As the weather cools, fall fruits make their way into all kinds of comforting dishes. Juicy apples become pies, pears melt into buttery cobblers and tart cranberries add a bright pop to seasonal recipes.
But those familiar favorites are only part of what fall has to offer. Alongside the rich and earthy produce from local harvests, you’ll find tropical fruits arriving from warmer climates, giving you plenty of new flavors to discover.
Here are 25 fall fruits to enjoy in seasonal snacking, cooking and baking before winter arrives.
1. Apples
In season: North America
Apples are a classic fall fruit loved for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor. They’re a staple in countless dessert recipes, including warm pies, crisps and cobblers.
You can also slice them for a fresh salad or make a marinade for savory dishes like apple-glazed pork chops.
Recipes to try:
2. Jalapenos
In season: Mexico, Southwestern U.S.
Jalapeños are small green chili peppers that are moderately spicy and add a bold kick to creamy fall recipes. These peppers are botanical fruits that pair well with cheesy dips, smoky pork and fall vegetables like sweet corn and butternut squash.
Recipes to try:
3. Cranberries
In season: Various U.S. regions
Cranberries are small, tart berries that bring a bright flavor to fall cooking. They're a holiday staple in sauces and relishes, but they also work well in pies and quick breads.
If tart fresh cranberries make your lips pucker, try them candied as a snack or in a cocktail. You can also cook this fall fruit down into a jam to pair with roasted meats and cheese boards.
Recipes to try:
4. Pears
In season: Various U.S. regions
Pears are soft, juicy fruits with mild sweetness and a smooth texture. And they’re extremely versatile. Poach them with cinnamon for a tender treat.
Pears are popular additions to spiced cakes, but you can also toss them into a walnut salad or pork stew to balance strong flavors.
Recipes to try:
5. Dates
In season: Southwestern U.S., North Africa, Middle East
Dates are naturally sweet, chewy fruits with a caramel-like flavor. They’re perfect for quick breads and muffins or as a simple snack or dessert.
Use your dates to whip up some scrumptious pumpkin-oat muffins. Bake them into orange-date bread or blend them into smoothies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Recipes to try:
6. Persimmons
In season in: Various U.S. regions
Persimmons are smooth-skinned, orange fruits with a honey flavor and custard-like texture once fully ripe. Their natural sweetness pairs well with warm spices and hearty greens. Add persimmons to salads with nuts, bake them into muffins or try them in spiced breads for a cozy fall treat.
Recipes to try:
7. Grapes
In season: Various U.S. regions
Grapes are an easy snack to pack for lunch or a day at the orchard, but they also fit right into seasonal meals. Roast them alongside pan-roasted chicken or lamb chops, scatter them over a harvest grain salad or spoon them over baked brie for a simple appetizer.
Recipes to try:
8. Figs
In season: Western U.S.
Figs are one of the oldest cultivated fruits, enjoyed for thousands of years across the Mediterranean and beyond. Their soft texture, honeyed sweetness and jammy center are a special treat when paired with a rich chutney or baked into a cake.
Recipes to try:
9. Pomegranates
In season: Southwestern U.S.
Pomegranates are round, ruby-red fruits filled with jewel-like seeds that offer a sweet-tart flavor and satisfying crunch.
Linked to cross-cultural stories of abundance and renewal, pomegranates bring a sense of history and meaning to the table. Their vibrant color also stands out among the earthy browns and greens of roasted vegetables and grain dishes that become popular after the fall harvest.
Sprinkle the seeds over a grain bowl or sprout salad, or use them to add brightness to roasted meats like pork belly.
Recipes to try:
10. Lemon
In season: South and southwestern U.S.
Lemons are bright and tangy fruits known for their refreshing citrus flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Their juice and zest add vibrant flavor to a wide range of dishes. Use them to enhance baked goods, incorporate them into dressings or whip up a lemon curd tart with olive oil.
Recipes to try:
11. Limes
In season: Mexico, Southeastern and southwestern U.S.
Limes, like lemons, also bring a bold and tangy flavor to various dishes. These small green citrus fruits add a refreshing kick to everything from main courses to baked goods. Enjoy them in a tasty lime-and-coconut cake or a hearty seafood stew.
Recipes to try:
12. Pineapple
In season: Various regions of South America, East Asia, Pacific Islands
While pineapples are tropical fruits that you might associate with warmer seasons and mixed drinks, they offer a balance of sweet and tart flavors that make them ideal for fall recipes.
Their bold taste pairs well with diverse ingredients, and their vibrant yellow color adds a decorative pop to dishes. Try them as a topping on pizza or baked into a pineapple upside-down cake.
Recipes to try:
13. Avocado
In season: Western and southeastern U.S., Central and South America
Some may mistake avocados for a vegetable, but they’re actually mild, creamy fruits with a nutty flavor. Spread some avocado over your toast or chop some up and toss them in a roasted salad.
