From Harvest to Holidays: What’s in Season Now

As we move from the warmth of summer into the cozy days of fall, our markets overflow with the best of both seasons: the crisp sweetness of apples, the hearty comfort of winter squash, and the vibrant colors of late-season produce. October and early November are some of the most abundant weeks of the year at Long Family Markets, and there’s no better time to fill your basket and your pantry with local goodness.

What’s in Season Right Now

Here’s what you can expect from our farmers this time of year:

• Root vegetables: Carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, and sweet potatoes are in their prime, perfect for roasting, mashing, or tossing into soups.
• Apples: From tart Granny Smiths to sweet Fujis, apples are the quintessential fall fruit. Try them baked, stewed, or sliced fresh with a drizzle of local honey.
• Pumpkins and winter squash: Butternut, acorn, delicata, and kabocha are ready for roasting, soups, and savory dishes.
• Leafy greens: Collards, kale, and Swiss chard thrive in cool weather, and they’re tender, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.
• Late tomatoes and peppers: A few warm days mean you might still find these summer favorites hanging on. Grab them while they last!

Shop Now, Stock Later

Eating local doesn’t have to end when the market season slows down. With a little planning, you can enjoy Virginia-grown flavor all winter long:

• Freeze it: Slice apples for pie filling, blanch greens before freezing, or roast and freeze cubes of squash for soups and stews.
• Can it: Preserve tomatoes, apple butter, or pickled root vegetables to enjoy during the colder months. Always follow tested canning recipes, like those from the National Center for Home Food Preservation or your local extension office, especially for tomatoes, which need added acid to be canned safely.
• Dry it: Herbs, peppers, and even apples can be air-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor for teas, soups, and snacks.
• Ferment it: Try homemade sauerkraut or kimchi with cabbage, carrots, and radishes, a delicious way to add local crunch to your winter meals.

Market-Inspired Favorites

Our participating businesses know a thing or two about bringing out the best in fall flavors. Here are a few seasonal favorites to try at home:

• Roasted squash salad with apple vinaigrette: Combine roasted butternut squash, crisp apple slices, and a maple vinaigrette.
• Sweet potato mash with honey and thyme: A simple but elegant side dish using local honey and fresh herbs.
• Hearty kale and bean soup: Perfect for chilly evenings, featuring kale, garlic, and root vegetables from the market.

Don’t be shy about asking our farmers and food makers how they use their own harvests at home. They love sharing ideas!

From Our Fields to Your Table

Every crate of vegetables, every jar of honey, and every bunch of greens from our local farms represents the heart of our community. When you shop at Long Family Markets, you’re not just filling your pantry. You’re supporting families, local agriculture, and sustainable food systems right here in Northern Virginia.

So as you plan your meals, stock your pantry, or prepare for the holidays, make a stop at the market and shop local from harvest to holidays. The flavors, and the connections, are worth every bite.

Stafford Farmers Market is open Sundays, 8 AM – 1 PM, through the week of Thanksgiving. After that, join us for our Holiday and Winter Markets!