Four times a year we showcase a Kauai farmer’s market and tell you what’s in season. Our tips on what to buy will give you the best taste of the island to enjoy in your Kauai vacation rental.
Featured for fall is the Kauai Culinary Market at The Shops at Kukuiula, held every Wednesday from 4pm to 6pm.
Located South Shore at the Poipu roundabout near our soon to be announced Kukuiula Vacation Rental Collection, this upscale market recently celebrated its first anniversary. It’s a feast for the senses and everything here is Kauai made or grown. At 5pm you can watch a live cooking demonstration from a popular chef and share recipes. There’s also a beer and wine garden for pau hana (after work). The mood here is festive with live island music and ocean breezes.
Fall Produce Tips
It’s the end of the season for papaya and pineapples. Get them while you can. Even a green papaya will ripen as long as it has some yellow. My best tip for pineapple is to choose by smell, golden color and some softness when pressed.
In Season: Citrus fruits like lemons, tangelos and grapefruit are popular. Guavas are delicious and great for jam. I’m also enjoying the many varieties of local avocados.
My Two Seasonal Favorites: Starfruit and Atemoya.
Starfruit should be orange color and not pale or washed out. Pass if you see dark or soft spots which indicate over ripeness. Bright orange is brighter taste. I like to slice it into thin star shapes and serve on breakfast cereal.
Atemoya has the sweetest taste and comes in every shape or size. It’s ripe when it feels like a soft like peach. Watch out for the black seeds inside. It’s messy to eat but the flavor is over the top.
What are your favorites?