The Ultimate Guide to Seasonal Eating This Autumn
- colleendthomas
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
Fall is officially upon us, and we’re ready for all the fun. Bring on the flannel, campfires, and of course, the delicious fall fare. When we think of fall dining, there are definitely some foods that steal the show this time of year. There’s nothing better than apples, squash, brussels sprouts, and pumpkin this time of year. Fall is also a great time to try new soups and stews that can help warm our hearts and bodies on a crisp autumn day.
A change of season offers a new culinary adventure. By using fresh, seasonal ingredients, we have the opportunity to incorporate nature’s bounty into our meals.
"Talking to the local farmers can really come in handy, because they'll know exactly what's growing at that specific time," Annie Cavalier, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Dallas, shared with the American Heart Association. "They'll introduce me to something that I haven't tried before, and most of the time, it's absolutely delicious."
Eating Seasonally is Good For Your Health
Eating seasonally means your produce will have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as its nutritional content begins to decline once it's picked. This means you should eat what is grown locally, as well, because an apple grown in New York and shipped to California will not be at its peak.
"Vitamins, particularly vitamin C, degrade during storage, meaning apples kept for several months may have lower levels of certain nutrients compared to freshly harvested ones," Cavalier said.
Eating seasonally will also give you peace of mind that your fruits and vegetables were grown in their most natural conditions, instead of being harvested inside commercial greenhouses and being subjected to artificial ripening techniques.
Autumn seasonal fruits and vegetables offer great health benefits. Apples provide a much-needed fiber boost while helping to curb cravings for something sweet. Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, and support digestive health. The fall favorite pumpkin packs a punch with potassium, fiber, and antioxidants that support heart health and help maintain healthy blood pressure.
Delicious and Healthy Fall Recipes
If you’re ready to dive into all the autumn food favorites. We have some delicious suggestions.
Many foods on our autumn tables are not only delicious, but also have great health benefits. Challenge yourself this fall to try something new and be adventurous in the kitchen. Think fresh and head to your local farmer’s market for the best ingredients. You will love what you find.
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