It seems almost all the hyped during fall these days goes to pumpkin, specifically pumpkin spice. Pumpkin spice this. Pumpkin spice that. But there are so many other beautiful fall flavors to celebrate and experiment with this time of year. Here are some of the best fall flavors to incorporate this year.

1.  APPLES. This is the time of year farmer’s markets are filled with beautiful, ripe apples. Apples are perfect for pies, butters, sauces and more.

2. CARROTS. Warmed carrots are perfect this time of year as a comforting side dish. Their subtle sweetness is perfect paired with the fall-focused spices like cinnamon and they work perfectly in heartwarming soups, sweet cakes and breakfast muffins.

3. CINNAMON. Of course cinnamon is a great addition to fall flavors and one the season’s most essential flavors. Make sure you try mixing things up by not only adding cinnamon to your sweet things likes pies and cider, but in savory dishes like chili as well.

4. CLOVES. Cloves are another spice always found with cinnamon and nutmeg in pumpkin pie but you should make sure you stud your holiday ham this year with cloves for a deep, beautiful flavor.

5. CRANBERRY. Cranberries reach their peak of color and flavor in autumn.  As they ripen, they can withstand cooler weather, making them one of fall’s freshest fruits. The tartness of cranberries is a must on Thanksgiving to bring their tangy freshness to such a rich meal.

6. FIGS. Figs are a hidden treasure for fall. Figs actually have two seasons: a short summer one and a main one that starts at the end of summer and goes through fall.

They are delicious to munch on raw or you can stuff them with cream cheese and wrap them in cured meats like prosciutto for a sweet and salty snack.

7. GINGER. Ginger is another addition to the list that perfectly goes sweet or savory. It adds bite to cakes and cookies or heat to curries and stews that you will be making in the slow cooker all season long.

8. MAPLE SYRUP. Not only does all-natural maple syrup pair perfectly with the other seasonal flavors in baked desserts, it is fabulous with veggies like squash as well. It is really great to use it in glazes for turkeys, hams or sausages.

9. NUTMEG. Rounding out the traditional fall spices is nutmeg. Try grating it into a cream sauce to add some depth and sweetness to the sauce. You could even try grating some into your macaroni and cheese, too.

10. PECANS. I grew up eating tons of Southern food so pecan pie was an absolute given at Thanksgiving. However, they are certainly useful for more than just pie. They make a great cinnamon-y addition to salads, savory stews and other dishes too.

What are some of your favorite dishes or desserts based on these other beautiful fall flavors? Please share in the comments below!