November is the bridge between fall comfort food and holiday cooking. It’s a great time to focus on hearty vegetables, crisp fruit, and festive flavors that work well in warm meals, side dishes, and seasonal treats.
Here’s your guide to the best produce to shop for in November—and how to store it so nothing goes to waste.
1. November Fruits to Watch For
Crisp, juicy fruits are in full swing this month. Look for:
- Apples
- Pears
- Pomegranates
- Persimmons
- Cranberries
- Grapes
- Citrus (early varieties like satsumas and clementines)
These fruits are perfect for snacking, baking, salads, and holiday spreads. Store apples and pears in the fridge to keep them firm and fresh for weeks.
2. Fall Vegetables That Shine in November
This month is ideal for roasting, mashing, and meal-prepping with hearty, filling vegetables. Stock up on:
- Sweet potatoes
- Yukon gold and red potatoes
- Butternut and acorn squash
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Beets
- Cauliflower
- Onions
- Garlic
These vegetables have long shelf lives and work well in casseroles, sheet pans, and soup bases.
3. Leafy and Cruciferous Veggies Still Going Strong
Cool-weather greens are still fresh and widely available. Add these to your list:
- Kale
- Spinach
- Collard greens
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
They’re easy to toss into stir-fries, mix into soups, or sauté as quick side dishes. Many are on sale around Thanksgiving.
4. How to Store Fall Produce Properly
- Store potatoes, squash, and onions in a cool, dark place
- Refrigerate leafy greens in a produce bag with a paper towel
- Keep apples and citrus in the crisper drawer
- Don’t wash produce until you’re ready to use it to prevent spoilage
Knowing how to store your produce helps you stretch your grocery budget and reduce waste—especially during the busy holiday season.
5. Easy Meals and Sides Using November Produce
Need ideas? Here are a few go-to dishes that highlight November’s best ingredients:
- Roasted brussels sprouts with honey mustard glaze
- Sweet potato mash with garlic and herbs
- Apple, walnut, and kale salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Butternut squash soup
- Baked pears with cinnamon and oats
These ingredients also double as easy prep for Thanksgiving meals or fall batch cooking.
Want help shopping for your fall produce?
I offer personal grocery shopping and delivery in the Rancho Cucamonga area—and I always select the freshest in-season items. If you want to skip the store but still eat well, click below and I’ll shop like it’s for my own table.
