Best Seasonal Vegetables to Enjoy This Fall

Best Seasonal Vegetables to Enjoy This Fall 

As the weather starts getting cooler and the leaves turn to vibrant colors, it means one thing: Fall is officially here! This means that pumpkin Spice Lattes, cozy sweaters, and all things Fall are now in full swing. But what about the food? Fall is the time for comfort food. But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice nutrition for flavor. Some of the most nutritionally dense vegetables are in season during the fall months. So go ahead and indulge in all your favorite comfort foods, knowing that you're getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals with every bite.

What are the best seasonal vegetables to enjoy this season? Check out this list of top picks for some inspiration!

The Benefits of Eating Seasonal Produce

There's nothing quite like a crisp, fragrant apple in the fall. Or a ripe, juicy peach in the summertime. Seasonal produce is not only at its peak in terms of flavor and nutrition, but it is also more affordable than out-of-season options. Here are some other benefits of choosing seasonal fruits and vegetables: 

Eating seasonally means that you are getting the most nutrient-dense food possible. Nutrients are lost as fruits and vegetables sit in storage or travel long distances to reach your plate. 

In-season produce is harvested at the perfect time, which results in peak flavor. Also, when fruits and vegetables are allowed to ripen on the vine or in the field, they reach their peak nutritional value. So, not only does seasonal produce taste better, but it's also better for you! 

Seasonal eating helps to support local farmers and economies. When you buy locally grown fruits and vegetables, you are investing in your community. 

So next time you're at the grocery store or farmer's market, take a look at what is in season and give it a try! Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!

Most Nutritionally Dense Fall Vegetables

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy an abundance of delicious, seasonal vegetables. From hearty root vegetables to sweet winter squash, there are plenty of reasons to fill your plate this season. Here are a few of the best fall vegetables to enjoy this year:

Pumpkins:

Oh my gourd, it's pumpkin season! This means that the warm and cozy flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg will be filling our homes as we bake pies, cookies, and breads. But what many people don't realize is that pumpkins are not just for decoration or for making sweet treats - they can actually be a healthy and versatile ingredient in savory dishes as well. 

Pumpkins are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for good vision, skin health, and immune function. Pumpkin is also a good source of Vitamin C, which helps to ward off colds and other illnesses. Pumpkin contains fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and keep you feeling full longer.

When it comes to cooking with pumpkins, the possibilities are endless.

Cooking and using pumpkin in different ways for meals:

• Puree roasted pumpkin with garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil to make a delicious pumpkin sauce for pasta or a creamy risotto. 
• Add diced roasted pumpkin to salads or bowls of grains and vegetables for a fiber-rich and nutrient-dense meal.
• Sauté diced onion and pumpkin in a bit of oil until soft, then add canned coconut milk, curry powder, and salt to make a quick and easy vegan pumpkin curry.
• Bake sliced pumpkin with maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a sweet and healthy side dish.
• Add pumpkin puree to your oatmeal or smoothies
• Pumpkin can be roasted to make soup or add to other soups and stews, or added to salads.

Don't forget about the seeds! Roast pumpkin seeds for a tasty healthy snack. Just clean the seeds, toss them with a little olive oil and salt, and roast them in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Pumpkin seeds make a great snack on their own or you can add them to salads or granola.

So this fall, don't just reserve pumpkins for dessert - give them a try in savory dishes as well. You might just be surprised at how delicious they can be.

Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. They also contain cancer-fighting compounds called carotenoids.

Some different ways to cook and use sweet potatoes for meals include:

• Baked Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Wash and prick sweet potatoes with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes.
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Boil or steam sweet potatoes until soft. Add vegan butter, almond milk, or other desired ingredients and mash until smooth.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Cut sweet potatoes into thin fries. Toss with olive oil and salt. Bake at 425 degrees F for 20-25 minutes.
• Sweet potato Soup: Sautee onion and celery in oil until softened. Add sweet potatoes, vegetable stock, and other desired seasonings. Simmer until potatoes are soft. Puree soup until smooth.

Kale:

Kale is a true powerhouse when it comes to nutrition. Just one cup of kale contains over 100% of the daily recommended amount of Vitamin C, and it is also a good source of calcium, iron, and fiber. Kale is also low in calories and has very few carbohydrates, making it a great food for people watching their weight. Not sure how to work kale into your diet? Here are a few ideas:

• Add it to your morning smoothie. The sweetness of other fruits will mask the slightly bitter taste of kale, and you'll get a nutrient boost first thing in the day.
• Make "kale chips." Simply toss kale leaves with a bit of olive oil and sea salt, then bake in a single layer on a baking sheet at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes. You'll have a healthy alternative to greasy potato chips that satisfies your crunchy cravings.
• Add kale to soups and stews. It's a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into your family's diet.

