What’s in season in Spain in September?

The markets begin their slow transition from the outrageous abundance of summer towards the deeper, earthier produce of autumn. Watermelons and melons are still hanging around, but grapes are suddenly everywhere. Figs are having their final glorious moment. Apples and pears arrive properly. And depending on where you are, the first pomegranates and quinces begin making an appearance.

September is very much a month of overlap, which is rather convenient because it means you get the best of both worlds. I have to say that September has always been my favourite month in Spain, especially when we lived on Lanzarote and all the kids went back home to their schools in Blighty.

September: summer’s encore

September doesn’t slam the door on summer. It leaves it slightly ajar. You’ll still find plenty of the fruit that made July and August so enjoyable, but now there’s a new group waiting in the wings. This is also the month when Spain’s vineyards become particularly interesting, with the grape harvest beginning in many wine-producing areas. In other words, there’s a lot going on and most of it is delicious.

Seasonal fruit in September

September may not have quite the sheer extravagance of August, but the fruit is arguably more interesting.

Grapes take centre stage

Grapes (uvas)

September is grape month. The grape harvest, or vendimia, takes place across Spain at different times depending on the region and variety, and table grapes are also abundant in markets and shops. They’re sweet, juicy and extremely easy to eat far too many of.

Of course, grapes aren’t only destined for the fruit bowl. September is when vineyards across Spain are busy harvesting grapes for wine, making this a particularly atmospheric time of year if you happen to live near one. You don’t have to be a wine enthusiast to appreciate the sight of a vineyard coming alive with harvest activity, although being a wine enthusiast certainly doesn’t hurt.

Figs have their final fling

Figs (higos)

If you love fresh figs, September is the month to make the most of them. The season is relatively short, and by the end of the month they will begin disappearing from markets in many parts of Spain.

Fresh figs are wonderful on their own, but they’re also superb with cheese, cured meats, yoghurt or a drizzle of honey. Or, obviously, eaten over the kitchen sink. This seems to be a recurring theme with figs.

Peaches and nectarines are still around

Peaches (melocotones)

The summer peach season is beginning to wind down, but September can still offer excellent peaches, particularly later varieties. One of the stars is the famous melocotón de Calanda, which begins its season around the middle of September in the Calanda area of Aragón. Large, juicy and wonderfully sweet, these are worth seeking out if you see them.

Plums continue

Plums (ciruelas)

Late varieties of plums can still be found in September, although they’re beginning to disappear. If you’ve spent the summer buying them by the kilo, this is your warning. The end is nigh.

Melons and watermelons are still hanging on

Melon (melón)

Good news for anyone who isn’t ready to give up summer just yet. Melons can still be excellent in September, although the season is beginning to wind down.

Watermelon (sandía)

Likewise, watermelon is still available in September, particularly in warmer parts of Spain. It may not be quite as ubiquitous as it was in August, but there’s still time for one last enormous slice before autumn takes over.

The first taste of autumn

This is where September gets exciting.

Pomegranates begin to appear

Pomegranates (granadas)

Pomegranates are one of the fruits that signal the change of season. Depending on the region, the first Spanish-grown pomegranates begin appearing around September, with the season becoming more established as autumn progresses.

They’re beautiful, slightly ridiculous fruits. You crack one open and discover approximately 4,000 tiny edible jewels inside. Then spend twenty minutes getting them out. It’s so worth it. Apparently my Mum used to sit me down with half a pemogranate and a pin when I was a child – it kept me quietly occupied for quite some time. She did the same with winkles (teeny snail-like things from the sea) to. I’m spotting a pattern. 

Apples arrive

Apples (manzanas)

Late summer and early autumn bring the beginning of the apple season. September is an excellent time to start looking for locally grown varieties, particularly in northern Spain. Crisp, fresh and considerably less likely to drip down your arm than a peach. This is when Alan gets cravings for my apple crumble. He has his with custard but I love mine with a dollop of creamy vanilla ice-cream. 

Pears make an appearance

Pears (peras)

Pears are also in their element during September. Sweet, juicy and versatile, they’re excellent fresh but also work beautifully in salads and desserts. Don’t bother bringin any to our house – I hate them. 

Quinces begin the autumn transition

Quinces (membrillos)

Quince is one of those fruits that looks rather unremarkable until you discover what you can do with it. Fresh quince is hard and astringent, so it’s generally cooked rather than eaten like an apple. But quince paste with cheese? Now we’re talking. I like mine with a teeny pinch of cinnamon sprinkled on top but you do you. 

Seasonal vegetables in September

September vegetables are where the transition to autumn really starts to show. Summer hasn’t completely disappeared, but cooler-weather crops are beginning to move in.

Tomatoes are still fantastic

Tomatoes (tomates)

The good news is that summer tomatoes aren’t finished yet. September can still offer wonderful sun-ripened tomatoes, particularly in warmer parts of Spain. They’re one of the last great reminders that summer isn’t quite finished. Use them in salads, sauces, gazpacho or simply slice them, add olive oil and salt and call it lunch. Nobody will complain.

