I love autumn, the nights get chilly, the leaves are turning into a stunning display of colors, and I start craving hot drinks and warming foods.
Eating seasonal vegetables and fruit is good for your health. Seasonal foods are loaded with nutrients: vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, that are partially lost when the food is imported, transported and stored.
Seasonal and local foods is also good for you energetically, it provides your body with what you need to function optimally with the weather and environment of the season. The locally grown vegetables and fruits of fall have a warming and nourishing effect.
Seasonal produce is often less expensive than imported produce. Ka-ching!
You will be supporting local farms and the environment when you shop locally. I love shopping in outdoors farmer’s markets and seeing all the wonderful colorful produce, you can actually smell the freshness! And there are many organic farms on display.
Fresh harvested produce lasts longer, and tastes so much better!!!
Here is a list of some fall produce:
Carrots
Cabbage
Winter squashes
Turnips
Rutabagas
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Apples
Beets
Artichokes
Celeriac
Cranberries
Greens like arugula, escarole, broccoli rabe, chard, kale
Figs
Grapes
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Parsnips
Cauliflower
Brussels sprouts
Broccoli
The best way to prepare autumn produce is to eat it cooked, that will create warmth and nourishing energy. Steamed vegetables, soups, stews, occasional and side raw salads, cooked warm salads and fermented vegetables, are all great to create healthy digestion during this season.
In the coming months I will be sharing delicious autumn recipes, stay tuned.
Xoxoxo
Rachel
