🥑 Seasonal Produce Guide: What to Eat in Florida in September

Eating with the seasons isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for your body, too. Seasonal produce is fresher, more nutrient-dense, and often more affordable. In Florida, September marks the transition from summer’s peak harvest into the early fall growing season, giving us a colorful mix of fruits and vegetables to enjoy.

Here’s your guide to what’s fresh and in season this month — and where you can find it locally.

🍅 Vegetables in Season

• Tomatoes – Juicy and flavorful, perfect for salads, salsas, or roasting.

• Okra – A Southern staple, great in stews or lightly fried.

• Peppers – Sweet and hot varieties are both abundant right now.

• Eggplant – At its peak, ideal for grilling or roasting.

• Squash & Zucchini – Versatile, mild, and easy to cook into almost anything.

🍊 Fruits in Season

• Avocados (Florida varieties) – Rich, creamy, and perfect for guacamole or toast.

• Guava – Fragrant, sweet, and packed with vitamin C.

• Mango (late varieties) – Some varieties are still available as summer winds down.

• Passionfruit – Tart, tropical, and great in juices or desserts.

• Papaya – Refreshing and naturally sweet, excellent for smoothies.

Bananas (local varieties) – Small, sweet, and perfect as a snack.

Earthy Picks Menu Item: Get Up Smoothie

🌱 Herbs and Greens

• Basil – Thrives in the Florida heat, perfect for pesto and sauces.

• Collard Greens – Nutritious and hearty, great in stews or sautéed.

• Microgreens & Sprouts – Fresh, nutrient-packed, and easy to add to bowls and salads.

🛒 Where to Find Fresh Produce Locally

Central Florida is home to vibrant farmers markets where you can connect directly with growers and makers. Here are a few to explore this September:

• Orlando Farmers Market (Lake Eola Park, Sundays) – A downtown favorite featuring fresh produce, plants, local goods, and a lively community vibe.

• Winter Park Farmers Market (Saturdays) – Held at the historic train depot, this is one of the most popular markets in the area.

• Audubon Park Community Market (Monday evenings) – Known for its local produce, artisan foods, and eco-conscious community.

• Sanford Farmers Market (Saturdays) – A growing market with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods.

• Oviedo Farmers Market (1st Saturday of each month) – A community-driven market with local farms and family-friendly activities.

Shopping at these markets not only gives you the freshest produce but also supports local farmers and strengthens the community.

Lake Eola Market - Photo by The Orlando Real

🌟 Why Seasonal Eating Matters

• Better taste – Produce picked at peak ripeness has richer flavor.

• More nutrients – Fruits and veggies lose nutrients over time; local, seasonal food is fresher.

• Supports local farmers – Eating seasonally keeps dollars in the community.

• Eco-friendly – Seasonal foods require fewer resources to grow and transport.

💛 A Gentle Note

September in Florida is the perfect time to enjoy a mix of tropical fruits and hearty vegetables. Whether you’re cooking at home, shopping at your local farmers market, or letting someone else do the cooking, seasonal eating is always a win for wellness.

And if you’d like to see how seasonal ingredients can be turned into creative, plant-based meals, you’ll find them on the menu at Earthy Picks Vegan in Downtown Orlando — where fresh, feel-good food meets Latin-inspired flavor. 🌱✨