So don't be afraid to give kale a try! Its nutritional benefits are too good to pass up.

Butternut Squash:

Butternut squash is not only delicious but it's also packed with nutrients that can boost your health. This winter squash is a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and prevent constipation. It's also high in vitamins A and C, which are important for maintaining healthy skin and eyesight. Plus, the magnesium and potassium in butternut squash can help to keep your blood pressure in check. 

Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that has a sweet, nutty flavor. There are many different ways to enjoy it. It can be roasted, pureed into soup, or added to stews and casseroles. It's also a versatile ingredient for baking. You can use it to make muffins, quick bread, and even pancakes.

Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking butternut squash:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Next, cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.

3. Place the squash halves face-down on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

4. Once they are done roasting, let the squash cool for a few minutes before scooping out the flesh.

5. And that's it! You can now use cooked butternut squash in any recipe that calls for winter squash. Enjoy!

So get creative in the kitchen and enjoy all the health benefits that butternut squash has to offer.

Brussels Sprouts:

Brussel sprouts may just be the most misunderstood vegetable out there. These little cabbages get a bad rap, probably because they’re often overcooked and mushy. But when they’re prepared correctly, brussels sprouts can be absolutely delicious. Brussels sprouts are also incredibly good for you. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber. They also contain compounds that may protect against cancer.

So how can you make sure your brussels sprouts turn out tasty and nutritious?

• Roast them in the oven at 400 degrees F with a little olive oil and sea salt.
• Saute them in a pan with shallots and minced garlic.
• Add them to a stir-fry or rice dish.
• Simply steam them until they are tender.
• You can also shred raw brussels sprouts and add them to salads or slaws.

No matter how you cook them, be sure not to overcook the brussels sprouts. They should be bright green and slightly firm to the touch. With a little bit of effort, you can turn these little cabbages into a delicious and healthy side dish. Give them a try!

Beets:

Beets are often overlooked as a nutritional powerhouse, but they are actually packed with vitamins and minerals. For example, they are a good source of folate, which is important for pregnant women. They also contain manganese, which is needed for healthy bones and joints. Plus, the betalain pigment in beets can help to protect cells from damage. In addition to their nutritional benefits, beets are also low in calories and fat. And, they're a great source of fiber, which can help to promote intestinal regularity. So, next time you're looking for a healthy food option, don't forget about the humble beet!

Beets are earthy and sweet, making them a versatile ingredient for both savory and sweet dishes.

There are many different ways to cook beets...

• One way to cook beets is to roast them in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and peel and chop the beets into 1-inch pieces. Toss them with a little olive oil and sea salt, then bake for 30-40 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
• Beets can also be boiled. Simply peel and chop them into 1-inch pieces, then place them in a pot of boiling water. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft.
• Another way to cook beets is to steam them. Simply chop the beets into 1-inch pieces and place them in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft.

Once cooked, beets can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Add roasted or boiled beets to a salad for a bit of sweetness and color.
• Saute beets with garlic and other vegetables for a simple side dish.
• Puree cooked beets into soup.
• Add cooked beets to smoothies for an earthy flavor and nutrient boost.
• Make beet hummus by blending cooked beets, chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic together in a food processor.

 The possibilities are endless! Be creative and experiment with different ways to cook and use beets in your meals.

A Few Final Thoughts on Enjoying Seasonal Produce This Fall

As the weather gets cooler and Fall is in full swing, I encourage you to break out of your vegetable rut and try something new. Take a trip to your local farmer’s market or grocery store and pick up some veggies that are in season. Not only will they taste better, but you’ll also be getting all of the benefits that come with eating seasonal produce. Remember, when you eat seasonal vegetables you are not only doing something great for your own health – you’re also supporting your local community of farmers. So get creative in the kitchen and enjoy all that this time of year has to offer!

Recipes for Delicious and Nutritious Vegan Soups

When most people think of veganism, all they think of is salad. But there are so many delicious and nutritious vegan recipes out there that even the most carnivorous among us can find something to love.

You're about to embark on a delicious, plant-based journey that will not only change the way you look and feel but also the way you think about food. Download our FREE vegan soup recipe ebook. that provides everything you need to get started. With 10 delicious soup recipes that will warm your belly and soul. Comfort food that is healthy AND tastes amazing. Win-Win! 

Best of all, these recipes are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. Best part...it's FREE!

So whether you're a committed vegan or just looking to add some more plant-based options to your diet, or just want to try something new, these recipes are sure to please.

So what are you waiting for? Start your vegan journey today! Click the link below.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

.