What are the seasonal foods of fall?

Autumn is a season marked by increased cooling and drying. Fruits and leaves start to fall from trees as they close up and prepare for the drop in temperature. Watery summer fruits give way to drier carrots, potatoes, and seeds of all kinds. Cooler temperatures are ideal for hearty foods that have little risk of freezing. Eating according to season ensures a varied diet, helps out the local farmers while making it easier to consume fresh foods at their peak of ripeness.

Some of the best autumn foods include:

• Root vegetables (including garlic, onion, carrot, potato, sweet potato, yam, and burdock), Above-ground squashes and gourds (including winter squash, acorn squash, and pumpkin)

• Dry, energy-rich nuts and seeds (including walnuts and sunflower seeds) and fruits (apples, cranberries and pears)

Most of us have year-round access to spring and summer foods. However, this doesn't mean that we should ignore seasonal foods. It can be fun to transition our meal plan to traditional autumn foods and it’s enjoyable for our palates too.

References:

Viccardi VA. “Get back to your summer roots: crisp and nourishing root vegetables make perfect summer fare.” Natural Health. August 2001.

Michèle Turcotte, MS, RD/LDN Contributing Expert

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