Health & Wellness

Fall Produce Seasonal Favorites & Benefits.

Fall seasonal produce is abound. Sweet sultry. Fall is in the air and I am of course loving it, as with everyone else. One of the most enjoyable parts of Fall for me has to be the seasonal change in fruits and vegetables. This shift to vibrant, savory, sweet, tart, and the lasting spice and flavors makes my palate go crazy. The great thing about the foods are the peaks and superfood stars easily found in the farmers markets and stores. Whole foods market and Traders Joe’s always has the best fall seasonal produce.

Check out my Fall Produce Seasonal Favorites!

Apples

Sweet or tart, apples are my pumpkin spice of fall seasonal favorites when it comes to scarf season. Apple spice everything. They are great raw, baked, infused in water with cranberry and cinnamon. I could literally shove them in any recipe! The most beneficial fall seasonal superfood perk is with eating the skin. Give it a good wash and reap the benefits of the healthy flavonoids. Apples are full of antioxidants, dietary fiber, and are best enjoyed August to November.

Brussel sprouts

Brussel sprouts.. all day, everyday.  Amazingly paired with tangy or savory sauces, like balsamic vinegar, I enjoy these as a side, main course, or little snack. This fall seasonal produce power houses are packed full of vitamin K, folate, iron, and dietary fiber. Best September to March.

Pears

Pears are just below the apple status for my Fall produce seasonal favorites. I love to even combine them in baked good. Sweet and satisfying, they are amazing baked and poached. Paired or as a stand alone treat. Pears are great source of vitamin C, copper, dietary fiber, and are best August to February.

Cauliflower

So versatile and low carb food fad right now, I have always loved cauliflower. The crisp nutty flavor raw has a little bite to it but they are perfect for any dish steamed, baked, pureed. Cauliflower mash has even taken the place of mashed potatoes for some! These florets of cancer prevention are also full of phytonutrients, cholesterol lowering compounds, and even vitamin C. Starting in September, enjoy these nuggets all the way to June.

Squash, all varietes. 

I can literally put squash into every dish, even my zucchini squash morning loaf. So tasty! Most squash has a fine texture and a slightly sweet flavor. This includes butternut squash, spaghetti squash, zucchini, winter squash. There are so many varieties. Squash and fall flavors are a match made in heaven. My favorite combos include cinnamon and ginger, curry and cumin, paprika and turmeric. Add these to your next meal to consume more omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin A.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is actually a type of winter squash. Carved or used in pies, cakes, and puddings! Pumpkin is sweet and dense. Pumpkin is high in potassium, fiber, and B vitamins. For a great morning pick me up, try my perfect pumpkin spice loaf.

Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are superstars of Fall. They are so nutritionally dense than regular potatoes. Roasted, boiled, mashed, baked, and even blended in soup or smoothies. You will retain the most nutrients by roasting, but they are serious stars for health. Full of vitamin A, iron, and anti inflammatory benefits, you will want to have these all year long.

Pomegranate

Sweet but tart, this fruit is a nutritionally powerhouse that has gained a ton of notoriety for just its juice. The seeds, however, can be added to salads, smoothie bowls, and side dishes for flavor and nutrient benefits.

Dates

I love dates so much that I have to buy them in small amounts or just the right amount for recipes. They don’t last in my house. Originating in the Middle East, the sweet gems are versatile and can be added to anything!  They are low in fat, high in fiber, potassium, and other micronutrients.