The fall season is harvest season, which means many of the most delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables are in season.
You may have your own garden full of ripe fruits and veggies just waiting to be picked. Your grocery store’s produce section is probably overflowing with fresh and tasty options right now.
Or better yet, visit your local farmers’ market and buy some produce straight from the source. Here are seven fruits and vegetables to feast on this fall that you might not have considered before:
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are densely packed with bright red edible seeds called arils. These little gems provide a perfect balance of crunchy yet juicy and tart yet sweet.
Use them as a topping for your salads, yogurt, or oatmeal. Blend them into a smoothie or use them to make homemade juice. You can even find recipes to make them into sauces, jams, marinades, syrups, and soups.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts get a bad rap—usually because people have only ever had them boiled into a mushy mess. But when prepared properly, Brussels sprouts can be crispy, nutty, and absolutely delicious.
Many chefs suggest the best way to cook them is to do it hot and fast. Pan-fry them in high-heat cooking oil (such as grapeseed, avocado, or peanut oil) until they’re slightly brown. Mix in some onion or garlic for extra flavor. Or roast them in the oven with your favorite spices until they’re nice and crispy.
Endives
Endives are a leaf vegetable that can make a great colorful and flavorful addition to your salad.
Their scoop-like shape also makes them perfect for appetizer dips or a quick and easy snack.
Or, try braising, grilling, or roasting them for a unique side dish that you and your dinner guests will absolutely love.
Shallots
Shallots are a type of onion that’s much milder and sweeter than other varieties. They can be used in all sorts of dishes as a sweeter alternative to regular onions.
They are great as a topping and in marinades, dressings, and sauces. You can caramelize them to add a touch of sweetness to your savory dishes. You can even prepare them separately to have as a special side dish.
Hot Peppers
Chili peppers are not only a great way to add some spice to your food, but they also have some unique health benefits.
The substance that makes hot peppers hot, capsaicin, has been shown to boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
So add some chili peppers to your soups, stews, chili, curries, and other dishes this fall. Just be sure to handle them with care—capsaicin can cause a burning sensation on your skin.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are very versatile. You can bake them, mash them, stuff them, fry them, and even make them into chips.
Their unique flavor pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. And there are all sorts of different ways to load them up with your favorite mix of toppings.
With these and all the other fall fruits and veggies you try this year, don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Experiment with new recipes, flavor combinations, and cooking techniques. And most importantly, share your favorite dishes with family and friends so they can enjoy the season’s bounty.
