It’s that time of year: time to say goodbye to juicy watermelon and sweet blueberries, and hello to pumpkin spice and sweet butternut squash. Although it’s popular to choose these foods in the fall because of their cozy flavors, eating seasonal produce also has other benefits! Produce that thrives in the fall is harvested at the time when the nutrients are at their peak ripeness. Eating with the seasons also helps to support local farmers, saves you money, and allows you to play a part in improving the environment. In this post, we will discuss what produce is in season during the fall and some ways that you can incorporate them into your diet!
There are a variety of fruits and vegetables that hit their peak in autumn.
- Fruits: apples, pears, grapes, cranberries and persimmons
- Non-starchy vegetables: spaghetti squash, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, radishes, leaks, and turnips
- Starchy vegetables: pumpkins, beets, sweet potatoes, and acorn, delicata and butternut squash
Now that we know what foods to reach for this time of year, how can we prepare these? I have included some of my favorite ways to eat these foods when the brisk, fall air comes around.
I hope you enjoyed these recipes and get some inspiration to make these yourself! Preparing fall foods provides more than just a boost of endorphins and a dose of comfort! Choosing foods that are in season increases nutrient consumption, saves you some money, and helps support your local farmers.
Are you looking for more ways to incorporate seasonal foods into your diet but not sure how? Our dietitians can help create a personalized plan for you. Reach out to our team today to get started.