Apples (Seb)
While available for longer thanks to cold storage, September is the peak of the fresh apple harvest season, especially from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. Look for firm, brightly coloured apples without any soft spots or bruising. This is when
they are at their crispest and most flavourful, perfect for eating fresh or making into a comforting dessert as the evenings begin to cool. Varieties like Royal Delicious will be in their prime.
Pomegranate (Anaar)
Pomegranates are fantastic in September, offering a burst of juicy, jewel-like seeds. These fruits are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them an excellent choice to boost your immunity as the seasons change. When buying, choose fruits that feel heavy for their size, which indicates they are full of juice. The skin should be firm and a deep, rich red. They are perfect for adding to salads, raita, or simply enjoying on their own.
Custard Apple (Sitaphal)
This uniquely sweet and creamy fruit begins to make a prominent appearance in markets during the monsoon and post-monsoon period. Its lumpy green exterior hides a soft, fragrant pulp that is a true delicacy. A ripe custard apple will yield slightly to gentle pressure. They are best eaten fresh, by scooping out the pulp and seeds, offering a rich, dessert-like experience straight from nature.
Gourds: Bottle Gourd and Bitter Gourd (Lauki and Karela)
The end of the monsoon is an excellent time for various gourds. Vegetables like lauki (bottle gourd) and karela (bitter gourd) are particularly good. These vegetables are light, hydrating, and easy on the digestive system, which is beneficial after a heavy monsoon. Karela, with its bitter taste, is especially valued for its detoxifying properties. Look for firm, unblemished gourds. Lauki should have smooth, pale green skin, while karela should be a vibrant green.
Spinach (Palak)
As the weather begins to cool ever so slightly, leafy greens like spinach start to thrive. While available year-round, the quality improves as the intense heat and rain subside. September is a great time to find fresh, tender bunches of palak. Look for leaves that are a vibrant green with no signs of yellowing or wilting. It's a versatile vegetable, perfect for making palak paneer, dal palak, or simply sautéing with a bit of garlic.
Corn (Bhutta)
A quintessential monsoon delight, fresh corn is still widely available and delicious in early September. Whether you enjoy it roasted on the cob with lemon and masala from a street vendor or boiled at home, its sweet, juicy kernels are a seasonal treat. When purchasing, look for cobs with bright green, moist husks and plump, milky kernels. Peel back a small section of the husk to check the kernels before buying.
Pear (Nashpati)
Pears are another fruit that hits its stride in the monsoon-to-autumn transition. Indian pears are typically crisp, crunchy, and subtly sweet, making them incredibly refreshing. They are a good source of fibre and help with digestion. Choose pears that are firm, with smooth skin and no soft spots. They can be eaten fresh, added to salads for a crunchy texture, or used in both sweet and savoury dishes.
