Harvesting Halloween: Local Produce and Homemade Delights
October in Hoboken is a highlight of the year! The air starts to chill, leaves start falling, and the festive spirit of Halloween can be found everywhere in our beautiful (and oh so spooky) Mile Square City!
It is also the perfect time to explore the bountiful fall harvest at the Hoboken Farmers Market. Let’s dive into the top fall produce and creative ways you can turn your Farmers Market haul into Halloween magic!
In-Season New Jersey Produce for October
October is a golden month for fresh produce in New Jersey.
Here are some highlights of what you’ll find from Stony Hill Farms, Union Hill Farms, Melick’s Town Farm, and Circle Brook Farm:
Pumpkins: Of course, pumpkins steal the show this month! Whether you're looking for carving jack-o-lanterns, decorative stoop decor, or making a creamy soup, you'll find the perfect variety right here at the market.
Did you know: The flesh of smaller “sugar pumpkins” is sweeter and less stringy—perfect for soups and baked goods.
Apples: Crisp, juicy apples are at their peak in October and the Farmers Market brings you over a dozen different varieties!
Squash: From Acorn to Butternut to Delicata squash, these hearty veggies make for delicious, warming fall meals. They’re also perfect for decorating your home—use a few as natural centerpieces!
Sweet Potatoes: Earthy and sweet, these are a must-have for savory Halloween dishes. They're a healthier and delicious option for fries!
Peppers: Crisp and colorful, all the colors autumn are reflected in the many varieties of sweet and hot peppers that can be found at the market.
Not sure what to do with all this delicious produce? Keep reading for Halloween ideas that make the most of these fresh finds!
Halloween Recipes with a Fresh Twist
Time to get cooking! Using fresh, local ingredients from the Hoboken Farmers Market, you can whip up some Halloween treats that are as tasty as they are festive. Here are a few recipes to get you started:
Creamy Pumpkin Soup: This warm and comforting soup is the perfect dish for a chilly October night. Made with fresh pumpkins from the market, a little cream, and a dash of nutmeg, it’s a cozy meal that can be served in small pumpkin bowls for a truly Halloween-themed presentation.
Bonus: Roast the pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, healthy snack to enjoy alongside the soup!
Sweet Potato “Jack-o-Lantern” Fries: Get some sweet potatoes from the market, cut them into jack-o-lantern shapes using a small knife or cookie cutter, and bake them into crispy, savory fries. Serve with a side of garlic aioli for dipping.
Spooky Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and carve them like jack-o-lanterns. Then stuff them with a hearty mix of quinoa, beans, and veggies for a nutritious meal that’s both filling and festive. These make a great Halloween-themed dinner that’s also kid-friendly!
"Monster Smoothies": Grab some fresh spinach, kale, and apples from the market to whip up a green "monster smoothie." Blend the greens with bananas, a splash of apple cider, and yogurt for a healthy, bright green drink. Serve it in a clear glass with “monster eyes” made from sticking raisins to the side using a dab of honey. It’s a fun way to sneak in some veggies without kids even noticing!
Pumpkin “Pizza”: Get creative with your pizza-making by using butternut squash or pumpkin puree as a base for your sauce. Spread the puree over whole wheat crust and add toppings like mozzarella "ghosts" (cut into ghost shapes using a cookie cutter) and olive "spider" slices. It’s a delicious way to put a Halloween spin on a classic favorite while using local ingredients!
More Autumn Treats from our Purveyors
Cider: Pick up some locally-pressed apple cider for a sweet beverage as well as addition to baking. We’ve got hard cider, too, for adding that little somethin’ somethin’.
Donuts: Enjoy Apple Cider donuts from Melick’s Town Farm and Stony Hill Farms as well as special flavors of the season from Do Good Donuts. We even have gluten-free varieties from Hayley’s Donut.
Nuts & Dried Fruit: Get your fresh and beautifully colorful dried apricots, dried kiwis, and nuts from Gourmet Nuts & Dried Fruit to create seasonally spooky boards.
Why Supporting Local is Spooky Good for the Community
Shopping at the Hoboken Farmers Market isn't just about great food—it's about supporting your local community. Every pumpkin, apple, and squash you buy helps keep New Jersey farms thriving and ensures that Hoboken stays connected to its roots (literally!).
So when you shop for your Halloween goodies, you're not just getting the freshest produce—you’re also making a spooky-good impact on local farmers. Plus, you’ll be joining your neighbors in celebrating the best the season has to offer.
Hoboken Farmers Market has everything you need for a sustainable, local, and truly festive holiday.
Stop by any of our three weekly markets, explore the seasonal produce, and let your imagination run wild.
Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media by tagging @HobokenFarmersMarket—we can’t wait to see how you’re celebrating fall in Hoboken!