Fall in Love with This Season’s Top Produce
| 3 min read
Fall is one of Michigan’s most beautiful seasons. With shades of red, orange and yellow everywhere you look, it’s hard not to get excited about turning over a new leaf yourself. It’s also natural to feel a little sad that summer is coming to a close. But just because Labor Day has come and gone doesn’t mean you can’t find fresh, local produce at the farmer’s market. Fall is harvest time, which means there are lots of fruits and vegetables in season now. Green, leafy vegetables like broccoli and cabbage will be in stock at local farmer’s markets, as well as delectable raspberries and cantaloupe. Here are other fruits and veggies to get excited about for the upcoming season:
- Apples: If there’s one thing Michiganders look forward to, it’s the opening of apple orchards in the fall. Cortland, Fuji, Ginger Gold and Honey Crisp are just a few varieties grown here. Perfect for cooking, making sauces, tossing in a hearty salad or simply snacking on as a healthy treat, apples are a versatile staple to keep stocked in your kitchen.
- Eggplant: Who doesn’t love to see that that gorgeous, purple hue while shopping? A great way to enjoy this veggie is in a sandwich. Slice it up, brush it with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and roast for about 25 minutes. Add it to hearty, rustic bread with tomato, red onion, fresh mozzarella and basil leaves for a delightful meal. It also tastes delicious in pasta dishes or can be a substitute for noodles in lasagna.
- Peppers: Green, red, bell and banana are just a few varieties that each have their own unique taste. Need some inspiration for tonight’s dinner? Try this Caesar Pasta Primavera, which uses yellow or red bell peppers. They’re also a great alternative to chips when paired with hummus.
- Plums: The crunch and sweetness you get from biting into a ripe plum makes the red juice that runs down the side of your hand worth it. Looking for a new way to enjoy plums? Try grilling them. Stone fruits offer a firmer texture, which is perfect for baking, too!
- Pumpkins and Squash: These fruits (yes, fruits) are the shining stars of the fall produce season. Try making a sweet pumpkin pie for dessert, roasting super-healthy pumpkin seeds for a midday snack or grilling some squash and zucchini on a beautiful fall afternoon.
Do you have a favorite recipe you use when eating any of these fall fruits and vegetables? Share them with us in the comments section below. And for other tips about eating grown-in-Michigan fruits and veggies, check out these blogs:
