When September rolls around, many people assume the farmers market season is winding down. The hot days of July and August, with their watermelons, peaches and tomatoes, may be behind us, but the truth is that fall is one of the most abundant and flavorful times of the year for fresh produce. Far from empty stalls, the market is brimming with crisp apples, hearty greens, colorful peppers, and the comforting root vegetables and squashes that carry us into cooler days.
Autumn is synonymous with apples, and local farmers are now bringing in baskets of them, from tart Granny Smiths to sweet Honeycrisps. They’re perfect for packing into school lunches, baking into pies, or simmering into homemade applesauce. Pears also shine this season, offering a delicate sweetness that is beautifully paired