The air is getting crisper, temperatures are lowering, and leaves are turning beautiful colors, which means that fall is here, and winter is right around the corner. These cooler seasons always include preparing for winter, trying fun fall-themed drinks, and enjoying all the hearty foods autumn has to offer. Take the opportunity this autumn to try some new recipes and find creative ways to enjoy in-season fruits and vegetables.
Foods eaten in season contain peak nutrients and generally put less of a dent in your budget than if purchased out of season. Eating the most nutritious and freshest ingredients can make or break your season. Whether you want to grow your own fresh produce in your backyard, stop by a farmers’ market, or shop at your local grocery or co-op, the following recipes will provide plenty of creative ways to enjoy your fresh produce this year.
Eating foods in season means choosing fruits and vegetables at their natural peak growing times. When produce is grown in conditions that require minimal care, they’re in season; think of how berries grow fat and ripen in the hot steamy months of July and August or root vegetables and kale in the fall. Here is a list of commonly known produce best eaten in the autumn months: apples, grapes, stone fruit, figs, bell peppers, tomatoes, kale, peas, sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, and squash. Try some of these fun, tasty recipes to liven up your autumn diet.
Pumpkin and Squash
Pumpkins are the mascot of fall as they are used as decorations, foods, and fall drinks. But they are not only festive and tasty, but they have a number of nutritious health benefits. Both pumpkins and squash contain plenty of fiber and vitamin A. Fiber is essential for maintaining a healthy gut and vitamin A aids vision and immune health so be sure to eat your fill of pumpkin this season.
Butternut Squash Soup
Kasha-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Sweet Roasted Butternut Squash
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Squash
Pumpkin Spice-Sweet Potato Dole Whip
Homemade Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Apples
Besides pumpkins, apples are probably the most well-known autumn produce and are quite justified to be so. Apples are a portable and delicious fruit that come in many different varieties so there is something for everyone. However, being so common and popular can make plain apples a little boring after a while. So, here are a few recipes to spice up your apple consumption this season.
Cranberry Apple Crisp
Irish Apple Cake
Spiced Apple Pork Tenderloin
Roasted Squash & Apple Bruschetta
Turkey and Kale Meatballs with an Apple Tahini Sauce
