The Top Fall Season Fruits and Veggies

There is nothing I love more than the beginning of fall. The nights become cooler, the leaves begin to fall and the neighbors are decorating their porches with pumpkins and gourds. Fall harvest is particularly my favorite. All of the new fruits and vegetables fill up grocery store as well as my kitchen. There are so many opportunities for new and exciting dishes that I love to share with my friends and family.

Fall fruits and veggies are more than just decorative, they’re also healthy and delicious. This season, take the time to seek out fall inspired groceries and make the most of your meals. There are so many different kinds to try. Here are a few suggestions that will hopefully inspire you to think healthy this fall.

Pretty Pumpkins

What would this list be without pumpkin? It’s more than just a decoration for your home, it’s a tasty and nutritious addition to any dish. Pumpkin contains tons of beta carotene, the precursor for vitamin A. This precursor is responsible for maintaining your vision, especially at night. If you’re looking for ways to use pumpkin other than pumpkin pie, bake it like squash and cut it into cubes to make a warm topping on your cool kale salad. And don’t forget to bake the seeds for a fun snack and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

 Cool Carrots

Carrots are widely identified as the orange veggie, but did you know carrots come in all different colors? From red to yellow to  white, carrots are a rainbow of vitamins and minerals. Much like pumpkin, carrots are loaded with carotenoids. These beautiful  pigments are a powerful antioxidant that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Blooming Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts…one of my favorite vegetables! The only downside to these amazing little cabbages is that no matter how you cook them, they always seem to leave the kitchen smelling – well – not so pretty. Brussels are highly nutrient dense- which means that one serving will provide you with a day’s worth of vitamins C and K for only a few calories. One of my favorite ways to make them is to coarsely chop and sauté them with a little lemon, salt and olive oil. The best part is mixing them with pumpkin seeds for a little crunch! You won’t be disappointed with this recipe but be sure to light a candle while cooking to avoid that unwanted smell!

Tasteful Turnips

Turnips are more than just a pretty, purple veggie. Turnips are a good source of fiber and folate that will keep your body feeling good. My suggestion to you is to pick smaller turnips because they’re usually mild and sweeter. If you’re looking for something to do with turnips, try making turnip soup! In a pot of broth, cook turnips, zucchini, celery, potatoes and onions until soft and then blend together for a hearty fall delight.

Amazing Apples

What is more fun than getting the family together for some apple picking? I don’t know how it works but there’s something about picking your own bundle that makes them taste better. Apples are the fundamental fruit that is known for keeping the doctor away. What is it about apples that make them so good? The apple skin is filled with an assortment of phytochemicals and fiber. These natural chemicals help your body decrease the risk of chronic diseases. Apples are great for both sweet and savory dishes. Try chopping them up and throwing them in your tuna salad for a tasty great tuna salad sandwich!

Crazy Cranberries

Cranberries are packed with antioxidants! Making your own cranberry sauce is easy and will provide more nutrients and less sugar than canned. Cranberries provide a good amount of manganese too. Manganese is a mineral that plays a role in preventing osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes and epilepsy. y Add to a meal with other nutrient dense foods and reap the benefits.

This fall, grab a few of these fruits and veggies to kick off the new season with healthy, yummy choices. Your family will appreciate the colors and the flavors.

Your turn to take action: What is your favorite fall fruits and veggies?

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