All About Fall Produce & How to Use It

HELLO FALL! 

When you think of Fall foods, you probably picture a lot of pumpkins and maybe Halloween candy, which makes complete sense! Pumpkins are a staple in my house and here at CleanFoodCrush. 

However, there are so many other delicious fruits and vegetables that are at their BEST during these months.

And there are so many reasons to eat seasonally; here are just a few benefits:

1. Freshness & Taste

Seasonal produce is allowed to ripen naturally and grow in its natural climate (versus something like a greenhouse), making them some of the freshest and tastiest fruits and veggies you’ll have. 

2. Nutrition

Produce harvested in its season has a better nutritional value than artificially grown or picked before it has had a proper chance to ripen, giving your body higher levels of many nutrients, including vitamins and antioxidants.

3. Supporting Local

Buying your produce locally, such as at farmers’ markets, helps reduce your carbon footprint and support your community. You can also participate in community-supported agriculture and watch for “locally grown” signs at the grocery store. 

For information on vegetables, their different types, and their health benefits, check out this article! 

The months given below are estimates, as they can vary based on many aspects, such as where you live and what type of the specific produce, but here are fruits and vegetables that are likely in season during Autumn, PLUS some delicious recipes to try with them:

VEGETABLES

1. Brussels sprouts – Late August-March

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts and Brussels Sprouts Hash

Here is one recipe perfect for snacks, finger foods, or party foods, and one delicious meal recipe that I love for breakfast but can be enjoyed anytime!

2. Parsnips – September-May

Parsnip Mashed Potatoes and Comforting Beef Stew

Parsnips are one of the most underrated vegetables and one of our favorites here at the CFC!

They’re a root vegetable (similar to carrots) but a light cream-colored with a sweet, light, nutty flavor.

They’re also packed with fiber, antioxidants, and many vitamins and minerals.

3. Carrots – Spring & Fall

Pan Roasted Salmon and Carrots, Curry Roasted Carrots, and Roasted Cauliflower + Carrot Soup 

Soup is a classic Fall meal, and with this one, you get 2 fall veggies for the price of 1 recipe!

The salmon sheet pan recipe is a quick and easy meal for busy nights, and the roasted carrots are a flavorful, crispy, and delectable treat.

4. Cauliflower – September-November

Beef + Cauliflower Stove-top Casserole, Lemony Baked Cauliflower, and “Bang Bang” Style Cauliflower Steak

Cauliflower is one of my favorite ingredients because it is SO versatile.

It was much more difficult to narrow down cauliflower recipes, but I decided that, along with the cauliflower + carrot recipe listed previously, these three options gave you a nice variety!

5. Celery – August-October

Shaved Fennel + Celery Salad and Budget-Friendly Creamy Bean Soup

Some people think celery is a flavorless and pointless veggie, but it can be a healthful and beneficial addition to your diet.

Celery contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds and may support digestion.

6. Sweet Potatoes – August-November

Rather than settling for 2 or 3 recipes, I compiled this list of 21 of my favorite sweet potato recipes last month.

So, feel free to peruse that list and read more about sweet potatoes and their health benefits!

7. Broccoli – October-April

Creamy Chicken + Broccoli Casserole and Air Fryer Broccoli

This casserole is a mouth-wateringly delicious meal perfect for cooler weather nights.

If you like using your air fryer, check out this post with our best air fryer recipes.

8. Artichokes – March-June and September-October

Steamed Fresh Artichokes and Artichoke Egg Casserole

Artichokes go super well with eggs, make for a quick and easy breakfast, and are a fantastic source of fiber! 

FRUITS

1. Pumpkins – September-November

Super Easy Pumpkin Fudge and Hot Pumpkin Milk

This is another one that is nearly impossible to pick just a few recipes.

Two years ago, we published this post about the benefits of pumpkins and 10 different ways to use them (not all of the uses are edible!), but it might be time for a recipe roundup dedicated solely to this fall classic fruit…Stay tuned!

2. Apples – July-November

Crispy Brussels Sprouts + Apples and Cranberry Apple Crisp

Both of these delicious recipes are another 2 fall fruits/veggies for the price of 1 recipe!

3. Pears – August-October

Pear + Goat Cheese Chicken Salad and Creamy Apple + Pear Salad

Pears’ fiber content promotes digestive health and blood sugar regulation, and the antioxidants in their skin can counter chronic inflammation linked with various chronic diseases.

4. Cranberries – mid-September-Mid-November

Homemade Cranberry Sauce and Cranberry & Chickpea Bark

Of course, I’m going to include a classic cranberry sauce recipe.

Be sure to save that one for Thanksgiving, but go ahead and give the bark a try now for a fun Fall treat!

5. Figs – Early June & August-October

Rainbow Veggie + Hummus Wraps

This recipe is excellent if you need some inspiration to create a tasty meal packed full of vegetables.

6. Pomegranates – late-September-November

Roasted Hasselback Butternut Squash and Festive Chocolate Pomegranate Cups

Save both of these for a little later in the Fall because they’re both radiating festivity and holiday treats!

7. Beets – June-November

Beet Pickled Deviled Eggs

Beets are highly nutritious and loaded with health-promoting properties, such as supporting brain and heart health and the digestive system!

8. Grapes – August-October

Fresh Fruit Salad

Obviously, this recipe includes a ton of fruits in addition to grapes, but it’s one of my favorites.

Feel free to take the idea and switch things up to make it your own, perfect for your family’s taste preferences!

Mushrooms – Year Round

Chicken + Mushroom Skillet, Creamy Mushroom Soup, and Garlic-Herb Sauteed Mushrooms

Mushrooms aren’t actually fruits; they’re a fungus, but rather than making an entire third category, I decided to add this one last.

  

With so many different and delicious produce items to choose from, the only question that remains is: which one will you try first??

Let us know which recipe you’re most excited to try in the comments below!

(P.S. Keep an eye out on our blog these next few weeks for more about three of our favorite Fall fruits!)

The post All About Fall Produce & How to Use It first appeared on Clean Food Crush.

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