|
A Guide To Seasonal Fall Foods
 The weather may be cooling off, but your produce choices are heating up. These tasty seasonal fall foods are the perfect excuse to visit your local farmers' market and dig up those comfort food recipes.
Apples: Sweet or tart, raw or baked - apples are full of health benefits. Harvest season: August - November
Dates: This Middle Eastern favorite is perfect in stews, chopped in desserts or stuffed with goat cheese. Plus, they are a good source of fiber. Harvest season: September - December
Grapefruit: The tartness of this fruit is perfect for mixing with greens, avocados and shrimp. Or enjoy a nice tall glass of its antioxidant-rich juice. Harvest season: September - April
 Pears: Pears are a crowd-pleaser and a good source of vitamin C and copper - try them baked or poached. Harvest season: August - February
Pomegranates: This fruit is a powerhouse of antioxidants. The juice is a great base for marinades and the seeds can be tossed into salads. Harvest season: August - December
Brussels Sprouts: Recently, these veggies have become very trendy. Sautéed with bacon and shallots, the combination is a winner. Brussels Sprouts are also a good source of folate, so if you are expecting, eat up! Harvest season: September - March
 Cauliflower: Cauliflower is the quintessential side dish - wonderful when steamed, great when blended like mashed potatoes, and satisfying when puréed into soup. This sweet and nutty veggie also contains compounds that may help to prevent cancer. Harvest season: September - June
Squash: Winter squash has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with cinnamon and ginger. So, get roasting, and enjoy their omega-3 fatty acids. Harvest season: October - February
Pumpkin: Pumpkins can be used for much more than your Halloween decorations. Perfect for pies, cakes and even pudding it's health benefits include potassium. Harvest season: October-February
Parsnips: These vegetables may look like carrots but are sweeter and a bit lighter in color. Use them to flavor rice, potatoes or purée into soups and sauces. Rich in potassium and a good source of fiber, they can be enjoyed simply roasted as well. Harvest season: October - April
| 
When the best of summertime produce makes way for a new crop of selections, I get excited. Pomegranates become available again. Winter squash are offered in a wide variety. And, of course, apples are abundant for making fresh cider and tarts.
