The Very Best of October’s In Season Fruits and Vegetables

photo courtesy of DietsInReview.com

by Brandi Koskie for DietsInReview.com

It’s a new month and a new batch of produce is coming in to season. For anyone who thinks healthy eating is boring, just get a calendar! There’s something new every few weeks, which means your menu at home can constantly be changing.

Sure, you can get a tomato or apple anytime of year because of the mass production growing system we use now. But honestly, don’t the tomatoes in June and July taste far superior to the ones you get in October? And this month, as the apples come in to season, you know they taste better than the ones you ate in June.

Especially the Honeycrisp apples. We’ve never been happier to pay $3/pound for fruit. We interviewed Mr. Honeycrisp, the man behind the development of one of the most popular apples around. He told us that right now is the best time to get these apples and many other varieties. That’s why apple cider, apple crisps, applesauce, and Healthier Caramel Apples are all things you should be making right now!

That’s not all though. October, for as chilly as it’s becoming, is still able to kick out some impressive fruits and vegetables. As the weather demands more satisfying comfort foods, our produce sections are yielding heartier selections.

Broccoli, cabbage, a variety of squashes, potatoes (like red and sweet) and young turnips are all perfect for the picking right now. It’s enough to give a girl daydreams about stews, and chills, and soups, and roasted veggies.

We know we don’t have to daydream about it, though. We can make it a piping hot reality. These veggies are the heart of healthier Crock pot meals, from potato soup to vegetable stew.

As for fruit, summer might get to have most of the fun, but fall gets to save the best for last. Pumpkin, pears, coconut, and of course apples are all ripe for the picking in October. We already know everyone is pumpkin obsessed, and have gone off the deep end over Honeycrisp apples. Pears and coconut should get an equal shake, too. This Roasted Pear Gravy is savory and sweet and will complement some of your best fall meals.