Fall Fruits: 25 In-Season Choices and Where to Find Them
Fall fruits bring fresh inspiration to the kitchen, with flavors that range from crisp and refreshing to tangy and sweet. While some are harvested in the fall, others reach peak ripeness and become more widely available this time of year.
From everyday picks like apples and oranges to tropical options like kiwi and passion fruit, there’s plenty to explore. Here are 25 fall fruits to try — perfect for seasonal snacking, cooking or baking something new.
1. Apples
In season: North America
Apples are a classic fall fruit loved for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor. They’re a staple in countless recipes, from warm pies and baked treats to savory dishes like apple-glazed pork chops. Try them sliced in salads or paired with a scoop of peanut butter for a tasty snack.
Recipes to try:
- Gingerbread overnight oats + apples
- Apple pie overnight oats with cinnamon and pecans
- Sparkling apple cider cocktail
2. Jalapenos
In season: Mexico, Southwestern U.S.
Jalapeños are small green chili peppers with a crisp texture and moderate spiciness to add a bold kick to your fall recipes. These peppers pair well with cheesy and creamy flavors. Use them in salsas for your favorite appetizers or in hearty casseroles for a nice touch of heat.
Recipes to try:
3. Cranberries
In season: Various U.S. regions
Cranberries are small, tart berries that can bring a bright and tangy flavor to your dishes. They shine in baked desserts, sauces, and more. Try them in your next homemade pie, salad or creamy relish for a fresh twist on fall favorites.
Recipes to try:
4. Pears
In season: Various U.S. regions
Pears are soft, juicy fruits with mild sweetness and a smooth texture. They’re extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes as well as preserves. Enjoy them baked into cobbler or muffins, added to stews or made into simple homemade jams.
Recipes to try:
5. Dates
In season: Southwestern U.S., North Africa, Middle East
Dates are naturally sweet, chewy fruits with a caramel-like flavor, making them a delicious addition to your next recipe. They’re perfect for quick breads and muffins or as a simple snack or dessert. Whip up scrumptious pumpkin-oat muffins with dates, bake them into orange-date bread or blend them into smoothies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Recipes to try:
6. Persimmons
In season: Various U.S. regions
Persimmons are smooth-skinned, orange fruits with a honey-like flavor and custard-like texture once fully ripe. Their natural sweetness pairs well with warm spices and nutritious greens. Add persimmons to salads with nuts, bake them into muffins or try them in spiced breads for a cozy fall treat.
Recipes to try:
7. Grapes
In season: Various U.S. regions
If you love grapes as a fresh snack, you’ll also enjoy them cooked. Juicy and bite-sized, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them versatile for drinks and cooked dishes. Blend grapes into a fruit smoothie or serve them alongside cheeses for a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Recipes to try:
8. Figs
In season: Western U.S.
Figs are soft, honey-sweet fruits with a jammy center. Their rich flavor complements everything from salty snacks to spiced desserts. Use figs to make chutney for canning, wrap them in bacon for an easy appetizer or bake into a delicious fig cake.
Recipes to try:
9. Pomegranates
In season: Southwestern U.S.
Pomegranates are round, ruby-red fruits filled with juicy seeds that offer a sweet-tart flavor and satisfying crunch. Their bright color and texture make them a standout addition to fall-themed dishes. Try pomegranate in a sprout salad, sprinkled over grain bowls or paired with roasted meats like pork belly.
Recipes to try:
10. Lemon
In season: South and southwestern U.S.
Lemons are bright and tangy fruits known for their refreshing citrus flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Their juice and zest add vibrant flavor to a wide range of dishes. Use them to enhance baked goods, incorporate them into dressings or whip up a lemon curd tart with olive oil.
Recipes to try:
11. Limes
In season: Mexico, Southeastern and southwestern U.S.
Limes, like lemons, also bring a bold and tangy flavor to various dishes. These small green citrus fruits add a refreshing kick to everything from main courses to baked goods. Enjoy them in a tasty lime and coconut cake or a hearty seafood stew with lime and tomatoes.
Recipes to try:
12. Pineapple
In season: Various regions of South America, East Asia, Pacific Islands
While pineapples are tropical fruits that you might associate with warmer seasons and mixed drinks, they offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors that makes them ideal for fall recipes. Their bold taste pairs well with diverse ingredients, and their vibrant yellow color adds a decorative pop to dishes. Try them as a topping on pizza or baked into a pineapple upside-down cake.
Recipes to try:
- Pineapple bread pudding
- Teriyaki turkey burgers with grilled pineapple
- Pineapple coconut fried rice with shrimp + cashews
13. Avocado
In season: Western and southeastern U.S., Central and South America
Some may mistake avocados for a vegetable, but they’re actually rich, creamy fruits. Their mild, nutty flavor and smooth texture make them suitable for an array of dishes. Avocados are a versatile ingredient, perfect for making guacamole, spreading on toast or adding to a salad.
Recipes to try:
- Sugar-free avocado chocolate pudding
- Caprese avocado toast with balsamic and basil
- Chicken flautas with avocado dip
14. Green bananas
In season: Central America, South America, Africa, Southeast Asia
Green bananas are firmer and less sweet than yellow, ripe bananas. They also have a milder flavor and soften when cooked, so they work well in many entrees. Try them in a green banana tikki or add them to a flavorful fenugreek dry curry for a satisfying fall meal.
