Take Five: Fresh picks for fall

Summertime is fruit season, but after school starts, the temperature is still too high to crave that pumpkin latte. So what seasonal produce can you choose between peaches and pumpkin seasons?

Apples, of course!

According to the Sky Top Orchard’s picking schedule, apple-picking season starts in August (surprisingly early to me!) and continues until October. www.skytoporchard.com/ripening_schedule.htm

Pears

Sky Top Orchard is best-known for their apples, but Asian pears are available from August to December.

Squash

Mary Walsh of Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery in Greenville said squash will be coming in during this time.

Okra

Walsh also said that okra will be in season. For those who may wish to try cooking okra, opt for a traditional method. Okra can be slimy when not cooked correctly. The two safest bets are gumbo or dredged in cornmeal and fried.

Eggplant

Eggplant is another seasonal offering at Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery. “We might still have tomatoes and peaches, but no guarantee,” Walsh said.