One great way people can make their food more fun is to eat seasonal foods. Seasonal picks are not only fresh and nutrient-rich. They’re also a way of getting involved with local agriculture. This autumn, pumpkin patches are springing up. There’s apple picking in many areas. These are great activities that help people understand the farm to table journey that food takes in industrialized societies. They also happen to provide you with nutritious foods.
Even at the level of supermarkets, though, there are plenty of great seasonal options on offer. Autumn foods tend to be comfort foods. Prepared correctly, they impart a cozy feeling to the whole household. Many of these fruits and veggies are also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that enhance health. Here are some great autumn options to add to meals this season.
Kale is a vegetable that many people eat year-round. However, it really excels as a cold-weather green every autumn. Growing kale at home can be an excellent option for anyone who likes to garden. Kale is notoriously tough and can taste bitter. After a frost, it’s a little bit sweeter. This is also an incredibly healthy veggie that can be added to salads, pizzas, smoothies, and more.
Parsnips look a lot like carrots, except for their coloring. These white root vegetables taste great roasted, mashed, or processed for soup. Parsnips are also very nutritious. They’re a great source of vitamin C and fiber. Parsnips can also be eaten straight from the ground if desired.
Beets are one of the unsung heroes in the vegetable patch. Every part of this plant is edible, from the greens to the root. Beetroot is a sweet vegetable, traditionally grown in part for its natural sugar content. It’s also loaded with fiber and vitamins. Beet greens are great sautéed. They can also be boiled. Mature greens are typically tough. They’re better cooked than raw.
Finally, here comes the pumpkin! The pumpkin is one of the best-known and most-loved symbols of the autumn. Pumpkin can be made into pies, roasted like squash, or used in soups. Roasted pumpkin seeds are also very tasty. Separate them from the pumpkin flesh, spread on a cookie sheet, and drizzle with olive oil. Pumpkin seeds can be served salted or unsalted, depending on taste.