Peppers remain abundant

Peppers (pimientos)

Peppers continue their summer run into September. Sweet peppers, frying peppers, Padrón peppers and other local varieties are still widely available. This is particularly good news for anyone who has developed an unhealthy dependence on grilled peppers. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Try them chopped and oven baked or grilled… with a splash of balsamic vinegar – yum!

Aubergines and courgettes are still going strong

Aubergines (berenjenas)

Aubergines remain firmly in season during September. Grilled, roasted, stuffed or fried, they’re still doing excellent work in Spanish kitchens. I generally don’t enjoy the spongy texture of aubergines, but I love them sliced thinly, deep fried and with an ooze of miel de cana.

Courgettes (calabacines)

Courgettes also remain in season, although we’re moving towards the end of their summer dominance. If your garden has produced seventy-ten of them, however, don’t worry. You’ll still have plenty of opportunities to use them.

Green beans

Green beans (judías verdes)

Still fresh and plentiful, green beans are another vegetable that bridges the summer and autumn seasons nicely. They’re particularly good simply cooked with olive oil and garlic. Or here’s another option: Green beans with Serrano ham

Pumpkin begins appearing

Pumpkin (calabaza)

September is when pumpkin starts becoming more noticeable as the weather begins to cool. It works beautifully in soups, roasted dishes and stews. Although in southern Spain, you may have to wait until the weather stops behaving like August before anyone gets particularly enthusiastic about soup. I’m not a fan of pumpkin so I don’t have a recipe to share – sorry!

Spinach and leafy greens return

Spinach (espinacas)

As temperatures become more manageable, leafy greens such as spinach become increasingly prominent. Chard, lettuce and other greens are also available during September. This is the point where salads start getting some competition. My favourite way to eat these leafy greens is as shown here: Easy Catalan spinach or sometimes I just sweat the leaves in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of ground garlic. 

Don’t forget -. they are crammed with iron – and I for one could always do with a little extra of that!

Regional highlights

As ever, where you live in Spain makes a difference.

Andalucía

September can still feel very much like summer in Andalucía.

You’ll find plenty of:

• Grapes
• Figs
• Peaches
• Melons
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Aubergines

And in warmer areas, summer produce can continue well into the month. The advantage is that you can enjoy the beginning of autumn without actually having to wear a jumper.

Valencia and Murcia

Fruit and vegetable production remains abundant, while the transition towards autumn produce begins. This is also an excellent time for grapes and other late-summer fruit.

Aragón

September is particularly exciting for peach lovers, thanks to the start of the Melocotón de Calanda season. If you see them in your local market, they’re worth trying.

Northern Spain

September can feel considerably more autumnal in the north. Apples, pears and other autumn produce begin making their presence felt, while the cooler climate can extend some summer crops. And yes, you may finally be able to contemplate wearing a cardie.

Why September is a brilliant month for seasonal eating

September is possibly the most interesting month for people who like eating seasonally because you get a genuine crossover between two seasons. You can still enjoy:

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Melons
• Watermelons
• Peaches
• Figs

while beginning to enjoy:

• Grapes
• Apples
• Pears
• Pomegranates
• Quinces
• Pumpkin
• Leafy greens

It’s a month of change rather than a hard cut-off. And that’s exactly how nature tends to work. Unlike supermarkets, which apparently believe every fruit should be available every Tuesday regardless of whether it’s currently growing anywhere remotely nearby.

What to make with September produce

September is a brilliant month for simple food.

Figs and cheese

Fresh figs with a good Spanish cheese make an excellent starter or light lunch. Add some walnuts and a drizzle of honey if you’re feeling fancy.

Or try one of my favourites: Figs with honey and cinnamon.

Grape and cheese salad

Fresh grapes work beautifully with cheese, nuts and a simple dressing. Ideal for those days when it’s technically autumn but your thermometer hasn’t received the memo. Try one of Spain’0s blue cheese if yuy can get them – they are creamy and sooo good with grapes. 

Tomato and pepper salad

While the summer tomatoes and peppers are still at their best, make the most of them. Good olive oil, salt and perhaps some of your favourite fresh herbs are all you need.

Grilled vegetables

Aubergines, peppers and courgettes can all go straight onto the grill. Add some bread and you’re done.

Quince and cheese

As the weather starts to cool, quince paste with cheese becomes increasingly appealing. It’s a classic Spanish combination for very good reason. Sweet, sharp and salty all at once.

Final thoughts

September is the month of transition. Summer isn’t quite finished, but autumn is definitely at your garden gate. The markets reflect that beautifully. You’ll still see enormous piles of summer fruit alongside the first apples, pears and pomegranates of the new season.

It’s also a particularly good month to get out and explore local markets because there’s such a mixture of produce available. So buy the last of the good figs. Enjoy another melon. Pick up some grapes. Dissect a pomegranate. And if you spot some Melocotón de Calanda, don’t walk past it.

September in Spain isn’t about saying goodbye to summer. It’s about making it hang around for another few weeks while quietly getting ready for autumn. Yum!