OCTOBER VEGETABLES 2026

NEW CROP SWEET POTATOES
Autumn has arrived and so have California's new crop sweet potatoes! Whether you prefer Garnet or Beauregard varieties, these naturally sweet favorites are perfect for roasting, baking, mashing, soups, casseroles, and holiday pies. Rich in vitamin A, fiber, and potassium, they're as nutritious as they are delicious. For an easy weeknight side, simply toss with olive oil, cinnamon, smoked paprika, or Melissa's Hatch Pepper Seasoning before roasting until caramelized. Sweet potatoes also pair well with apples, maple syrup, pecans, and fresh herbs, making them one of fall's most versatile vegetables. California Grown. Available year-round.

SHISHITO PEPPERS
Mild, thin-skinned, and fun to eat, Shishito peppers are delicious blistered in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Every now and then, one delivers a pleasant surprise with a little extra heat! Serve them as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, toss them onto the grill, or add them to tacos, pizzas, and stir-fries. Their tender texture means they cook in just minutes, making them an easy addition to busy weeknight meals. Available year-round. Product of Mexico.

FIESTA SERRANO PEPPERS
Looking to add a little more kick? Fiesta Serrano Peppers deliver bright, fresh heat that livens up salsa, tacos, soups, marinades, and pickled vegetables. They are generally hotter than jalapeños while maintaining a crisp texture and clean flavor. Roast them, mince them into fresh Pico de Gallo, or slice them into eggs and rice bowls for an extra burst of flavor. A little goes a long way, making them a favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine. Available through January. Product of Mexico.

PARSLEY ROOT
Often overlooked, Parsley Root offers a delicate blend of parsley and celery flavors with a hint of sweetness. Roast it alongside carrots and potatoes, purée it into creamy soups, or grate it into fresh salads for a unique seasonal twist. Its mild flavor pairs well with butter, cream, garlic, thyme, and other root vegetables. Although it resembles a parsnip, Parsley Root has its own distinctive herbal flavor that chefs have appreciated for generations. Available through December. Product of Mexico.

RADICCHIO
With its beautiful burgundy leaves and pleasantly bitter flavor, radicchio adds color and sophistication to salads. It transforms when grilled or roasted, becoming milder and slightly sweet while maintaining its crisp texture. Pair it with pears, citrus, walnuts, blue cheese, apples, or balsamic glaze for classic autumn combinations. Individual leaves also make attractive edible cups for appetizers, chicken salad, or seafood salads. Available year-round. Product of Mexico.

BELGIAN ENDIVE
Elegant, crisp, and slightly nutty, Belgian Endive is one of the easiest vegetables to turn into an impressive appetizer. Its naturally boat-shaped leaves make perfect edible cups for seafood salad, chicken salad, cheeses, dips, or fresh fruit. Grilling or roasting mellows its pleasantly bitter flavor while bringing out its natural sweetness. Belgian Endive also pairs beautifully with pears, apples, walnuts, blue cheese, citrus, and honey-based vinaigrettes. Available year-round.

PURPLE NAPA CABBAGE
Add a vibrant pop of color to salads, slaws, tacos, wraps, and stir-fries with Purple Napa Cabbage. Its tender leaves are milder and sweeter than traditional green cabbage, making it ideal for both raw and cooked dishes. Try it lightly sautéed with garlic and sesame oil or shredded into fresh salads for extra crunch and color. It's also an excellent choice for homemade kimchi and other fermented dishes. California Grown when available.

COLORED CAULIFLOWER AND ROMANESCO
Bright purple, orange, creamy white, and lime-green Romanesco prove vegetables can be both beautiful and delicious. Roast, steam, air fry, or enjoy them raw with your favorite dip. Romanesco's fascinating spiral florets always become a conversation starter on holiday tables, while the colorful cauliflower varieties brighten everything from veggie trays to sheet-pan dinners. Their mild flavor pairs well with cheeses, herbs, citrus, garlic, and Melissa's seasonings. California Grown. Available year-round.

ONIONS, GARLIC, ELEPHANT GARLIC & SHALLOTS
Great cooking begins with great flavor, and these kitchen essentials are the foundation of countless recipes. Whether caramelized, roasted, sautéed, or served fresh, each brings its own unique character to soups, sauces, vegetables, meats, and holiday meals. Elephant Garlic offers a milder, sweeter flavor than traditional garlic, while shallots add delicate sweetness to vinaigrettes and pan sauces. Keep several varieties on hand to elevate everyday cooking. Available year-round.

MELISSA'S POTATOES
From Dutch Yellow® Potatoes and colorful medleys to bite-sized Pee Wee® Potatoes, Melissa's offers a potato for every meal. Roast them until golden, mash them with butter and herbs, grill them in foil packets, or toss them into soups and stews for comforting fall dinners. Their naturally creamy texture and rich flavor make them favorites for both everyday meals and holiday entertaining. Available year-round.

FRESH HERBS
Fresh herbs are one of the easiest ways to brighten any recipe. Basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, thyme, sage, and dill each bring distinctive flavor and aroma to soups, vegetables, meats, seafood, sauces, and salads. Chop them just before serving for maximum freshness, or blend them into homemade pesto’s, compound butters, and marinades. Even a small handful of fresh herbs can completely transform a dish. Available year-round.