Fall Vegetables: Recipes, Shopping, and More
The end of Summer is just around the corner, and I know we’re all getting excited for our favorite Fall traditions! But before we can get into the familiar fun of the season, we’ll be seeing quite a bit of change: the leaves, the weather, and especially the food. So many fresh, delicious vegetables will be filling our farmers’ markets this season, which makes it a great time to embrace the change and try something new!
It’s going to be easy to want to reach for pumpkin-flavored everything over these next few months, but if you check out your local farmers’ market this season, you’ll be amazed at the variety of flavors that Fall brings. A few healthy, versatile vegetables you’ll see on the shelves include squash, broccoli, chard, mushrooms, cabbage, and potatoes. Adding these fresh vegetables to your diet will be a tasty way to include additional vitamins, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants in each meal.
When you decide to go shopping for fresh vegetables, make sure you know what to look for before making your selection, and if you’re not sure, ask! For example, when picking out a squash, look for a solid, hard rind that isn’t shiny, as well as a squash that still has some of the stem attached. Fresh mushrooms will be smooth and firm. Good potatoes will also be firm, and will only have sprouts if they’ve been stored for too long. If you’re shopping for potatoes or cabbage, know what kinds will work best for your recipe.
Also, don’t be afraid to buy a little more than you think you may need. Fall vegetables are perfect for long-term storage to use throughout the winter. Consider freezing, canning, or pickling to keep your vegetables fresh! If you’re ready to enjoy those delicious Fall flavors now, consider a quick roasted vegetable dish. Simply cube your favorite hard vegetables (carrots, squash, potatoes, etc.) and combine them with coconut or olive oil along with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste. For an entirely new family favorite, check out this vegan, gluten-free pumpkin olive oil banana bread recipe! You can even substitute the brown sugar in this recipe with an equal portion of coconut sugar for additional health benefits.
However you decide to welcome the new season, embrace the changes and enjoy the flavors of Fall! If you’d like to catch more tips and advice for healthy eating and cooking like a chef, be sure to follow me on Instagram at OfficialChefT, check out SimpleEatsTV on YouTube, and find my podcast, Simple Eats w/ Chef T, on iTunes, Google Play, Overcast, Pocket Cast, and Radio Public.
Always remember to Eat with a Purpose!
Resources:
Organic Authority
Eating Well
Living Minnaly
