September is a wonderful time for fresh, local produce across the United States. Whether you're shopping at a farmers' market or planning meals around seasonal ingredients, understanding what's in season by region ensures you're getting the freshest, most nutritious options. Here's what's in season across different parts of the U.S. this month.

Northeast (New York, Pennsylvania, New England)

• Apples: Varieties like Honeycrisp, McIntosh, and Gala are ripe for picking. Perfect for snacking, pies, or cider.
• Pears: Bartlett and Bosc pears reach their peak in September.
• Pumpkins and Squash: Butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash start making an appearance.
• Cabbage and Broccoli: Cool-weather vegetables like cabbage and broccoli thrive as the temperatures begin to drop.
• Cranberries: Early fall is the start of cranberry season, especially in areas like Massachusetts.

Bonus Tip: Take advantage of the Northeast's apple orchards and go apple picking to enjoy the bounty of the season!

Southeast (Georgia, Florida, North Carolina) 

• Peppers: Bell peppers and hot peppers like jalapeños and habaneros are abundant.
• Sweet Potatoes: These nutritious roots are freshly harvested and ready for roasting or mashing.
• Okra: This Southern favorite is still in season, perfect for stews, soups, or frying.
• Tomatoes: Late-summer tomatoes continue to flourish in the Southeast, offering juicy and sweet varieties.
• Melons: Watermelon and cantaloupe are still sweet and juicy, lingering from summer's peak.

Bonus Tip: Try topping a baked sweet potato with cottage cheese, salt, and pepper, for a delicious protein rich snack!

Midwest (Illinois, Ohio, Michigan)

• Corn: Sweet corn is still at its peak, ideal for grilling or boiling.
• Cucumbers and Zucchini: These versatile veggies are abundant and perfect for salads or pickling.
• Tomatoes: Heirloom tomatoes are still flourishing, offering vibrant colors and deep flavors.
• Grapes: Michigan is known for its grape harvest in September, perfect for snacking or making jelly.
• Peppers and Eggplants: Peppers are available in a variety of colors, while eggplants are perfect for grilling.

Bonus Tip: Pair fresh Midwest tomatoes and cucumbers in a simple, refreshing salad with a dash of olive oil and herbs.

Southwest (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico)

• Chili Peppers: New Mexico is famous for its chili harvest, including Hatch chilis that are roasted and used in countless dishes.
• Figs: Fresh figs, sweet and soft, are at their peak and perfect for desserts or salads.
• Pomegranates: Pomegranates start to ripen in September, offering a burst of color and flavor to dishes.
• Cactus Pears (Prickly Pears): Native to the Southwest, these fruits are a unique seasonal delicacy.
• Grapes: Juicy grapes are still in season, ideal for snacking or wine-making.

Bonus Tip: Incorporate roasted Hatch chilis into everything from salsas to stews for an authentic taste of the Southwest.

West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)

• Stone Fruits: Peaches, nectarines, and plums are still sweet and juicy, perfect for baking or snacking.
• Berries: Blackberries and raspberries continue to be in season, ideal for desserts or smoothies.
• Grapes: California's famous wine regions are busy with grape harvests, both for wine-making and table grapes.
• Artichokes: Fall artichokes are in season, and they’re great for grilling or steaming.
• Kale and Spinach: Cooler temperatures bring out leafy greens, which are tender and packed with nutrients.

Bonus Tip: Make the most of stone fruit season by trying a simple peach cobbler or a refreshing plum salad.

Conclusion: Eat Fresh, Eat Local

Eating with the seasons not only supports local farmers, but it also ensures you're getting the freshest, most flavorful produce available. September is a month of transition, with late-summer fruits mingling with early-fall vegetables. No matter where you are in the U.S., there's an abundance of delicious, fresh produce to enjoy.

Get out to your local farmers' market and see what’s in season in your region!