After more than 20 years, posts here will now only be occasional ( |
| Just some of the many autumn fruits which grow in a fertile valley on the north of Tenerife |
With the first day of autumn in the northern hemisphere being this week, we bring you this guide to the seasonal fruits such as figs, quinces, grapes, persimmons, pomegranates, apples, pears, kiwis and nuts, from the folks at the Mercado Municipal de La Laguna (Municipal Market in La Laguna).
Many of these will be familiar, some less so, but are all available on the island.
Figs: The fig is a sweet fruit that can be found during the late summer and early autumn. Due to their fragility, they are eaten fresh only during autumn, although dried figs are very typical at Christmas.
Quince: Quince is an autumn fruit that is consumed only after cooking. For this reason, it is used mainly to make jam, compote or the popular quince paste.
Grapes: The grape is a fruit rich in antioxidants that we can enjoy especially during autumn, its best time.
Kaki or Persimmon: Persimmon is a tropical fruit typical of autumn, being very difficult to find fresh at another time.
Pomegranate: is a refreshing fruit with a sweet and sour taste that is becoming increasingly popular. There are many health benefits, including its high antioxidant content and its stimulating power of sexual desire, which is why it is known as natural Viagra.
Apple: The apple, one of the most consumed fruits in the world, has its best season in autumn. Discover the different types of apple, how to preserve them and their use in the kitchen.
Pears: The pear is a common fruit in every home. Although you can buy pears at any time of the year, their best time is in the autumn. Pears are a good source of vitamin C, fibre, potassium, and vitamin E.
Kiwis: The kiwi is a fruit very rich in vitamin C with which it can be made canned, drinks, baked goods or eaten fresh.
Berries: The blueberry is a fruit that is at its best in September. Out of season they are only frozen, packaged or dried. Raspberries are at their best from late summer through to October. The rest of the year it is only possible to buy them frozen, canned or in syrup. Blackberries ripen in late summer and early fall, although they can be easily frozen for year-round enjoyment.
Autumn is also the season for nuts, rich in antioxidants and a good source of energy. In addition, nuts stand out for their ease of preservation.
Chestnuts: The chestnut is a dry fruit typical of autumn and is usually associated with Christmas. Easy to keep, they can be found until the end of winter.
Hazelnuts: Hazelnut is a dried fruit that can be found fresh in autumn, although its greatest demand occurs during the Christmas holidays.
Walnuts: The best season to buy walnuts is the month of November, as that is when they are ripe and dry.
