Autumn harvest trends focus on apple botany and food preservation

The September 2026 Gather and Sow newsletter focuses on the botanical characteristics and evolution of apples, the flagship genus of the Maleae tribe within the Rosaceae family. The tribe also includes pears, quinces, and hawthorns, all of which produce fruit structures known as pomes.

To complement the seasonal focus on harvests, practical guidance is provided for preserving autumn produce. For apples, it is recommended to select late-ripening, firm varieties and store them in cool, dark, well-ventilated areas in single layers, ideally wrapped in paper to prevent bruising. To maintain flavor, apples should be kept away from strongly scented items like onions or potatoes.

Other harvest preservation techniques include curing onions and garlic in warm, airy environments until skins become papery, and curing squash or pumpkins in a warm spot for approximately ten days to toughen their skins. Root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips can be stored in damp sand or left in well-draining ground to maintain texture and sweetness.