Fall produce
The advent of fall means better prices on traditional harvest-time favorites in September. Some highlights include the following.
Apples: Galas and honeycrisps are especially good now, says Adam Mitchel, associate coordinator of global perishable purchasing facilities for Whole Foods Market. Even with some crop losses, look for prices that are 20 cents to a $1 a pound cheaper than last month, he says.
Pears: There are lots of spot promotions with prices down 20 cents to $1 a pound, Mitchel says.
Figs: Grill them with meat, bake them with cheese or eat them raw. They'll be about $1 cheaper per pint or pound, Mitchel says.
Hard squash: You'll see varieties such as butternut and acorn squash, along with pie pumpkins, in September. The quality is up and prices should be down from 10 cents to 50 cents a pound, he says.
Bunching greens: Dark, leafy greens, from kale to mustards to collards and chard, are 20 cents to 50 cents per bunch cheaper in September, Mitchel says. Ditto heads (or pounds) of cauliflower and broccoli, "and their flavor actually gets a little bit sweeter from the cool fall nights," Mitchel says.
Brussels sprouts: These leafy buds are 20 cents to 50 cents per pound cheaper in September, Mitchel says, "and the quality will be exceptional."