Last updated on October 17th, 2024
September in Italy is a wonderful time for seasonal produce, as the late summer harvest merges with early autumn’s bounty.
This transitional period in September brings an abundance of grapes, figs, and plums, alongside the first harvests of apples and pears.
Whether you’re savoring fresh fruit as a simple snack, indulging in a traditional dessert, or incorporating them into savory dishes, these Italian fruits and vegetables in season in September provide a vibrant, delicious snapshot of Italian diversity.
Let’s take a look at the fresh fruits and vegetables you can find in Italy during September, along with some ideas on how to enjoy them or what to order in restaurants.
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Vegetables To Eat In September In Italy
This is the time when the last of the summer produce is sold side by side with early autumn harvests such as pumpkins and winter greens.
Learn More About Seasonal Eating in Italy: Check out Why Italians Eat Seasonally – A Complete Guide To The Italian Way Of Cooking With The Seasons.
Tomatoes
Pomodori (tomatoes) are still easy to find and excellent in Italy in September. They are often overlooked as Italians start to cook with other winter ingredients such as pumpkins and darker salad greens but some of the best tomatoes you can taste will be at the beginning of September. Try them in bruschetta, a caprese salad or in a classic Italian pomodoro sauce.
Eggplants
Eggplants might still be available in Italy if you are in the southern regions, especially Sicily when it is still quite warm in September. Try them simply grilled, in pasta alla norma or in a caponata, a sweet and sour eggplant compote.
Peppers
Just like eggplants, peppers are still in season in southern Italy. My favorite way to order them is as a contorno or side dish with other grilled vegetables (verdure alla griglia).
Zucchini
Zucchini has a very long growing season in Italy so you will find it starting in April and going through September. After this time, however, it’s harder to come by and more expensive. Look for it in pasta dishes, stuffed or grilled.
Pumpkins
September brings our first pumpkins to the market, especially in northern regions of Italy such as Lombardy and Veneto where many regional dishes are made with this versatile Italian vegetable. Try pumpkin risotto or stuffed pasta called tortelli di zucca.
Salad And Mixed Greens
Italy has great mixed fall greens and salads as the temperatures slowly drop.
Swiss Chard
Bietola, or swiss chard grows quite well, just like salad, as the temperatures slightly drop in September. Order it stewed as a side dish or in minestrone.
Herbs
Summer herbs are still seasonal in September in Italy, most notably Basil from Liguria. Try it in pesto or in lasagne. Other seasonal herbs xx are rosemary and sage which will be used in any number of dishes including roasted meats, bread, focaccia, potatoes and in pasta sauces.
Porcini Mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms, called funghi porcini, are foraged most notably throughout Tuscany, Umbria and Piedmont. You can find them prepared any kind of way but I think the best way to sample them is in a risotto or in a pasta sauce such as egg pasta like tagliatelle.
Truffles
Depending on the region and the type of truffle you are looking for, September may be your month! The black summer truffle and white truffle both become available in September. If you are a real foodie, don’t miss the famous truffle fair in Alba, Piedmont, which you can read all about in Truffles in Italy – All You Need to Know About Tartufi.
Fruits To Eat In Italy In September
Enjoying seasonal fruit in September allows you to experience the freshest and most flavorful Italian ingredients on the market. Whether you’re visiting markets, dining out, or cooking at your apartment rental, these fruits are a must-try!
Tip: Seasonal produce is much better (and more likely to be local) at open air markets rather than grocery stores.
Learn more about Italian Markets:
How to Shop at Markets in Italy
10 Rules for Shopping at Markets in Italy
Incredible Food Markets in Italy
My Favorite Markets in Florence
Food Markets in Florence
Top Markets In Tuscany
Food Markets in Venice
Rialto Market in Venice
Peaches
September is the end of the peach season in Italy. Besides in August, I think some of the best peaches are available in September. You can also find some great deals in terms of market prices!
Nectarines
Just like peaches, nectarines can also be enjoyed in Italy at the beginning of September before they are gone until June. Don’t miss them!
Grapes
Grapes or uva are ready for harvest at the end of September. I am talking about both green and red grapes to pop in your mouth as well as wine grapes. My favorite way to enjoy grapes in Italy in September is as is, as a snack or in schiacciata all’uva, a sweet grape flatbread from Tuscany.
Figs
Figs grow in abundance in Italy in September but they will be more available in central and southern regions where it’s warmer. They are often paired with prosciutto as an appetizer or served for dessert or with cheese.
Apples
Local fall apples start to fill grocery stores in September in Italy. The best apples are grown in Trentino-Alto Adige, which is also where you will find the most variety. Try them in apple strudel and in apple cakes for breakfast.
Pears
Pere are a fruit in Italy that are available and seasonal for almost 12 months a year but in September, they are particularly good from Emilia-Romagna.
Plums
Plums, known as prugne, are still readily available throughout all of Italy, particularly in the mountains in northern regions. They make great snacks or can be found in several regional desserts and cakes.
Melons
Melons are at the end of their summer season in September so be sure to enjoy them with prosciutto crudo as an appetizer while in Italy.
Seasonal Nuts To Try In Italy In September
Nuts are not something we commonly think of being seasonal but they actually have a harvest period in Italy! Look for these nuts in Italy in September, especially in gelato flavors!
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts or nocciole come into season in late August and early September, most famously in Piedmont. They are used to make the delicious hazelnut spread known as gianduia and in other cookie and cake recipes.
Almonds
Almonds or mandorle are harvested in abundance in Sicily and Puglia in September in Italy. Keep your eyes peeled for granita alla mandorla, sorbetto or gelato!
Pine Nuts
Pine nuts or pinoli are seasonal in September and boy, are they good when they are fresh! Most famously you can eat them in pesto or bring them home as a souvenir or gift!
Curious to know more about Italy’s seasonal foods, dishes, and produce? Check out
Foods to Eat in Italy by Month in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December and by Season in Spring – Summer – Fall – Winter.
Italian Fruits and Vegetables in Season in January – February – March – April – May – June – July – August – September – October – November – December.
Italian Nuts
