September 4, 2024
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The days are getting shorter and there’s a crisp in the air; in other words, fall has officially arrived. Besides the cozy sweaters and pumpkin spiced everything, one of our favorite things about the autumn months is the abundance of fresh, seasonal ingredients available courtesy of the fall harvest.
We believe in the power of eating seasonally. Since seasonal produce is picked at the peak of their ripeness, they not only are extra fresh and flavorful but also contain higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eating seasonally is also a great way to support local farmers and farmer’s markets.
Embrace the flavors of fall and elevate everyday dishes by highlighting fresh and seasonal produce. Here are some standout ingredients to consider incorporating into your recipes this fall.
Root Vegetables
Hearty, abundant, versatile, and nutritious – here at Wesson, we’re rooting for root vegetables. Fall is a great time to get your hands on some of these powerhouse ingredients while they are in-season.
Root vegetables thrive in the Northeastern U.S. due to the region’s cooler climate. Vegetables like carrots, beets, and turnips are usually harvested in the fall and are widely available in grocery stores across the country. Take these pantry vegetables and bring out their deliciousness with Wesson’s Root Vegetable Pot Pie, a hearty dish to keep you warm in the cooler weather.
If you’re in the Southern states, radishes grow well in the warmer climate and add a flavorful punch and extra nutrients to recipes such as our Hearty Chop Chop Pink Salad. Sweet potatoes are another root veggie that thrives in the South and make a tasty addition to salads or roasted vegetables.
Winter Squash
The ubiquitous image of a plump, orange pumpkin is one of the first things that come to mind when we talk about fall produce, and for good reason! Winter squash, like pumpkin, are staple ingredients in the cooler months because their hard, thick skin means they have longer shelf lives and can stay fresh through the winter.
Several varieties of squash, including Spaghetti, Corn, and Hubbard Squash, thrive in warmer states like Texas and Florida. Pumpkins also grow well in the Midwest. Next to pumpkin pie, our second favorite way to enjoy this delectable squash is in a Spiced Pumpkin Soup, which can be made with either store-bought or home-made pumpkin puree.
Heading back up north, butternut squash is readily available on the East Coast and in New England. We love pickling our butternut squash to make our favorite Wild Rice Salad, a bold and tangy side dish that is perfect for fall.
Locally Grown Fruits
From the cranberry bogs of New England to the citrus trees of Florida, there is a wide variety of delicious fruits grown throughout the U.S. that are ready to harvest come fall and are perfect additions to your autumn recipes.
Seasonal fruits local to the Northeast U.S. include apples, bartlett pears, and grapes. Florida, on the other hand, is citrus fruit galore. Oranges, grapefruits, and mandarins are all easy to come by in the Sunshine State. Moving to the West Coast, California produces 99% of the country’s supply of pomegranates, most of which is harvested in fall.
One of our favorite ways to incorporate seasonal fruits into recipes is adding these little bursts of flavor into salads, like this quick and easy Roasted Pear Salad, or into desserts like our delicious Pear and Cranberry Frangipane Tart.
Leafy Greens
An easy way to boost the nutritional value of a recipe is to add in a couple handfuls of leafy greens. Since a variety of leafy greens are in season right now, adding them to your fall recipes is a great way to get these nutrient-dense ingredients into your diet.
If you’re in the Northeast, greens such as cabbage and Brussels sprouts grow well in the cooler weather. In the South, mustard greens, arugula, and collard greens are commonly harvested in the fall.
Kale, another leafy green in season in fall, is grown in the Northern states, the Midwest, and in California, making it readily available across the country. Got kale on hand? We recommend making our Hearty Chop Chop Pink Salad with crispy halloumi cheese, a tangy and refreshing salad set on a bed of fresh kale and pearl barley.
During your next trip to the grocery store, keep your eye out for some of these seasonal ingredients and get ready for their flavor and freshness to elevate your fall dishes into something truly special. Happy cooking and happy fall!
