What to cook this September: 7 seasonal recipes that make the most of early autumn ingredients

September is the month of transition: summer is drawing to a close, but the earth continues to yield ingredients rich in color, flavor and beneficial properties. It is the perfect time to enjoy the last of the summer fruits and welcome the first autumn delights, striking the right balance between freshness and comfort food.
Cooking with seasonal fruits and vegetables in September is not only a sustainable choice, but also the best way to enhance the natural taste and nutritional properties of foods. In this guide you will discover which ingredients are the stars of the month and how to use them in the kitchen.
1. Grapes: the symbolic fruit of September
Queen of the harvest, grapes are rich in antioxidants such as resveratrol, which promotes heart health. It provides instant energy and is a good source of water and potassium. Dark varieties contain anthocyanins, valuable allies against cellular aging. Enjoy fresh, in salads, risottos or desserts.
2. Early apples: crisp and fragrant
The first apples of September are fresh, crisp and rich in vitamin C, flavonoids and fiber, excellent for intestinal well-being. Ideal to enjoy au naturel, in purées, baked desserts or to enrich salads with dried fruits and cheeses.
3. Figs
Figs are among the tastiest fruits of September: sweet, juicy and rich in natural sugars, fiber, calcium and magnesium. They aid digestion and are perfect for creating sweet-savory contrasts, such as on bruschetta with cheese and honey, or in seasonal pies and tarts.
4. Leeks: delicate and nutritious
September marks the beginning of the season for leeks, which are sweeter and more tender than in winter. They are rich in flavonoids, sulfur and fiber, and perfect for velvety soups, muffins, pies, risottos or as a delicate base for light stir-fries.
5. Pears: juicy and aromatic
Among the most popular September pears are Williams and Kaiser. Rich in water, vitamin C and soluble fiber, they promote digestion and intestinal regularity. Excellent in desserts such as cakes and crumbles, as well as in savory dishes, paired with blue cheeses or autumn salads.
6. Pumpkin: the coming autumn
September also marks the beginning of pumpkin season. Early varieties begin to arrive on market stalls, sweet and firm. Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, potassium and fiber, it is perfect for creamy, light and nutritious preparations.
7. Zucchini: last weeks of the season.
September zucchini are still sweet and tender. Versatile and light, they lend themselves to risottos, pies, grilled side dishes or creative recipes such as pasta with zucchini and basil cream or baked vegetarian meatballs.

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