Autumn Veggie Guide

In New Zealand, autumn officially begins on the 1st of March and extends until the 31st of May, leading us into the chilly winter months. This season presents an excellent opportunity for growing a diverse range of produce. The plants experience less stress from the scorching summer days, and there's a higher chance of adequate watering. As the season progresses and daylight hours decrease, growth slows down, giving rise to some exciting cool-season crops! At least, that's how it should ideally be. After the wet summer endured by the upper North Island, it remains uncertain what autumn has in store for us. One thing is certain, though – we'll be rescuing whatever produce needs saving.

So, what can we expect?

Stone fruits are still abundant! You'll continue to find peaches, nectarines, and plums in the box. New-season apples have already made their appearance, as autumn is the perfect time for their harvest. Soon, pears and feijoas will arrive, and we can look forward to more kiwifruit as well.

Veggies that might make an appearance...

Cool-season cultivations, including spinach, lettuce, kale, and radicchio, thrive in the crisper autumn weather. Root vegetables like beetroot, carrots, kumara, turnips, and parsnips also prefer the cooler soils that come with autumn.

We've noticed the absence of cauliflower in recent boxes, but we're keeping our fingers crossed to see more soon. Fun fact – did you know cauliflower is actually a type of cabbage?! Speaking of which, we'll likely see Brussels sprouts making a comeback, along with other brassicas like broccoli, kohlrabi, and bok choy.

After sweetening in the fields throughout summer, pumpkins are now ready for harvest, and we have an abundance of agria potatoes. The swedes are being plucked from the ground and will hopefully find their way into the box as well!

As the autumn rain settles in, it works wonders for improving soil fertility, creating a better environment for plant growth – as long as it doesn't get excessive! Moreover, there are typically fewer pests during this time compared to the summer months, reducing the risk of damaged produce, which is a significant advantage. Considering all factors, autumn has the potential to be a fruitful couple of months for our farmers. We've got our fingers crossed for them.

Stay tuned for the latest updates and enjoy the delicious produce coming your way! As always, we'll bring you a delightful medley of recipes to make the most of the seasonal bounty. Here are a few tantalising dishes to tempt your taste buds:

• Cheesy Leek & Potato Gratin
• Rustic Turnip Gnocchi in a Sage Butter Sauce
• Charred Broccoli Steaks with Romesco Sauce, Feta, and Toasted Pepitas
• Sumac Roasted Carrots & Tzatziki