What Fruits Are in Season: Autumn 2024

As autumn approaches in 2024, the UK's fruit farming industry undergoes its annual transformation. This seasonal shift brings with it a variety of fruits that thrive in the cooler temperatures and changing conditions. After reading this blog, you’ll know which fruits are currently in season, it will help you make informed choices about your fruit consumption, whilst considering taste, nutrition, and environmental considerations.

The Importance of Eating Seasonal Fruits

You’ve probably heard that you should be consuming what’s in season, but what does this really mean. Below are a number of reason you should consider what fruit is readily available to us here in the UK and which has been grown ready for this season.

Nutritional Benefits of Fruits in Season

Seasonal fruits are typically harvested at their peak ripeness, which means they're at their nutritional best. Fruits picked in season often have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to those that are grown out of season or transported from long distances.

Taste and Quality of Seasonal Fruit

Fruits grown and harvested in their natural season generally taste better. They're allowed to ripen naturally on the plant, developing full flavour profiles that out-of-season fruits might lack. Take strawberries for example, at the moment they are more vibrant and sweeter than if you were to eat them in April.

Environmental Impact of Choosing Seasonal Fruits

Choosing seasonal fruits often means supporting local agriculture, which can reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Seasonal produce typically requires less artificial input like additional heating or lighting to grow, further reducing the environmental impact.

Seasonal eating also aligns with natural growth cycles, supporting local biodiversity and ecosystems that have evolved alongside these natural patterns. For example, this approach supports ecological relationships, such as the synchronisation between flowering times and pollinator activity cycles, which have co-evolved over time.

Economic Benefits of Seasonal Fruit Consumption

Buying seasonal fruits can be more cost-effective. When fruits are in abundance during their peak season, prices often decrease due to supply and demand. The more fruit there is, the less competition there will be, and the less likely that the prices will be hiked. This price hike occurs because of the extra effort that must be made to make them available e.g. flying them in from other countries, using artificial input to help them grow, etc.

Fruits in Season UK: Autumn 2024

Let’s now take a look at what is in season this Autumn 2024.

Raspberries

Raspberries, a great British seasonal fruit, continue to thrive well into autumn. These ruby-red berries are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Late-fruiting varieties, also known as late-season cultivars extend the raspberry season, and the cool autumn temperatures are ideal for berry ripening, ensuring a bountiful harvest.

Eating raspberries offers numerous health advantages. They're rich in antioxidants, high in fibre, and an excellent source of vitamin C. These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being, making raspberries a smart choice for health-conscious consumers.

Raspberries are versatile in the kitchen. They can be enjoyed fresh, added to desserts, or used in preserves. Try them in a warm autumn crumble or as a topping for your morning porridge for a burst of seasonal flavour.

Strawberries

While traditionally associated with summer, certain strawberry varieties are now available as autumn fruits in season in the UK, thanks to advanced growing techniques. Greenhouse cultivation extends the growing season, and ever-bearing varieties continue to produce fruit until the first frost, allowing us to enjoy these sweet treats well into autumn.

Strawberries are not just delicious; they're also nutritional powerhouses. They boost the immune system with their high vitamin C content, promote heart health with antioxidants, and are high in nutrients. It's a win-win for your taste buds and your health!

For a delightful and innovative autumn treat, try roasting strawberries with a touch of balsamic vinegar. This brings out their sweetness and creates a luxurious topping for desserts or even savoury dishes.

White Seedless Grapes

White seedless grapes are a popular choice among seasonal fruits in the UK, offering a burst of sweetness as autumn arrives. Late-ripening varieties are harvested in early autumn, and controlled atmosphere storage extends their availability, ensuring we can enjoy these crisp fruits throughout the season.

White seedless grapes are more than just a convenient snack. They're a good source of vitamins K and C, contain antioxidants that promote skin health, and are incredibly hydrating due to their high-water content.

Whether eaten on their own or added to a fruit salad, these grapes are a refreshing autumn treat. Try freezing white grapes and pairing with a complimenting cheese. They become almost sorbet-like in texture and are a great alternative to sugary treats.

Red Seedless Grapes

Red seedless grapes, like white seedless grapes are a delightful fruit in season during autumn in the UK. Their peak harvest time is in early autumn, and advanced storage techniques prolong their shelf life, making them available throughout the season.

Red seedless grapes are particularly noteworthy for their health benefits. They're rich in resveratrol, a compound known for its heart-healthy properties. They also contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Plus, they provide a quick energy boost, making them perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Red grapes can be a great addition to savoury dishes. Try them roasted alongside autumn vegetables for a sweet and savoury side dish that celebrates the season.

Tips for Making the Most of Seasonal Fruits

• Sourcing the Freshest Seasonal Fruit – Here at Fruit 4 London we supply fresh and high-quality season fruit with our fruit boxes.
• Cooking with seasonal fruits - From fruit pies to savoury chutneys, there are countless ways to incorporate seasonal fruits into your cooking.
• Proper storage of seasonal fruits - Learn the proper storage techniques for each fruit to extend their life and maintain their nutritional value. For example, grapes should be stored in the refrigerator, while strawberries are best kept cool but not washed until right before you eat them.
• Preserving seasonal fruits – Use methods like freezing, canning, or making jams to increase the seasonal fruits life.

Celebrating Seasonal Fruits

Remember, when you're wondering which fruits are currently in season, look no further than Fruit 4 London. We're committed to bringing you the finest seasonal fruit, ensuring you can enjoy the best that autumn has to offer, via our home or office fruit delivery services.

By choosing raspberries, strawberries, and both white and red seedless grapes this autumn, you're not just treating yourself to delicious flavours – you're also making a choice that benefits your health, local agriculture, and the environment. Embrace the natural cycle of fruit seasonality and savour the unique tastes that Autumn 2024 brings to your table.

As we move through the seasons, it's important to appreciate the changing availability of fruits. Each season brings its own unique bounty, and autumn is no exception. By aligning our diets with these natural cycles, we not only enjoy fruits at their best but also support a more sustainable and connected way of eating.