OCTOBER FRUIT 2026

By now, most of us are well settled into school routines, after-school football games, soccer matches, Homecoming festivities, and soon, Trick-or-Treating. With autumn in full swing, it's time to enjoy all the delicious treats the season has to offer!

As citrus season continues, some of the more unique, small-crop varieties are beginning to arrive. These specialty citrus fruits are prized not only for their culinary uses but also for their beautiful appearance and incredible fragrance. When selecting citrus, choose fruit that feels heavy for its size, has no soft spots, mold, or blemishes, yields slightly to gentle pressure, and offers a fresh citrus aroma. Since these specialty varieties are produced in limited quantities, their season is often short, so don't wait too long! If you'd like to enjoy them later, the fruit and even the peel freeze beautifully in vacuum-sealed bags. Ask for them at your local grocery store, or if they're unavailable, order them directly from Melissa's at www.melissas.com.

MAKRUT LIMES
Native to Southeast Asia, makrut limes are prized more for their intensely aromatic peel and fragrant leaves than for their bitter juice. The zest adds bright citrus flavor to soups, curries, salad dressings, and noodle dishes. Makrut leaves, also known as "butterfly leaves," consist of two connected leaf sections joined by a stem. When a recipe calls for one makrut leaf, it refers to both sections; half a leaf is one section. Because the leaves are tough, slice them very thinly or mince them before using, much like bay leaves, which are added for flavor rather than eaten whole. Whole makrut limes are available October through November and are California-grown. 

ETROG
Often considered the father of all citrus fruits, the etrog resembles a large, football-shaped lemon with a thick, fragrant rind and very little juice. It is traditionally used during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot as part of religious observances. Beyond its ceremonial significance, the highly aromatic peel is prized for homemade candied citrus peel, natural pectin for canning, flavoring baked goods and Asian-inspired dishes, and even as a natural air freshener. Select fruit that is firm, fragrant, and free of soft spots, shriveling, or cuts.

BUDDHA'S HAND
Just in time for Halloween and holiday decorating, Buddha's Hand is one of nature's most fascinating citrus fruits. Its fragrant, finger-like segments contain little to no pulp or juice, making the highly aromatic peel perfect for zesting, candying, infusing spirits, or naturally freshening your home. It also makes a striking centerpiece for Halloween displays and autumn cornucopias. California Grown. Available through February, weather permitting.

RED CACTUS PEARS
Mother Nature can be unpredictable, but when conditions are just right, we're rewarded with beautiful Red Cactus Pears! The vibrant magenta flesh of the opuntia cactus, also known as prickly pear, is not only eye-catching but also a good source of antioxidants and dietary fiber to support healthy digestion. While the rich-colored juice can stain, its sweet flavor and stunning color make it well worth the effort, and the edible seeds become easier to appreciate.

Handle with care, as the skin may have tiny hair-like spines. Hold the fruit by the stem and blossom ends, slice it lengthwise, then scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Enjoy it fresh, puréed, or juiced, or use it to make smoothies, sorbets, pan sauces, candies, and preserves. Peeled fruit can be refrigerated for up to one week or frozen for later use. Available year-round. Product of Mexico.

ROYAL VINE GRAPES
No trick, just a real treat! Royal Vine Grapes are the colorful sister to Shine Muscat Grapes, offering crisp, juicy red berries with exceptional sweetness. Their firm texture and balanced flavor make them a luxurious snack right out of the refrigerator, while their beautiful appearance makes them perfect for charcuterie boards, fruit platters, salads, or elegant desserts. Pair them with fine cheeses, cured meats, or dark chocolate for a memorable autumn appetizer. Available through fall. Product of South Korea.

MUSCATOS™ GRAPES
These fragrant, exceptionally sweet grapes are a customer favorite for good reason. Their floral aroma and juicy bite make them irresistible for fresh snacking, while their beautiful clusters elevate fruit trays, cheese boards, and lunch boxes. Freeze a handful for a naturally refreshing treat on warm autumn afternoons. Available now through October. California grown.

KIWI BERRIES
Don't peel them, just pop them in your mouth! About the size of a grape, Kiwi Berries have smooth, edible skin surrounding sweet, emerald-green flesh with the same tropical flavor as traditional kiwifruit. They're perfect for lunch boxes, fruit salads, grazing boards, or simply enjoyed by the handful. New crop is available September through October. Product of USA.

SAPŪRANA MANGOS
Don't let the season fool you. These California-grown Keitt mangos are available year-round and offer sweet, juicy flesh with a remarkably thin seed, giving you more delicious fruit to enjoy. Slice them fresh, blend into smoothies, toss them into salads, or prepare vibrant salsas for grilled seafood or chicken. California Grown.

SWEET TAMARIND
Unlike the tangy tamarind commonly used in cooking, Sweet Tamarind offers naturally sweet, caramel-like flesh that is enjoyed fresh right from the pod. It's a fun snack, a unique addition to cheeseboards, or a delicious ingredient for desserts and tropical fruit salads. Available year-round. Product of Thailand.

GREEN DRAGON® APPLES
Crisp, juicy, and refreshingly tart with a hint of sweetness, Green Dragon® Apples are an excellent choice for snacking, salads, baking, or pairing with cheeses. Their firm texture holds up beautifully in recipes while delivering exceptional fresh flavor. Available mid-October through February. Product of Washington.

CHOCOLATE PERSIMMONS (MARU)
Chocolate Persimmons are one of fall's sweetest surprises. Their cinnamon-brown flesh develops naturally through pollination and offers a rich, honeyed flavor with hints of brown sugar when fully ripe. Slice them for charcuterie boards, fresh fruit platters, salads, or simply enjoy them out of hand during their short late-summer and early-fall season. California Grown.

K-GRAPES
Known for their large size, crisp texture, and exceptional sweetness, K-Grapes are a premium grape variety that elevates everything from snack time to entertaining. Their impressive clusters make a stunning addition to holiday fruit displays, while their juicy flavor pairs beautifully with cheeses and desserts. Available now through April. Product of South Korea.