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Autumn Vegetables to Add to Your Shopping List

As the leaves turn and the days grow cooler, there’s something comforting about cooking with seasonal produce. Autumn brings a bounty of colourful, flavourful vegetables that are perfect for wholesome meals, warming stews, and roast dinners.

Shopping with the seasons doesn’t just taste better, it also supports British growers, reduces food miles and cuts down on unnecessary plastic packaging.

From hearty root veg to versatile leafy greens, here’s your go-to guide to autumn vegetables in the UK and why they deserve a spot in your shopping basket this season.

Rooted in Goodness: Classic Autumn Veggies

Autumn is known for its earthy, nutrient-rich root vegetables. Think carrots, parsnips, swede and beetroot, all of which thrive in cooler temperatures and make a delicious base for soups, mash or oven roasts.

Butternut squash and pumpkins also come into their own in early autumn, offering a natural sweetness that works beautifully in risottos, curries and easy autumn meals.

Celeriac, often overlooked, is another autumn gem. Its mild, nutty flavour makes it ideal for mash or gratins—and it pairs well with other root veg for a creamy, comforting medley. Add a couple to your next fruit and veg box and see where your creativity takes you.

 

Leafy Greens and Brassicas

Greens don’t disappear when summer ends; in fact, many thrive in autumn. Kale, cavolo nero and Swiss chard are at their best in these months, packed with iron and vitamin C to help boost your immune system ahead of winter. Try sautéing with garlic and olive oil for a simple side, or toss into stews and pasta dishes for a nutritional lift.

Brussels sprouts start to appear later in autumn, and they’re much more versatile than you might think. Shred them into stir-fries, roast with balsamic glaze, or slice raw into slaws.

Cauliflower, another staple of the autumn harvest, is brilliant when roasted, blitzed into a creamy, seasonal soup or made into a delicious blended cauliflower rice.

 

Alliums and Aromatics

Leeks and onions are in their prime during autumn, adding depth and sweetness to dishes as they cook down.

They’re the quiet stars of easy autumn meals, from classic leek and potato soup to cheesy bakes and tarts. Garlic also continues to be harvested into early autumn, giving you plenty of opportunities to boost flavour in all your cooking.

 

Autumn Heroes: Pak Choi, Fennel & Mushrooms

Beyond the traditional root veg and leafy greens, there are a few lesser-known autumn heroes that deserve a place in your basket. Pak choi, also known as Chinese cabbage, thrives in cooler months and is a brilliant addition to stir-fries, noodle soups, or even lightly grilled with a splash of soy and sesame. Its mild, sweet flavour and crisp texture make it a family-friendly option that cooks in minutes.

Fennel is another autumn favourite with its delicate, slightly aniseed flavour. Roast it in wedges with olive oil until caramelised, or shave it raw into salads alongside citrus or apple for a refreshing seasonal contrast.

And of course, mushrooms are in abundance during autumn, both wild and cultivated. Chestnut, portobello, and oyster mushrooms add savoury depth to risottos, bakes and pies, while also making a great meat alternative in hearty vegetarian meals. Rich in umami and full of texture, they’re a seasonal essential for comfort cooking.

 

Seasonal Stars: Autumn Fruits

Of course, it’s not all about veg. The fruit in autumn is equally worth celebrating. British apples and pears are at their peak from September, ideal for everything from pies and crumbles to savoury salads and chutneys.

Plums, damsons, blackberries and sloes also make a fleeting but glorious appearance, perfect for jamming, baking, or flavouring a cosy autumnal gin.

Whether you’re shopping for Sunday roast essentials or ingredients for your favourite cookies recipe, don’t forget to explore the sweeter side of the autumn fruit and veg offering.

 

Why Choose Seasonal?

Eating with the seasons isn’t just a feel-good trend; it has a real impact. Choosing autumn vegetables which are UK-grown means fewer food miles, better freshness, and more support for local farmers. It’s a small but powerful way to reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying produce that’s at its peak flavour.

Plus, seasonal fruit and veg often require less artificial support to grow (like heating or forced ripening), making them a more sustainable choice for our planet.

 

Fill Your Fruit and Veg Box the Seasonal Way

At Milk & More, our commitment to sustainability and local produce shines through in every delivery. Our fruit and veg boxes are packed with the freshest autumn vegetables, handpicked from trusted British growers where possible.

Whether you’re planning a hearty stew, a roast dinner, or a batch of home-made chutneys, autumn is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen. Check out our recipes to find your new favourite autumnal dish.

So next time you update your doorstep delivery, make room for the very best fruit and vegetables of autumn and celebrate the season, one forkful at a time.