Make the Most of Seasonal Fall Produce

As you’re planning dinners and desserts for chilly autumn evenings and packed holiday gatherings, it’s important to prioritize in-season fruits and vegetables. Why?

Seasonal produce is usually at its peak of taste and flavor.

Seasonal produce typically hits grocery stores in abundance, making it cost-efficient.

Seasonal produce is typically richer in nutritional value.

Buying seasonal produce allows you to support local farmers and your nearby community.

Seasonal produce doesn’t have to travel as far to reach you, giving it a reduced carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Consider these tips for tapping into all that autumn has to offer!

Know what to look for. The first, and most important step is familiarizing yourself with what produce will be freshest this time of year. The full list is long and comprehensive, but a few examples include apples, eggplant, squash, potatoes, cabbage, onions, pears, pumpkin, broccoli, pomegranates, mushrooms, garlic, Brussels sprouts, radishes and cranberries.

Store your produce properly. Many of the specifics vary on a case-by-case basis, so it’s important to know what’s best for your nutritious choices. For example, onions and garlic should not be refrigerated. Instead, store in a cool, dark place with low humidity, air circulation and limited proximity to other non-refrigerated veggies like potatoes (sweet and otherwise). In contrast, cabbage should be refrigerated, specifically in sealed containers once cut.

Spice up your recipes with seasonings. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg just scream “autumn,” so don’t be shy about adding them to classic recipes. While cloves are most commonly used in baked goods due to their sweetness, they can also be a unique addition to soups and marinades. And sage doesn’t have to be limited to Thanksgiving stuffing — try sprinkling it on meats, especially pork and poultry.

Try your hand at preserving. If you find yourself in possession of a produce surplus, there are various methods available to help you keep enjoying it longer. If it’s cucumbers and cabbage filling your kitchen, you could ferment them with kosher salt and water to make some delicious pickles and sauerkraut or kimchi. Or, if you bought a few too many fruits at the farmers market, you could try out a recipe for making jam, like this one using apples.

There’s no better way to enjoy the fall season than by experiencing the whole spectrum of its harvest, and as the weather gets colder, there’s nothing more comforting or enriching than a warm meal packed with fresh ingredients and diverse nutrients. We hope you’re ready to embrace the produce of the season!

Sources:

“Why Eat Seasonally?” Seasonal Food Guide, seasonalfoodguide.org, accessed Sept. 9, 2024.

“How to Keep Your Produce Fresh for Weeks (Hint: It’s Not Always in the Fridge),” Lesley Stockton, nytimes.com/wirecutter, Aug. 8, 2023.

“6 Fall Seasonings to Spice Up Your Kitchen,” whatsfordinner.com, accessed Sept. 9, 2024

“Preserve your fall harvest with these tips and tricks,” Paula Thomas, red.msudenver.edu, Sept. 29, 2022.