The abundance of delicious fall produce is one of the season’s trademarks. The nights are getting longer and the weather is getting cooler, making it the perfect time to switch up the recipes on your plate. Head to your local market and fill your basket with these fall produce picks that are packed with flavor and nutrition.
Cranberries
Cranberries are deliciously tart yet sweet at the same time. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, but they are arguably most famous for containing proanthocyanins which prevent bacteria from sticking your bladder wall and causing UTI’s (urinary tract infections). Cranberries pair well with many meat dishes but are also great in salads, cooked grains, small-bite appetizers such as cheese and crackers, and many vegetable side dishes.
Squash
This includes pumpkin as well as zucchini squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash and all the other quash varieties. Rich with vitamins, minerals and fiber, squash is often used as a pasta substitute and in hearty fall soups and stews. They are also great when roasted with a little salt and some of your favorite seasonings.
Apples
Apple-picking often comes to mind when we think of fall. Apples go great in savory and sweet dishes alike. You can throw them in salads, cook them with poultry or eat them by themselves. They’re so versatile! Sautéed apples are a delicious sweet treat when drizzled with a little honey, cinnamon and cloves.
Kale
Kale is loaded with vitamins A, C and K as well as manganese and fiber. You can eat these leafy greens in everything from salads, pastas and pizzas to frittatas, soups and stews. Try chopping your kale into silver dollar-sized pieces, patting them dry completely and roasting them in the oven with salt to make crunchy kale chips.
Brussels Sprouts
Sprouts often get a bad reputation, but mostly because many people grew up eating them a certain way. Brussels sprouts are actually extremely versatile and have risen to popularity over the years. You can steam them, chop them up for a crunchier salad texture, sauté them, or roast them in the oven for a delicious caramelized flavor.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are full of fiber, vitamins and potassium. They are also lower on the glycemic index than potatoes despite their name. Incorporate them into your main dish such as soups, stews and stuffed potatoes. You can also turn them into fries and various side dishes.
Radishes
Radishes are crunchy, low in calories and packed full of nutrition. Many people enjoy them raw when sliced thin and sprinkled with a little salt or dipped in peanut butter. Roast them, bake them, boil them, throw them in salads or enjoy them in your next stir fry.
Other Fall Produce Picks
Don’t forget about these other star players!
Fruits: figs, grapes, pears, pomegranates, persimmons
Vegetables: artichokes, parsnips, cauliflower, beets, cabbage, broccoli
Have a happy, healthy fall full of fun and flavor!
