Fall Seasonal Produce

This week it has finally gotten cooler here in the southwest desert (like in the 70’s and 80’s!). Hooray! It’s about time because the fall equinox is right around the corner! If you haven’t already, it’s time to start shifting your produce to match the season. Eating seasonally offers a variety of benefits that go beyond simply enjoying fresh, delicious produce. Here are some compelling reasons to embrace seasonal eating:

1. Packed with Nutrients

• When you eat fruits and veggies in season, they’re picked at their peak, which means they’re packed with all the good stuff—more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Think about your fall favorites like pumpkins and sweet potatoes… they’re full of vitamin A and C to keep your immune system strong as the weather cools.
• Plus, seasonal produce often requires fewer pesticides and chemicals because it’s naturally thriving in its environment. But always be mindful and check to make sure they haven’t been used.

2. Tastes So Much Better

• There’s nothing like biting into a perfectly ripe piece of fruit or a fresh, crisp vegetable. Seasonal produce is at its peak flavor, which makes it so much tastier than something that’s been shipped halfway across the world or artificially ripened.
• Eating seasonally also brings more variety to your meals! Each season introduces new, fresh options, so there’s always something exciting to enjoy.

3. Easy on the Wallet

• When fruits and vegetables are in season, there’s more of them, which often makes them less expensive. You’re not paying for the extra costs of shipping, storage, or chemicals to keep them fresh out of season.
• And if you really love certain seasonal items, you can buy in bulk and preserve them for later. Think homemade applesauce in the fall or freezing fresh berries in the summer!

4. Good for the Planet

• Seasonal and local produce means less need for long-distance shipping, refrigeration, and packaging, which helps reduce environmental impact. It’s a small but powerful way to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
• Since it doesn’t need as many preservatives or chemicals to keep it fresh, it’s better for the environment and your body.

5. A Beautiful Connection to Nature

• Eating with the seasons creates this amazing rhythm with nature. In the fall, for example, you can enjoy warming root veggies like carrots, squash, and beets that are perfect for grounding and nourishing your body as it cools down outside.
• It also helps us slow down and appreciate where our food comes from, encouraging more mindful eating and gratitude for the effort it takes to grow and harvest it.

So, what produce is in season you may be wondering?

Most of us probably think of the pumpkins and squashes that are so prevalent during fall, but there are other exciting seasonal items you can include in your meal plans like cranberries, pomegranates, persimmons, seasonal mushrooms like chanterelles and shiitakes, or some of the fresh nuts that are coming into season.

Some of these items are more prevalent during the earlier autumn months, while some become available later in the season. You can use this list as a handy reference for delicious autumn cooking!

Remember, if you can’t afford to buy everything organic, you can check the produce you are buying against the Dirty Dozen list. For autumn, pay particular attention for organic apples, pears and grapes, as well as your greens like kale, spinach and collard greens.

Eating seasonally is such a simple and wonderful way to nourish your body plus it is easier on the wallet! I hope you will add more of these delicious autumn foods into your meals this season!

To your health and healing!