A Fresh Season at The Pig
September in Alabama brings a beautiful overlap — the last tastes of summer and the first hints of fall. At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, this month is one of our favorites because it means bringing you the freshest local fruits and vegetables right when they’re at their peak.
Eating seasonally isn’t just about tradition — it’s about flavor, value, and nutrition. Seasonal produce means better taste, better prices, and more nutrients, and thanks to our partnerships with Alabama farmers and local distributors, The Pig makes shopping in-season easy and affordable.
Whether you’re planning a cookout, packing school lunches, or gearing up for football season, your neighborhood Pig is stocked with Alabama-grown produce ready to inspire your next meal.
Why Shop Seasonal This September
Better Taste, Better Nutrition
When fruits and vegetables are harvested at their peak, they deliver unbeatable flavor and nutrition. Think sweet potatoes full of natural sweetness, crisp apples straight from Alabama orchards, and leafy greens rich in vitamins that thrive in the cooler air of early fall.
Seasonal = Smart Shopping
Shopping seasonally also means saving more. In-season produce often costs significantly less than out-of-season imports. At The Pig, we pass those savings along, making it easier for Birmingham families to fill their tables with healthy, affordable meals.
Inspiration for At-Home Cooking
Seasonal shopping sparks creativity in the kitchen. From fresh fig crostini to roasted veggie trays for game day, cooking with in-season ingredients means you’re always serving food at its best. For inspiration, check out weekly specials, in-store recipe cards, and digital coupons on The Pig Bham App (Google Play).
What’s In Season: Alabama-Grown Produce in September
The Alabama Farmers Market Authority says September is one of the most flavorful months for Southern-grown produce. Here’s what you’ll find fresh all month long at The Pig.
Early September (Sept 1–15): Summer’s Sweet Sendoff
Fresh Picks
Tomatoes, okra, eggplant, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, peppers, basil, melons, and blueberries are still coming in strong during the first weeks of September. These summertime staples are full of flavor, making them perfect for cookouts and family dinners. From crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes to tender okra and fragrant basil, these are the flavors that remind us why Alabama summers are so delicious. Stock up now, because these favorites won’t be around much longer.
Recipe Ideas
- Tomato-Cucumber Salad
Ingredients: 2 large tomatoes, 1 cucumber, ¼ red onion, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, fresh basil.
Directions: Chop tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice onion. Toss with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Top with basil and serve chilled. - Peach-Basil Flatbread
Ingredients: Flatbread, 2 peaches (sliced), ½ cup mozzarella, ¼ cup goat cheese, fresh basil, drizzle of honey.
Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Top flatbread with mozzarella, peaches, and goat cheese. Bake for 8–10 minutes. Remove, add basil, drizzle with honey, and serve.
Quick Tip
To keep basil fresh longer, trim stems and place them in a glass of water, just like flowers. Cover loosely with a plastic bag and store at room temperature.
Seasonal Tie-In
Gatherings are the perfect time to grill. Try tossing eggplant, zucchini, and peppers with olive oil and seasoning for a smoky summer sendoff.
All Month Long: Transitional Fruit Favorites
Fresh Picks
Apples, pears, figs, and peaches are abundant throughout September in Alabama. Early apple varieties like Gala and Golden Delicious offer crisp sweetness, while Kieffer pears bring a traditional Southern favorite to the table. Figs, with their soft texture and honey-like flavor, pair beautifully with savory dishes, and peaches continue to shine as one of Alabama’s signature crops. These fruits are versatile for both snacks and recipes, making them staples in any Southern kitchen.
Recipe Ideas
- Fig & Goat Cheese Crostini
Ingredients: 1 baguette (sliced), 6 figs (sliced), 4 oz goat cheese, 2 tbsp honey, fresh thyme.
Directions: Toast baguette slices until golden. Spread goat cheese, top with figs, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle thyme. - Apple & Sharp Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Ingredients: 2 slices bread, ½ apple (thinly sliced), 2–3 slices sharp cheddar, 1 tbsp butter.
Directions: Butter bread, layer apples and cheddar inside, and cook in skillet until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
Quick Tip
Pears often need time to ripen after purchase. Place them in a paper bag with an apple to speed up the process.
Seasonal Tie-In
With school back in session, these fruits make healthy lunchbox additions. Slice apples or pack figs for quick snacks that keep kids fueled through the day.
Late September (Sept 16–30): First Fall Flavors
Fresh Picks
As cooler weather arrives, Alabama fields deliver hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, turnips, radishes, pumpkins, collard greens, mustard greens, kale, and broccoli. Sweet potatoes and carrots roast beautifully, while leafy greens add depth and nutrition to fall meals. Pumpkins begin appearing for both cooking and decorating, signaling autumn has officially arrived. These early fall crops are packed with comfort and flavor, just in time for hearty cooking.
Recipe Ideas
- Roasted Sweet Potato & Carrot Bowl
Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, 2 carrots, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, salt, pepper, fresh parsley.
Directions: Preheat oven to 425°F. Chop sweet potatoes and carrots into cubes. Toss with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast 25–30 minutes. Garnish with parsley. - Roasted Veggie Tray for Game Day
Ingredients: Carrots, radishes, turnips, sweet potatoes, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt, pepper.
Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Toss with olive oil and seasoning. Roast for 20–25 minutes. Serve hot with dipping sauces.
Quick Tip
Blueberries may be winding down, but they freeze beautifully. Rinse, dry, and freeze in a single layer to enjoy them all winter.
Seasonal Tie-In
Football season in Alabama means tailgating and hearty snacks. Roasted veggies are a wholesome, flavorful option for game-day spreads.
How The Pig Helps You Eat Fresh
Local Sourcing, Every Season
At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, we believe in keeping it local. Our produce departments highlight Alabama-grown favorites throughout the year, supporting farmers while ensuring freshness for your family.
Look for the Signs
Our stores make seasonal shopping simple. Look for fresh signage and endcap displays featuring fall’s star produce — apples, sweet potatoes, and hearty greens — front and center.
Smart Shopping with The Pig Bham App
Make your seasonal shopping stretch further with The Pig Bham App (Google Play). Weekly specials, digital coupons, and recipe ideas put fresh savings and inspiration right at your fingertips.
As one of our produce managers put it: “Sweet potatoes are my go-to this time of year. We just got a beautiful local harvest in — they roast up perfectly for any fall meal.”
September Is Served
September is the perfect time to enjoy the richness of Alabama-grown produce — from the juicy sweetness of late-summer fruit to the hearty flavors of fall vegetables. By shopping local and seasonal at The Pig, you get the best value, the best flavor, and the freshest ingredients for your family table.
Stop by your neighborhood Piggly Wiggly Birmingham today and see what’s in season. And don’t forget to download The Pig Bham App (Google Play) for fresh savings, recipes, and seasonal inspiration.