Nothing says “living well” quite like cooking with fresh, local produce. September is that sweet spot when summer’s harvest is still in full swing and fall delights are just beginning to make their debut. Translation? Your dinner table is about to get a whole lot more colorful-and flavorful. The team at Smith & Berg is filled with culinary experts, so dig in with us as we see what’s ripe this season — and the best ways to get it, too. All here:
What’s in Season This Month
Here’s what you’ll want to scoop up at the market this month:
Tomatoes: Juicy, ripe, and practically begging to be tossed into a salad or roasted for pasta.
Stone Fruits: Peaches, plums, nectarines, and pluots are still at their peak. Perfect for cobblers or just eaten fresh over the sink.
Figs: Rich, sweet, and ideal for pairing with goat cheese or prosciutto.
Corn: Crisp, golden ears are still going strong, ready for the grill or a creamy chowder.
Squash: Zucchini and summer squash are abundant, while early fall varieties like delicata are just starting to roll in.
Grapes: Locally grown table grapes make for a refreshing snack or a simple dessert with cheese.
Herbs: Basil, mint, and cilantro are still flourishing in the late-summer heat.
Easy Recipes to Try at Home with the Family
Keep it simple, keep it fresh — that’s the golden rule when cooking with peak-season produce. Get the family involved in the prep:
Tomato & Burrata Salad: Layer thick tomato slices with creamy burrata, fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic, and flaky salt. Serve with toasted sourdough.
Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter: Brush hot-off-the-grill corn with butter mixed with chili powder, lime zest, and a touch of cotija cheese.
Fig & Prosciutto Crostini: Top toasted baguette slices with ricotta, fresh figs, prosciutto, and a drizzle of honey for an effortless appetizer.
Stone Fruit Crisp: Combine peaches and plums with a sprinkle of cinnamon, then bake under an oat and brown sugar topping. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
PRO TIP: The culinary team at SBP loves cooking fresh. Don't skip on ancient grocery store-bought olive oils and vinegars. Visit our friends at O&V CA on Montana Avenue for their incredible selection of flavorful extra virgin olive oils and mouth-watering balsamic vinegars. Our fave recipe: blistered red, yellow & orange mini peppers roasted in olive oil and finished with peach balsamic. YUM.
Where to Shop Local This September
Skip the big-box grocery store and head to one of LA’s beloved farmers markets to stock up on the best of the season:
Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesday & Saturday): A chef favorite, this market is known for its impressive selection of organic produce.
Hollywood Farmers Market (Sunday): One of the city’s largest, offering everything from seasonal fruit to artisanal bread.
Brentwood Farmers Market (Sunday): An SBP favorite, featuring local growers and prepared food vendors perfect for a Sunday stroll.
Mar Vista Farmers Market (Sunday): Community-driven and family-friendly, with live music and plenty of kid-approved bites.
LA may not have as many seasons as other parts of the country, but September’s local bounty makes it easy to find and eat fresh, create and cook effortlessly, and show off your culinary skills in the process. At Smith & Berg, we don’t just help you find a home — we help you enjoy it.
