits and vegetables are typical of autumn in Spain?
In autumn, we can find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, which are delicious and nutritious. Here is a list of some of the typical autumn fruits and vegetables:
Pumpkin
Pumpkins are one of the main autumn fruits. They stand out, in fact, for the autumnal colour of both their skin and their flesh. It is a fruit widely used to sweeten desserts, but it can also be eaten raw or cooked. Its seeds are also edible.
Custard apple
The custard apple season begins in autumn, and it is a fruit with a very sweet taste, but with a slightly acidic touch. It is a small fruit that is usually eaten raw, and its flavour is generally reminiscent of a mixture of pineapple and banana.
Persimmons
Persimmons are another great autumn fruit. In addition to being a delicious fruit, including it in the diet is more than advisable because of all the benefits it possesses. Its juicy texture also has a sweet taste with a hint of acidity, but it is a fruit that is delicious!
As for seasonal vegetables, here is a list of some of the most important ones:
Courgette
Courgettes are one of the most versatile foods available. Its flavour is mild and sweet, although it sometimes has a slightly bitter taste. In addition, its nutritional properties and benefits for the body are abundant.
Aubergine
The purple aubergine is a vegetable of the same family as the courgette. However, its taste is generally bitter, so the way to cook it is usually with foods that soften the bitterness. It also has a wealth of nutritional properties.
Pepper
Autumn is also the season for peppers. Due to its characteristic flavour, this pepper is perfect for use in stir-fries, stews and sauces. However, in this case, the best way to consume it is raw, as this not only enhances its flavour, but also keeps all its properties intact.
How to preserve fruit and vegetables in autumn?
Preserving fruit and vegetables may seem intuitive, but in reality it is necessary to follow a few tips to avoid over-ripening of fruit. Here are our recommendations for the best way to preserve fruit and vegetables:
Store your fruit and vegetables in a cool, dry place. Too much heat will accelerate ripening, and moisture will seep into the fruit and encourage mould and other blemishes.
Separate fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables should not be placed together in the same space, as one will help the other to ripen and therefore cause them to spoil earlier.
Use storage bags. Some fruits and vegetables can be stored in paper or cloth bags to allow the food to “breathe” and prevent moisture accumulation.
Finally, consume the fruits quickly. Do not leave them for too long in the refrigerator or at room temperature, in order to make the most of their nutrients and flavour.
Ideas for eating fruit and vegetables in autumn
Autumn, especially the last weeks – November and December – is a time when stews or purées are very well tolerated, allowing you to eat warm and healthy food. In this case, we are talking about vegetable purees or stews, although some fruits such as pumpkin are also susceptible to this.
Discover autumn fruits and vegetables by month: September, October, November.