September seasonal fruit update: As summer gracefully hands over the baton to autumn, the landscape of the UK transforms into a canvas adorned with rich, earthy colours.
The transition not only signals a shift in the weather but also ushers in a delightful array of seasonal fruits to inspire. September marks the beginning of harvest time, when orchards and gardens yield some of the most exquisite fruits, ready to tantalize our taste buds.
In our September seasonal fruit update, we will explore the seasonal fruits that come into their prime in September, delve into their unique flavour profiles, and offer delectable ideas for your menus that showcase these beauties.
Additionally, we’ll take a brief detour to highlight some exceptional international fruits that come into season during this month.
Apples
September is synonymous with apples in the UK; varieties like Discovery, Egremont Russet, and Cox’s Orange Pippin are at their peak. The sweetness of Discovery apples, combined with their mild tartness, makes them perfect for eating fresh. In contrast, the Egremont Russet is celebrated for its nutty, rich profile.
Pairing Ideas:
Pair these apples with sharp cheeses like aged Cheddar or creamy Brie for an outstanding cheese board. Their natural sweetness also complements earthy ingredients such as beetroot and walnuts in salads.
Menu Ideas:
Starter – Apple and Beetroot Salad – A vibrant dish featuring roasted beets, sliced Discovery apples, goat cheese, and candied walnuts, drizzled with a honey-mustard vinaigrette.
Main Course – Cox’s Orange Pippin Stuffed Pork Loin – A succulent pork loin filled with a blend of grated apples, herbs, and breadcrumbs, served alongside roasted seasonal vegetables.
Dessert – Spiced Apple Crumble – A comforting dessert made with a mix of chopped Discovery apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Blackberries
Blackberries flourish in September’s temperate weather, their sweet-tart essence making them a beloved choice for both sweet and savoury dishes. With their complex flavour, they offer juicy bursts of sweetness with a hint of tang.
Pairing Ideas:
Enhance the blackberry experience by pairing them with creamy elements like mascarpone cheese or tangy ingredients like lemon zest. They also shine alongside herbs such as basil or mint.
Menu Ideas:
Starter: Blackberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta – A delightful starter featuring toasted sourdough topped with creamy goat cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of blackberry reduction.
Main Course: Blackberry Glazed Duck Breast – Tender duck breast glazed with a savoury blackberry sauce, served with a side of creamy polenta and sautéed greens.
Dessert: Blackberry Fool – A light and airy dessert made with whipped cream mixed with fresh blackberry puree, served with crumble topping.
Pears
Just like apples, pears come into season in September, with varieties like Concorde and Williams offering their sweet, juicy flavours. Their texture ranges from crisp to buttery, and they are often described as having floral notes and a honeyed sweetness.
Pairing Ideas:
Pears complement flavours like blue cheese and nuts, as well as spices such as cinnamon or ginger. They can also be beautifully paired with red wine for an elevated culinary experience.
Menu Ideas:
Starter: Pear and Blue Cheese Salad – Fresh arugula topped with thinly sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, toasted pine nuts, and a balsamic reduction.
Main Course: Duck Confit with Poached Pears – Rich duck confit served with poached pears in red wine, paired with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
Dessert: Pear Tart Tatin – A caramelized upside-down tart featuring buttery puff pastry and perfectly cooked pears, served with clotted cream.
Plums
Plums burst onto the scene in September with their enticing juiciness and vibrant colours. The sweetness of ripe plums is often tempered by a delightful tartness, making them versatile in a variety of dishes.
Pairing Ideas:
Plums pair beautifully with rich meats, such as pork or duck, and spices like star anise or ginger, enhancing their natural flavours.
Additionally, they work splendidly in desserts alongside warm spices and creamy elements like yogurt or ice cream.
Menu Ideas:
Starter: Plum and Prosciutto Salad – A fresh salad combining thinly sliced plums, crispy prosciutto, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette.
Main Course: Plum-Glazed Pork Chops – Juicy pork chops glazed with a spiced plum sauce, served with wild rice and seasonal vegetables.
Dessert: Roasted Plum Crumble – Oven-roasted plums topped with a buttery crumble mixture, served warm with a dollop of crème fraîche.
Grapes
September brings an end to summer’s grape season, leading to luscious, sweet grapes bursting with flavour. Varieties like Concord and Thompson Seedless highlight the delightful balance of sweetness, acidity, and juiciness found in these fruits.
Pairing Ideas:
Grapes pair incredibly well with cheeses like feta, Cheddar, or creamy Brie. They also shine in savoury dishes alongside meats and nuts, showcasing their versatility.
Menu Ideas:
Starte: Grape and Feta Salad – A refreshing salad combining mixed greens, sweet grapes, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds, lightly dressed with vinaigrette.
Main Course: Chicken with Grape Sauce – Pan-seared chicken breast topped with a sweet grape reduction, served with sautéed spinach and roasted potatoes.
Dessert: Grape Tart – A tart filled with almond cream topped with fresh grapes and lightly glazed with apricot jam.
International Fruiting Delights in September
While the UK’s fruit selection is abundant and diverse in September, it’s also an excellent occasion to explore the world’s seasonal fruits. Here’s a look at some of the best international fruits that come into season during this month:
Figs: Sweet, luscious figs become abundant as summer fades into autumn.
Their honey-like flavour pairs beautifully with cheese and nuts, making them a perfect choice for charcuterie boards or desserts.
Pomegranates: With a burst of jewel-toned seeds, pomegranates add tart and sweet excitement to dishes.
Their flavour pairs wonderfully with warm spices, grains, and yogurt, providing a refreshing crunch.
Persimmons: As September rolls on, persimmons begin to show their presence. Their sweet, honey-like flavour and custardy texture provide a delightful contrast to heavier autumn ingredients, such as roasted meats and cheese.
Tamarind: This unique fruit offers a distinct tangy sweetness that enhances both savoury and sweet dishes. It’s commonly used in Asian cuisine, adding depth to sauces, marinades, and chutneys.
Mangos: While they may not be as common in the UK, many regions worldwide experience mango season in September. Their tropical sweetness and juicy flesh make them perfect for salsas, desserts, or enjoyed fresh.
By incorporating both local UK fruits and delightful international varieties into your menu, you can celebrate the bounty of seasonal offerings that September has to provide.
The key to exceptional dishes lies in understanding the unique flavour profiles of these fruits and thoughtfully pairing them with complementary ingredients.
As September unfolds, allow these seasonal fruits to inspire your culinary creations.
Embrace the vibrant flavours of apples, blackberries, pears, plums, and grapes while exploring the exotic offerings from around the world. The possibilities for delicious dishes are endless, promising a warm welcome to the flavours of autumn.
