As the vibrant summer days transition into the cooler embrace of autumn, September brings with it a delightful array of fruits in season across the UK.
This month is an exciting opportunity to explore the rich flavours and versatility of British fruits that are ready to shine on menus. At Four Seasons Fruiterers, we take pride in sourcing the freshest seasonal produce.
Join us as we delve into the fruits that are in peak season this September, their flavour profiles, perfect culinary pairings, and exciting dish ideas.
September Headlines
Apples and Pears
New-Season French Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Bramley Apple and French Q-Tee Pears: Now available
New-Seasons UK Cox Apples: Available from the first week in September
New-Season Conference Pears: Belgian is now available, with UK availability starting in early September
New-Season French Red Delicious & Braeburn: Due in mid-September
Southern Hemisphere Apples: Will draw to a close the end September as more French and English crop becomes available
Berries
Raspberries: UK volumes are dipping early this year but are set to continue through September
Strawberries: Will continue to be tight with an expectation that UK crop will finish early this year
Blackberries: Good supply with a mix of UK and import
Cherries: UK still available in pockets, with US and Canadian available by sea with airdrops to close any gaps in arrivals
Blueberries: UK is starting to come to an end, and import will become more prevalent
Citrus
Lemons: Prices are on the rise and are likely to remain high into the Spanish new season, with production forecast to be 30–40% lower
Pomelo: Due to start the first week in September
Figs
Figs are still very tight after a delayed start to the Turkish season. Crop should start to arrive early September
Italian Cactus Figs (Prickly Pears) are now available
Melons
Spanish Melons: Are starting to come to an end
Brazilian Melons: Expected mid-September
Outdoor Rhubarb
The UK season has come to an abrupt end due to lack of rainfall
Seasonal British Fruits in Peak Season in September
Apples
Crisp and refreshingly sweet, September marks the start of apple season in the UK, with varieties such as Bramley, Cox, and Egremont Russet coming into play.
Apples range from sweet to tart depending on the variety, making them versatile for both sweet and savoury dishes.
Pairing Suggestions: Apples pair beautifully with spices like cinnamon and ginger, as well as cheeses, nuts, and meats, particularly pork and chicken.
Dish Idea: Consider an apple and cheddar tart, where sharp cheese complements the sweetness of the apples, creating a fantastic starter or light main.
Figs
Figs are sweet and honey-like with a rich, chewy texture. Fresh figs offer a delicate sweetness that can elevate both sweet and savoury dishes.
Pairing Suggestions: They pair beautifully with prosciutto, cheese (especially ricotta and goat cheese), and can enhance salads or desserts with their unique flavour.
Dish Idea: Serve a fig and prosciutto pizza drizzled with balsamic reduction for a sophisticated and flavour-packed dish
Pears
Sweet and juicy, pears have a buttery texture and subtle floral notes. Varieties such as Conference and Comice are particularly popular in September for their rich flavour.
Pairing Suggestions: Pears work well with blue cheese, walnuts, and honey. They can also enhance earthy dishes when paired with ingredients like root vegetables and grains.
Dish Idea: A poached pear salad with arugula, walnuts, and blue cheese would be an elegant addition to any menu, showcasing the comfort of warm autumn flavours.
Blackberries
Blackberries are sweet, juicy, and slightly tart, with a rich depth of flavour.
They are vibrant in colour and add a delightful burst to a range of dishes.
Pairing Suggestions: Perfectly paired with cream, chocolate, and oats, blackberries also complement savoury components like game meats and dressings.
Dish Idea: Think of a blackberry and thyme compote served alongside roast duck, creating a sophisticated balance of sweet and herbal notes.
Plums
Plums offer a sweet and slightly tart flavour that varies from firm to juicy, depending on the variety.
They are versatile and can be used in both sweet and savoury preparations.
Pairing Suggestions: Great with spices such as cinnamon and star anise, plums also pair well with meats, particularly in sauces or as a part of a fruit chutney.
Dish Idea: A plum and ginger crumble could be a comforting dessert that encourages diners to relish in the flavours of autumn, perfect for warming up the chilly evenings.
Grapes
Juicy and sweet, September showcases a range of grape varieties, from tart green to succulently sweet black grapes. They’re versatile and can be enjoyed fresh or cooked.
Pairing Suggestions: Grapes pair well with cheeses, particularly brie and goat cheese, as well as with nuts and rich meats like duck or pork.
Dish Idea: A roasted grape and goat cheese bruschetta makes for a delightful appetizer, perfect for a rustic autumn menu.
Raspberries
Raspberries deliver a sweet-tart flavour profile, bursting with juiciness. Their vibrant colour and delicate texture make them a popular choice for desserts and sauces.
Pairing Suggestions: Raspberries complement chocolate, cream, and lemon, and work wonderfully in both sweet dishes and savoury sauces.
Dish Idea: A raspberry coulis served with panna cotta could provide a refreshing finish to a rich meal, enhancing the dessert experience.
Mirabelle Plums
Smaller and sweeter than traditional plums, mirabelle plums have a delightful, honeyed flavour with a juicy texture. They are often overlooked but are a wonderful treat.
Pairing Suggestions: They pair well with spices like cinnamon or star anise and can elevate both desserts and meat dishes.
Dish Idea: A mirabelle plum galette could serve as a rustic yet elegant dessert, showcasing the fruit’s sweetness in a flaky pastry.
Best International Fruits in Season in September
In addition to the delightful British fruits available, several international options are in season and suitable for enhancing British summer menus. These fruits add diversity and exciting flavour profiles to your dishes:
Pomegranates (Middle East)
Pomegranates offer a sweet-tart burst with juicy seeds. Their vibrant red colour and crunch lend a delightful texture and look to dishes.
Dish Idea: Sprinkled over a tabbouleh salad, pomegranate seeds add a pop of flavour and texture, making this dish both beautiful and delicious.
Mangoes (India)
Juicy and sweet, mangoes have a tropical flair with an aromatic complexity that enhances both sweet and savoury dishes.
Dish Idea: Consider a mango salsa served with grilled fish, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the complexity of the dish.
Persimmons (Korea)
Persimmons offer a sweet and honey-like flavour, especially when fully ripe. Their unique texture can be both crisp and custard-like.
Dish Idea: Fresh fanned persimmon as a topping for a cheese platter can impress your guests and bring a touch of elegance.
Pluots (USA)
A hybrid between plums and apricots, pluots have a complex sweetness that makes them a delicious addition to both savoury and sweet dishes.
Dish Idea: Pluot sorbet could offer a refreshing dessert option, showcasing the rich flavour of this hybrid fruit elegantly.
Kiwi (New Zealand)
Kiwifruit has a sweet-tart flavour profile and a vibrant green colour. Its unique, slightly tangy notes complement a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.
Dish Idea: A kiwi and lime curd tart could be a delightful dessert option, highlighting the fruit’s tartness beautifully.
September heralds the start of autumn’s fruit harvest in the UK, bringing a bounty of flavours that can elevate your menus and create memorable dining experiences. By incorporating these seasonal British fruits along with a selection of international offerings, you can create dishes that not only celebrate the season but also showcase your culinary creativity.
At Four Seasons Fruiterers, we are dedicated to providing you with the freshest fruits for your kitchens, allowing you to craft exquisite dishes that resonate with the spirit of the season.
