When a new season arrives, it’s a good time to look for the fresh fruits and vegetables that thrive in that season. As the weather changes to cooler temperatures, the produce section of the grocery store will change a bit, too. In the fall, you’ll find more hearty produce ranging from root vegetables and winter squash, to crisp apples and pears.

Seasonal Produce

Let’s take a look at what’s in season with this list from Cozymeal magazine:

Apples – When we think of fall, we think of apples. So many varieties to choose from!
Beets – A sweet root vegetable, a versatile staple in many dishes.
Brussels Sprouts – Tender, mild-flavored members of the cabbage family.
Butternut Squash – Sweet, earthy, nutty and deliciously creamy.
Cabbage – Belongs to the same fall produce family as kale and Brussels sprouts.
Carrots – In the fall you can find colorful heirloom carrots in a rainbow of purples, whites and yellows.
Cauliflower – Its mild, delicate flavor lends itself well to almost any food preparation.
Fennel – Has a delicate anise (licorice-like) flavor and is added to a variety of fall salads and soups.
Figs – Aromatic and delicate, figs make a welcome addition to the fall produce lineup.
Mushrooms – Most mushroom varieties can be found year-round, but are particularly abundant in the fall.
Parsnips – Similar in taste to a carrot, a parsnip is far sweeter (especially when roasted) and has a mild peppery, nutty flavor.
Pears – Like apples, pears come in many different varieties!
Pumpkins – May very well be the king of fall produce! Used in a lot of sweets and baked goods, but also in stews and soups.
Sage – The ultimate fall herb with its fragrant, woodsy aroma.
Sweet Potatoes – Starchy root vegetable and one of the true gems of fall produce.

Are any of the above some of your favorites? Let me know in the comment section below, I would love to hear from you!

Benefits of Eating Seasonal

Did you know that there are benefits to seasonal eating? Here are some from the Mayo Clinic.

  • Better for your health — Produce that is harvested in its proper season matures longer on the plant, which makes it more nutrient-dense when compared to being picked before its prime.
  • Tastes better — Seasonal produce simply tastes better since it’s been picked at the peak of flavor.
  • Saves money — Seasonal produce is typically sold at its best price, which keeps more money in your wallet.
  • Good for the environment — Buying seasonal produce can actually help the environment as it reduces water and land use, pollution, and soil degradation.

Why not Google some fall recipes and make the most out of seasonal produce?

Here’s an easy fall recipe shared on tasteofhome.com. I think I might try it myself!

Easy Apple Crisp

Makes 16 servings.

10 to 11 cups sliced peeled tart apples
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
Vanilla ice cream, optional

Preheat oven to 375°. Place apples in a large bowl. Combine sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; sprinkle over apples and toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, nutmeg and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over apples. Bake until apples are tender, 50-60 minutes. Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Panel Member Reminders

NCP Panel Members: Please scan all of your fall produce items, whether you buy them in a store or at a farm stand/farmer’s market. If there isn’t a barcode for you to scan, please check the Non-Barcoded Items list in the NCPMobile app (or the Barcode Reference Booklet if you use NCP’s handheld scanner) to see if what you purchased is listed there so you can report the purchase. There’s a large selection of fruits and vegetables to choose from on the app’s list (and in the booklet).

Regards,
Taylor

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