Fall fruits and veggies
By Celia Richardson
November 24, 2020
Image Credit: Aaron Burden for Unsplash.com.
Nothing beats fall food. Whether it’s your favorite Thanksgiving dishes or the arrival of everything pumpkin-flavored that you’re looking forward to, the beautiful colors of the season are rivaled only by its beautiful flavors. Let’s take a look at the delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables that are in season right now, and some ways you can incorporate them into your diet.
Fruits
Fruit is a great source of vitamin C, potassium and fiber; According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, eating fruit may lower the risk of heart disease. Some fruits that are in season during the fall are:
- Cranberries
- Grapes
- Mangoes
- Raspberries
- Pumpkins
Most fruits taste great when eaten raw as a snack, but you can also cook them into some amazing fall dishes. Pumpkin is one of the most versatile and delicious fall flavors. It can be roasted on its own or made into any number of desserts, sauces or soups.
“My mom makes this amazing pumpkin dip that we eat with graham crackers that I really like,” said Katrina Marinelli, a freshman letters and sciences major. For something similar, try this low-calorie recipe from Averie Cooks for the perfect fall treat!
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple and makes the perfect addition to any meal, but the stuff you buy in a can is full of added sugar. Though cranberry sauce is meant to be sweet, it can be adjusted and enjoyed in moderation. This Thanksgiving, try this easy recipe with no refined sugar.
Vegetables
Many vegetables are low in fat and calories, and according to the USDA, eating them can help lower your blood cholesterol. Some vegetables that are in season during the fall are:
- Broccoli
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Beets
Although he says the best part of Thanksgiving is “coming home and seeing friends and family,” junior electrical engineering major Prem Chandrasekhar also looks forward to having green bean casserole and mashed potatoes during the holiday. Most green bean casseroles are made with canned ingredients, but this fresh version breathes new life into an old classic!
Of course, the easiest way to enjoy fresh vegetables is to toss them together into a salad, but we’ve all had that a million times. If you’re looking to get a little more creative with your salads, try this easy beet salad recipe.
If salads just aren’t doing it for you, you can also try incorporating vegetables into dishes that don’t typically include them. By doing so, you can still get some of their health benefits, even if you’re not the biggest veggie fan. Junior computer science major Shenabeth Jenkins says that peas go “great with anything,” and their versatility makes them easy to stick into common Thanksgiving dishes, like baked mac and cheese or potatoes au gratin.
To check out the full list of in-season fruits and vegetables, click here.