Recipes to try:
14. Green bananas
In season: Central America, South America, Africa, Southeast Asia
Green bananas are firmer and less sweet than ripe yellow bananas. They also have a milder flavor and soften when cooked, so they work well in many entrees. Try them in a green banana tikki or add them to a flavorful fenugreek dry curry for a satisfying fall meal.
Recipes to try:
15. Kumquats
In season: Southeastern and western U.S.
Kumquats are small, oval citrus fruits with a tangy-sweet flavor and edible peel. Their bright color and fresh taste make them great for both snacks and cooked meals. Use kumquats to create homemade marmalade, candy them for long-term storage or try them in savory recipes.
Recipes to try:
16. Oranges
In season: Various regions of the U.S., Mediterranean regions
Oranges are another autumn favorite. They’re easy to peel and enjoy on their own, and they’re one of the best fruits to juice. Add sliced oranges to salads, bake them into cakes or use their zest to brighten sauces and marinades.
Recipes to try:
17. Guavas
In season: Mexico, India, Southeast Asia
Guavas are tropical fruits with a fragrant aroma and a sweet-tart flavor. Their soft flesh can range in color from pale yellow to deep pink, and can be enjoyed fresh or baked into dishes. Try guavas in empanadas, pair them with cream cheese for a quick snack or blend them into smoothies.
Recipes to try:
18. Quinces
In season: Europe, Middle East, various regions of the U.S.
Quinces are firm, aromatic fruits with a tangy flavor that sweetens when cooked. They’re rarely eaten raw, becoming tender and flavorful when roasted or baked. Use quinces in crumbles, simmer them into jams or pair them with roasted meats for a rich autumn dish.
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19. Grapefruit
In season: Southern regions of the U.S.
Grapefruit is a large citrus fruit with a bold, slightly bitter flavor. Enjoy it fresh for breakfast, add it to green salads or bake it into sweets for a juicy twist. Or, you can incorporate them into desserts like sorbets or salad dressings.
Recipes to try:
20. Passion fruit
In season: Hawaii; various regions of the U.S., Central and South America
Passion fruit may have a tough outer rind, but inside is a soft, seed-filled center. Its sweet-tart flavor and floral aroma add a tropical twist to drinks and dishes. Spoon passion fruit over yogurt or desserts, mix it into sauces for meat or blend it into beverages for a refreshing kick.
Recipes to try:
21. Plums
In season: Various regions of the U.S.
Plums are smooth-skinned fruits known for their juicy flesh, with flavors that range from sweet to tart. Enjoy them fresh, baked into crisps or simmered into jams and sauces. Pairing well with meats and grain-based salads, plums are a fruit worth incorporating into your fall recipes.
Recipes to try:
22. Kiwi
In season: Southwestern U.S., New Zealand, Italy, South America
Despite its fuzzy exterior, kiwi has a bright green, fleshy interior that’s sweet and tangy. It’s often sliced and added to fruit salads, yogurt bowls or smoothies. You can also enjoy kiwi on its own with a spoon or use it as a colorful topping for desserts.
Recipes to try:
23. Dragonfruit
In season: Western and southeastern U.S., Mexico, Southeast Asia
Dragonfruit has a vibrant, unique outer skin and a speckled, fleshy interior. A popular way to eat this mildly sweet fruit is chilled and scooped with a spoon or sliced into smoothie bowls. The flavors of dragonfruit pair well with citrus, berries and tropical fruits.
Recipes to try:
24. Papaya
In season: Hawaii, Southeastern U.S., Central America
Papaya is a soft, orange-fleshed fruit with a mellow sweetness and buttery texture. Typically, you’ll cut a papaya into slices and eat it raw or cube it for salad or yogurt toppings.
Papayas also contain seeds that taste like black pepper, which you can use for seasoning or in salad dressings.
Recipes to try:
25. Pumpkin
In season: Various regions of the U.S.
Though pumpkin is considered a squash in culinary terms and used as a vegetable, it’s botanically classified as a fruit.
Its bold orange color and mild sweetness make it a popular choice for both autumn decorations and dishes. Pumpkin is commonly used in pies, breads and soups, but you can also puree the pulp for sauces and casseroles or roast pumpkin seeds for an easy snack.
Recipes to try:
Find your favorite fall fruits with Instacart
Fall is the perfect time to explore a wide variety of fresh, seasonal fruits, like tart cranberries and sweet persimmons. Whether you’re snacking, baking, blending or roasting, autumn fruits can add flavor and color to your meals.
If you need to stock up on fall produce, Instacart makes it simple. Use it to find fresh fruit available in your region, and have groceries delivered right to your door.
