On the True Start of Fall

Each week, cookbook author and recipe developer Alexis deBoschnek offers a peek into life on her Catskills farm—whether it’s tending the land, raising chickens, or cooking with the seasons. This week, she’s noticing the first hints of fall.

Over the last few weeks, my friends and I have been debating the seasons—more specifically, when one season ends and another begins. One friend said he considers it fall when by 11 a.m. his house is still chilly and the sun isn’t quite strong enough to warm it without the assistance of a wood stove. Some follow the calendar and consider autumn to fall on the equinox. Others, like myself, feel strongly that September 1 is officially the first day of fall.

One of the joys of living in the Catskills is the intensity of the seasons. Summer here is much more brief than in other parts of the country. When I lived in Los Angeles, September often felt like summer was just beginning as it was the hottest time of the year. While I know that technically summer isn’t over (cue the parade of “endless summer” and “farewell summer” posts), the shift of the season has been unavoidable the last few weeks.

Here are the subtle shifts I’ve noticed:

Suddenly, the golden rod has popped and the mountains and roadsides are popping with that deep yellow hue.

Wherever you live, I’m curious what signs you’re noticing that the season is changing.

Until next time,

Alexis