The fall harvest brings sweet potatoes, yams, and many varieties of winter squash to the market. These are plentiful in the fall and produce costs less when it is in season. These hearty vegetables store well for up to one month or longer, making them a great choice to have on hand to prepare as part of a healthy meal.
Here are some fall finds tips and tricks:
- All varieties of winter squash have a similar sweet taste and texture inside
- Scrub the outside of winter squash and sweet potatoes with a vegetable brush, under running water. This will help to remove dirt and germs before preparing and eating.
- Pair sweet potatoes and winter squash with foods you have on hand at home. Fall fruits, herbs and spices, and whole grains like brown rice are all great choices.
- Fall fruits such as apples and pears, and root vegetables like beets and turnips, go well with sweet potatoes and squash.
Need inspiration? Check out these ideas on our Eat Smart recipe database:
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese,
Chicken Sweet Potato and Carrot Packets,
Trying new foods takes time. You might have tried a new fruit or vegetable as a young child, been surprised by its taste, smell, or texture, and decided right then and there that you did or did not care for it. It is important to serve fruits and vegetables many, many times, prepared in many different ways. You may find that you prefer a fruit or vegetable prepared one way, more than the other. It may take time to figure out whether or not you truly like a fruit or vegetable, or perhaps to discover, after lots of tries, you prefer the taste of some more than others.
Try new foods!
- Prepare root vegetables in different ways, raw and cooked. Serve them many times.
- Don’t forget the leaves! Beet greens and turnip greens are delicious and nutritious additions to soups, casseroles, stews, and even salads.
- Trying new foods can be fun for everyone. Make family meals and snacks together. Kids are more likely to taste foods they helped to prepare.
There are many varieties of apples and pears harvested in fall, mostly during the months of September and October. These fall fruits can be eaten raw or cooked, are healthy On-the-go snacks, and are great choices for packing in lunches.
Selecting produce:
- Make sure you are getting the best price when buying fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables in season cost less.
- Buy only what your family will use before it spoils.
- Apples and pears can be stored for multiple weeks in the refrigerator, and are great to have on hand for snacking and for cooking.
Include fall fruits and vegetables in healthy and delicious holiday meals and celebrations. Use fall fruits and veggies to make recipes healthier by adding flavor without adding fat or salt.
