As the temperature starts to drop and the leaves begin to fall, I feel drawn to the kitchen. Creating a deliciously simple masterpiece is one of the warmest ways to ease into the start of this chillier season. When creating fall meals, you’ll probably want to use the most fresh and appropriate produce. Below is a list of fruits and veggies that are in season in the fall, along with their health benefits and different ways to prepare them. So, grab your frying pans, oven mitts and stirring spoons — let’s get cookin’!
- Apples
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Apples are one of the first things that come to mind when I think of fall. If you’re headed to an apple orchard to pick some apples and snap a few cute pictures, keep in mind that apples are not only sweet and delicious, but they are also a great source of fiber, vitamin C and potassium! Not sure what to do with all those apples you picked? We’ve got a couple of ideas for you:
• Honey, Apple, Cheddar, and Bacon Panini – Half Baked Harvest
• Healthy Baked Apple Oatmeal Bars – My Everyday Table
• Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats – Quaker
- Pumpkin
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Pumpkin is another amazing fall kitchen staple. It’s full of nutrients like Vitamin A and antioxidants that can help to boost your immune system. Whether you’ve picked up a baking pumpkin from a pumpkin patch or have a cans of puree in your kitchen, there are so many things you can do with this yummy and seasonal fruit (yes, scientifically, pumpkin is a fruit — who knew?!)
• Pumpkin Soup with Ginger and Rice – Foodess
• Pumpkin Bread with Pecans or Walnuts – Joy the Baker
• Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes – Cookie + Kate
- Sweet Potatoes
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With their beautifully rich color and flavor, sweet potatoes are sure to brighten any dish you add them to this fall. According to Healthline, they’re packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals, and there are so many different ways to prepare them. Check out some of our favorite ways below:
• Savory Sweet Potato Crumble – Barefoot Contessa
• Crunchy Sweet Potato Wedges – Baker by Nature
• Thai Coconut-Peanut Sweet Potato Soup – Foodess
- Brussels Sprouts
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These little guys seem to have a negative connotation, but if you’ve never really tried this fall veggie, make this year the year! Brussels sprouts contain vitamin K and lots of fiber, which helps to regulate gut health, according to Healthline. If you’ve never made brussels sprouts or are looking to switch up your usual recipe, read on for some yummy ideas listed below:
• Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Dates, and Halloumi – Half Baked Harvest
• Crunchy Thai Brussels Sprouts – Barefoot Contessa
- Celery
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Though it’s not a veggie you might think of as an autumn staple, fall is celery’s season! Incorporating celery into your diet is a great way to get antioxidants like vitamin C, minerals and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Prepare celery this fall with some amazing recipes:
• New Orleans Red Beans and Rice – Joy the Baker
• Celery and Lentil Salad with Tossed Salsa Verde – Food52
• Simple Celery Soup – Feasting at Home
- Cranberries
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Harvested in our very own state, cranberries are a delicious and vibrant fall fruit. Again, they’re packed full of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber (fun fact: they even help to protect against UTI’s!) according to Healthline. Check out a few ways you can prepare cranberries in your kitchen this fall below:
• Chewy Homemade Granola Bars with Chocolate, Cranberries & Pistachios – Foodess
• Cranberry Orange Scones – Barefoot Contessa
• Maple Roasted Carrots and Cranberries – Lazy Cat Kitchen
If you’re feeling inspired to get your hands dirty in the kitchen this fall but don’t know where to begin, finding out what produce is in season is a great place to start. With this list, we’ve got you covered on some of fall’s most delicious fruits and veggies and how to prepare them!