From roasted root crops and vine fruits to tossed crisp additions in salads, these are some of the ways seasonal produce is taking its place in fall menus. Blending squash, root vegetables, and aromatics into purees and soups is another great way to add fresh autumn flavors to your recipes.
"Feasting" on fruits and vegetables in season now isn't just good for your taste buds but also for your wallet. As a recent Henry Ford Health article explains, seasonal eating has many advantages, including being less expensive, better for the environment, and supporting the economy.
What Does Seasonal Produce Mean?
Seasonal produce is a vegetable or fruit in season now, available at a specific time of the year in a given region and harvested after reaching peak ripeness. Several factors influence what's "in season," including:
- Geography
- Temperature
- Weather
- Sunlight
- Water availability
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) lists over 40 types of fall produce. From apples to bell peppers, green beans, and winter squash, these are just a few examples of what's in season this fall.
Why Should You Buy Seasonal Produce?
Buying seasonal produce gives you access to many different whole foods that taste better since they've grown throughout their natural season. They've had maximum time to develop all their healthy, tasty elements, from complex sugars to volatile aroma compounds and acids.
Better taste is only one reason, though, as there are several other perks to taking advantage of seasonal produce, from lower prices to sustainability.
Often Costs Less
Seasonal produce is often cheaper, particularly if sourced locally, as it means your food traveled fewer miles from the source to the table. If you purchase from your "neighborhood" farmers, they may have picked or harvested the fruits and veggies just hours ago.
Fewer miles traveled means lower transportation costs, which is why locally sourced, seasonal produce often costs less. Adding to this is that a vegetable or fruit in season now is usually available in greater quantities. With more supply available, the price typically goes down.
Friendlier to the Environment
Buying seasonal produce is also better for the environment. Since fruits and vegetables in season now can travel shorter distances from the farm to your table, they come with lower transportation emissions.
The latest available data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that transportation is the number one contributor to direct greenhouse gas emissions in the United States (28%). Opting for seasonal produce whenever possible can therefore help you lower your carbon footprint through reduced "food miles."
What Are Some Simple Ways to Incorporate Seasonal Produce Into Your Autumn Meal Prep Ideas?
While many types of seasonal produce take center stage as fall menus return, some of the most popular include:
- Hearty sweet potatoes
- Flavorful Brussels sprouts
- Crisp apples and pears
- Iconic winter squash and pumpkins
Such fruits and vegetables in season now aren't just healthy and tasty; they also offer versatility, letting you enjoy them in either sweeter preparations or savory dishes. You can also prep some of these fall-themed recipes beforehand, making them practical, healthy family meals for busy parents.
Roasting Root Crops and Vine Fruits
Sheet pan roasting is one of the top techniques for fall-inspired dishes that use seasonal produce like sweet potatoes and winter squash or sugar pie pumpkins. Carrots and beets also make for excellent roasted root crops.
Roasting on a sheet pan involves placing your ingredients in a baking tray, in a single layer, and cooking them in dry, high heat in the oven. Turn them into a tasty side dish or salad topping by:
- Drizzling a small to moderate amount of healthy oil (like extra virgin olive oil)
- Adding seasonings and aromatics (e.g., salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika)
- Tossing the veggies to ensure you coat and season them evenly
Incorporating Fall Fruits and Veggies Into Salads
Crisp apples and pears make for an excellent sweet addition to green salads and work well with nuts and cheese. You can also replace croutons with crunchy pumpkin seeds. Bell peppers and blanched green beans (boiled for 1 to 2 minutes) make for scrumptious Nicoise and pasta salads.
Blending Fall Produce Into Purees and Soups
Whether you're craving a hearty, chunky chowder or a creamy, velvety pureed soup, you can enjoy both with fall's seasonal root crops. Roasting them first is key to intensifying their flavors and giving them a rich smokiness.
If you want chunky soup, set aside some of the roasted, tender cubed crops. Let the rest simmer in vegetable or chicken stock. Safely blend the concoction before pouring into a bowl with the roasted, cubed veggies.
You can then finish with a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream for extra richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Up to When Is Fall Produce Available?
The availability of fall produce generally aligns with the season's months of September to November. Some hearty root veggies and cold-hardy greens, however, can last to December, even into the winter (e.g., Brussels sprouts and winter squash).
You should also note that some of autumn's seasonal produce types are only "in season" from early to mid-fall (September to October), such as apples, pears, and peppers. They are, however, available well past their natural harvest seasons through techniques like cold storage and temperature-controlled storage.
Can You Enjoy Fall's Seasonal Produce You've Bought Outside of the Season?
Yes.
You can cook fall fruits (like apples, peas, and berries) with sugar, turning them into jams or preserves. You should then seal them in airtight containers like glass jars or metal cans. Canned properly, you can enjoy these fall preserves for months after opening.
You can also freeze both fruits and veggies. You can freeze washed fruits right away, while you'd want to blanch veggies first.
Let Fall's Seasonal Produce Take Center Stage at Your Table
Roasting root crops and vine fruits, adding crisp apples and pears to salads, and blending roasted fall goodies into purees or soups are some simple ways to incorporate seasonal produce into your autumn recipes. With these tactics, you can eat more healthily while also spending less and even reducing your carbon footprint.
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