Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in the Fall by Marie Morache

Fresh fruit and vegetables in the fall

Summer months are filled with enjoying lush fruit and fresh vegetables, often right at our finger tips. For those with gardens we are used to going in the backyard to get that ripe tomato, fresh lettuce, crisp cucumber or juicy pear. As the weather changes and harvest comes to an end, it can be more challenging to get those fresh fruits and vegetables at arm’s reach. Yet, as winter settles in, so do the extra pounds. It is just as important through the dark months to incorporate fruits and vegetables into our daily meals.

Some tips for making sure you are getting your fruits and vegetables:

1. Find a local farmer’s market. Going to a farmers market is a great way to experience the abundance of fruits and vegetables offered year round. Many farmers markets close for the fall, but there are a few that stay open year round. The Seattle Farmers Market website has a list of local farmers markets and the months they are open. http://www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org/markets  Rising Sun is another option. It is a fruit stand open year round, with great prices. http://www.yelp.com/biz/rising-sun-farms-and-produce-seattle
2. Know what’s in season. Knowing what is in season at various times of the year can help the mystery of what to buy. Seattle Farmer’s Market has a calendar of what they offer at various months throughout the year. This is a great starting point for learning what is ripe – http://www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org/ripe-n-ready/produce-calendar
3. Experiment with new recipes. Once you have purchased your fruits and vegetables in season, try your hand at a new recipe incorporating your purchase. This may take a little extra time at first, but you will discover a new repertoire of recipes, while eating healthy at the same time. In the long run it will save you energy. Commit to incorporating one new recipe a week. This can expand your horizons, while keeping it realistic.