Recipes to try:
15. Kumquats
In season: Southeastern and western U.S.
Kumquats are small, oval citrus fruits with a tangy-sweet flavor and edible peel. Their bright color and fresh taste make them great for both snacks and cooked meals. Use kumquats to create homemade marmalade, candy them for long-term storage or try them in savory recipes.
Recipes to try:
16. Oranges
In season: Various regions of the U.S., Mediterranean regions
Oranges, the popular sweet and juicy citrus fruits known for their bright and tangy flavor, are another autumn favorite. They’re easy to peel and enjoy on their own, and they’re one of the best fruits to juice. Add sliced oranges to salads, bake them into cakes or use their zest to brighten sauces and marinades.
Recipes to try:
17. Guavas
In season: Mexico, India, Southeast Asia
Guavas are tropical fruits with a fragrant aroma and a sweet-tart flavor. Their soft flesh can range in color from pale yellow to deep pink, and can be enjoyed fresh or baked into dishes. Try guavas in empanadas, pair them with cream cheese for a quick snack or blend them into smoothies.
Recipes to try:
18. Quinces
In season: Europe, Middle East, various regions of the U.S.
Quinces are firm, aromatic fruits with a tangy flavor that sweetens when cooked. They’re rarely eaten raw, becoming tender and flavorful when roasted or baked. Use quinces in crumbles, simmer them into jams or pair them with roasted meats for a rich autumn dish.
Recipes to try:
19. Grapefruit
In season: Southern regions of the U.S.
Grapefruit is a large citrus fruit with juicy segments and a bold, slightly bitter flavor. Enjoy it fresh for breakfast, add it to green salads or bake it into sweets for a citrusy twist. Try grapefruit in cakes, sorbets or dressings to bring a unique taste to your fall recipes.
Recipes to try:
- Grapefruit, melon and citrus salad
- Homemade grapefruit juice
- Poached salmon with pink grapefruit and basil sauce
20. Passion fruit
In season: Hawaii; various regions of the U.S., Central and South America
Passion fruit may have a tough outer rind, but inside is a soft, seed-filled center. Its sweet-tart flavor and floral aroma add a tropical twist to drinks and dishes. Spoon passion fruit over yogurt or desserts, mix it into sauces for meat or blend it into beverages for a refreshing kick.
Recipes to try:
21. Plums
In season: Various regions of the U.S.
Plums are smooth-skinned fruits known for their juicy flesh, with flavors that range from sweet to tart. Enjoy them fresh, baked into crisps or simmered into jams and sauces. Pairing well with meats and grain-based salads, plums are a nutritional fruit to incorporate into your fall recipes.
Recipes to try:
22. Kiwi
In season: Southwestern U.S., New Zealand, Italy, South America
Despite its fuzzy exterior, kiwi has a bright green, fleshy interior that’s sweet and tangy. It’s often sliced and added to fruit salads, yogurt bowls or smoothies. You can also enjoy kiwi on its own with a spoon or use it as a colorful topping for desserts.
Recipes to try:
23. Dragonfruit
In season: Western and southeastern U.S., Mexico, Southeast Asia
Dragonfruit has a vibrant, unique outer skin and a speckled, fleshy interior. A popular way to eat this mildly sweet fruit is chilled and scooped with a spoon or sliced into smoothie bowls. The flavors of dragonfruit pair well with citrus, berries and tropical fruits.
Recipes to try:
24. Papaya
In season: Hawaii, Southeastern U.S., Central America
Papaya is a soft, orange-fleshed fruit with a mellow sweetness and buttery texture. Typically, you’ll cut papaya to eat it raw in slices, blend it into smoothies or add it to fruit salads. It also works well in savory dishes like salsas or when paired with lime for a refreshing snack.
Recipes to try:
25. Pumpkin
In season: Various regions of the U.S.
Though pumpkin is culinarily considered a squash and used as a vegetable, it is botanically classified as a fruit. Its bold orange color and mild sweetness make it a popular choice for both autumn decorations and dishes. Pumpkin is commonly used in pies, breads and soups, but it can also be enjoyed roasted or pureed for sauces and casseroles.
Recipes to try:
Find your favorite fall fruits with Instacart
From juicy plums and crisp apples to tropical picks like guava and papaya, fall is the perfect time to explore a wide variety of fresh, seasonal fruits. Whether you’re baking, blending or roasting, autumn fruits can add flavor, color and creativity to your meals.
Try something new this season by incorporating fall fruits into your favorite recipes or holiday dishes. If you need to stock up on fall produce, Instacartmakes it simple. Use it to find fruit in season now and have sustainable groceries delivered right to your door.
Mel Hull
Author
Mel is a seasoned content strategist and food writer with over a decade of experience helping brands tell compelling stories. Inspired by her hometown of Houston, TX, she brings her love of bold flavors and Southern hospitality to the table. In the kitchen, she loves baking (especially banana bread!) and experimenting with Tex-Mex dishes.
Heather Matley
Editor
Heather Matley is an editor at Instacart whose passion for food and cooking has inspired her work on everything from grocery guides to recipe development. With over eight years of experience in editing, content creation, and search engine optimization, she strives to empower readers with the most effective tools, guides, and ideas to transform their home cooking.
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