Introduction: October Flavor Starts Here
October is one of the best months for produce in Alabama. Cooler nights and crisp mornings bring bold flavors, better value, and a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. For health-conscious and budget-minded shoppers, seasonal shopping means flavor and savings all in one trip.
This guide highlights what’s in season all month, what to grab early in October, and which crops peak toward the end of the month. At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, we’re proud to be your neighborhood produce experts, offering fresh, local options along with cooking and storage tips to make the most of every visit.
In Season All Month Long: Fall Favorites You’ll Love
Hearty Greens: Collards, Mustard, Turnip, Kale
Greens take on a deeper, sweeter flavor after cool nights or the season’s first frost. They’re ideal for braising, stews, or a simple sauté.
Tip: Greens are sweeter and more tender after a cool snap—October’s the perfect time to enjoy them.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower
Cool fall weather enhances their natural sweetness and crunch. High in fiber and vitamin C, they’re great roasted, steamed, or baked into a casserole.
Root Vegetables: Beets, Turnips, Radishes
Alabama’s fall soil brings out peak earthy sweetness in root vegetables. They store well and shine when roasted, pickled, or sliced fresh into salads.
Sweet Potatoes
October is harvest season for Alabama sweet potatoes, a Southern staple that can be roasted, mashed, or turned into crispy baked fries. According to the USDA, Alabama consistently ranks in the top 10 U.S. states for sweet potato production.
Pumpkins & Winter Squash: Butternut, Acorn, Spaghetti, Kabocha
Perfect for soups, casseroles, or roasting, winter squash is as versatile as it is hearty.
Quick Pick Tip: A ripe butternut squash has a deep beige color and feels heavy for its size.
Apples: Fuji, Gala, Arkansas Black
Regional orchards, including those in North Alabama, supply crisp, flavorful apples throughout October. They’re excellent for pies, snacks, or adding crunch to fresh salads.
What to Grab Before It’s Gone
Tender Leafy Greens: Butterhead, Romaine, Loose-Leaf
These delicate greens are best before frost sets in. Toss them with apples or roasted squash for a seasonal salad.
Late Tomatoes
If warm weather lingers, garden-grown and greenhouse tomatoes may still be available. Keep an eye out for heirloom varieties early in the month.
Blackberries & Late Berries
Mild Alabama weather can extend berry season into October. They’re excellent for sauces, jams, or topping desserts.
Late Peaches
Cling varieties may still be available in early October, depending on the weather. Supply is limited, so check in-store for updates.
Healthy eating. Front view of female hands making salad cutting tomatoes in the kitchen
Fall’s Finest Arrives
Hardy Greens Intensify in Flavor
By late October, kale, collards, and turnip greens become sweeter with chilly nights—perfect for hearty fall cooking.
Root Veggies in Full Swing
Beets, turnips, and sweet potatoes peak in flavor as cooler soil enhances their natural sugars.
Squash & Pumpkins Take Center Stage
Roast them, add them to soups, or feature them in festive fall dishes.
Apples Reach Their Peak
Late-season varieties like Arkansas Black, Winesap, and Granny Smith are crisp, tart, and ideal for baking or snacking.
Brassicas Fully Mature
Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are at their prime by late October—roasted, steamed, or baked into casseroles.
Grown Closer to Home: Why Local Tastes Better
Fresh produce isn’t just about flavor—it’s about community. Knowing your food comes from Alabama farms builds pride and trust.
At Piggly Wiggly Birmingham, we source produce from nearby counties like Chilton, Cullman, and Blount whenever possible.
Tip: Ask your produce manager what’s local this week—they’re happy to help!
Supporting local farmers means supporting Alabama families. With over 40 farmers markets and dozens of small farms active in fall, every local purchase strengthens our state’s agricultural community.
Buying local means fresher food and stronger Alabama farms.
Your Fall Produce Game Plan
Quick Pick Tips
- Butternut squash: Look for deep beige skin and a heavy feel.
- Apples: Choose firm fruit with no bruises.
- Greens: Crisp, vibrant leaves signal freshness.
Storage Tips
- Greens: Store unwashed in the refrigerator.
- Root veggies: Keep in a cool, dark place.
- Apples: Refrigerate to maintain crispness.
Simple Preparation Ideas
- Roast root veggies with olive oil and herbs.
- Sauté greens with garlic and vinegar.
- Add sliced apples to salads, oatmeal, or baked goods.
Make the Most of October—Shop Fresh at The Pig
October brings a rich mix of flavor, nutrition, and value with Alabama-grown produce. From sweet potatoes and squash to apples and greens, there’s always something new each week.
Stop by your neighborhood Piggly Wiggly Birmingham to see what’s fresh right now—our produce staff is here to help you pick the best of the season.
Want to plan ahead? Sign up for weekly farm-fresh updates from The Pig to get seasonal favorites, recipes, and in-store specials delivered right to your inbox.