thanksgiving

10 Late Season Farmers Market Finds That Are Perfect for Thanksgiving

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer at The Kitchn
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer (and The Kitchn's Dinner Therapist), with more than 10 years professional experience. Since graduating from The French Culinary Institute, I've authored 3 cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen.
Follow
updated Sep 19, 2022
pinterest
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Post Image
(Image credit: Curioso)

If you’re lucky, you live in an area where the farmers market is open year round. But, for many of us, just a few weeks remain until the our favorite markets comes to an end for the season.

While the selection of produce is dwindling (save for winter greens and squash), there are some great finds at the farmers market right now that are perfect whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, or in need of a hostess gift.

(Image credit: littleny)

1. Pies: We love making our own, but sometimes not everything can be homemade. If you don’t have time to make pies this Thanksgiving, picking one up from the farmers market is the next best thing.

2. Thanksgiving hostess gifts: The farmers market is a great place to find fun and interesting hostess gifts. Some of our favorite finds are homemade soaps, local maple syrup, small batch preserves and chutneys, and fresh flowers.

3. Apple cider: Whether you drink it cold or warm it up, it’s prime time for apple cider.

(Image credit: Chrisbm)

4. Winter squash: We all know they’re great to eat, but take it a step further and use a mixture of colorful winter squash to make a beautiful and inexpensive centerpiece for your table.

  • Use winter squash for your centerpiece: How to Make a Modern Harvest Centerpiece for Thanksgiving

4. Flowers: In most places, farmers markets have such a beautiful selection of fall flowers right now. If you’re feeling especially crafty, we love the idea of hollowing out the center of a butternut squash to use as a vase for your flowers.

  • Make a squash vase: Squash and Gourd Vases
(Image credit: Kelli Foster)

5. Bread: Sourdough loaves, baguettes and hearty whole grain breads know no season. A good loaf of bread will certainly be handy when it’s time for an after dinner turkey sandwich.

6. Muffins: Of course we love homemade muffins, but Thanksgiving is one of those times to remember that you can’t always do everything. If you’re hosting overnight guests, pick up some muffins and pastries for an easy breakfast. Or, if you’re staying with friends or family, consider bringing some breakfast goodies for your hosts.

7. Maple syrup: Whether you use it with pancakes, French toast, waffles or oatmeal, locally-produced pure maple syrup is something truly delicious.

8. Cheese: If you’re having company over the holidays, stop at the farmers market to pick up a nice selection of cheeses.

(Image credit: Regina Yunghans)

9. Honey: Fresh locally produced honey is like nothing you will ever buy in the grocery store. We love mixing it into our oatmeal and drizzling it on toast.

10. Jam and fruit spreads: Not only is this a perfect addition to your breakfast, but a nice selection of jams also makes a lovely hostess gift.

What are some of your late season farmers market finds?

Filed in:
Grocery Shopping
thanksgiving
Tips & Techniques