Fall Ingredients You Shouldn't Resist
Fall is in the air! The days are shorter, the weather is finally cooling down, and the trees are trading in their modest, emerald foliage for fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Everywhere you go it smells of moist earth and pumpkin spice; kids and their backpacks flood the sidewalks of town every morning and afternoon, and gossamer webs dot the earth in hazy white spots. But most of all, fall ingredients are back and here for a limited time only! Be sure to get yours while they last!
Apples
Apples say fall like hot cocoa says winter and watermelons say summer! Pick-your-own-apple orchards throughout the country are bursting with sagging trees that bow under the weight of their wares. With a staggering 7,500 varieties of apples grown around the world, it’s no wonder that apples are the second most popular fruit. Plus, as they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Thanks to the apple’s ample vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants, this handy little snack improves eye health, boosts your immune system, balances your electrolytes, protects against cancer and heart disease, lowers cholesterol, enhances brain function, regulates your blood sugar, and maintains healthy gut bacteria. Get your apples any way you can in apple fritters, caramel apples, apple pie, apple cider, baked apples, or straight off the tree!
Pumpkin
In some circles fall is aptly nicknamed “pumpkin spice season.” Pumpkin spice lovers of all ages anxiously await the advent of their favorite flavors that abound in the fall. Whether they get their fix in a pumpkin latte or a pumpkin roll, there’s no question that Americans live for pumpkin spice! As delicious as pumpkin is as a flavor, it’s also highly nutritious. Every part of the pumpkin is edible and it features a host of health-promoting nutrients including high levels of potassium, vitamin A, and beta carotene.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash may be a less-popular cousin to the pumpkin, but its bright orange flesh is a favorite ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes around the world. This delicious vegetable is also bursting in vitamins C and A. It is used widely in soups and stews and tastes delicious when baked or roasted.
As the flavors of fall emerge, be sure to get your fill on them while they last! In particular, apples, pumpkin, and butternut squash are nutritious, versatile, and absolutely delicious. Try something new this autumn and you just might “fall” in love with it!
Watching what you eat? Food trucks can be excellent options for nutritious meals on the go. Click here to learn more about healthy entrees to look for at a food truck near you!
