Pumpkin, Spice, and Everything Nice: 10 Fall Harvest Dishes You Can't Miss
The unofficial first day of fall this year was August 28th! “How do we know that fall starts on August 28th,” you ask? That’s when Starbucks will start serving the much-anticipated Pumpkin Spice Latte.
But PSLs (for those that know the lingo) aren’t the only delicacy to look forward to this fall. The fall harvest brings with it a bounty of delicious options from red beets and green apples to Brussels sprouts and green beans. We’ve pulled together recipes for ten of the fall season’s most delicious crops. Enjoy!
Beets
Red and golden beets have a sweet, earthy flavor, and a surprisingly long list of health benefits. They’re a favorite of athletes and people trying to maintain a heart-healthy diet. Whether you pick them fresh from a local farm stand or from your very own garden, one of the most popular ways to enjoy fresh beets is roasting. We suggest you try them in this beautiful Fall Beet Salad that also includes another fall favorite: Swiss chard.
Apples
In search of a fun fall activity to do outdoors? Try apple picking! September and October are prime times to spend the day in an apple orchard. Once you’ve picked a bushel or two, you’ll need a great recipe for them! Why not try making and canning your own applesauce? The canning experts at Ball have put together the Perfect Applesauce Recipe that will have you enjoying the fruits of your labor well into the winter.
Broccoli
“Eat your broccoli” is a refrain most of us remember from childhood, but chances are your mom wasn’t referring to this recipe. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is a quick and easy way to use this vitamin-packed fall staple. Give it a try and we’re sure it will have the kids — and you — asking for seconds!
Parsnips
If you’ve never seen a parsnip, chances are you’re not alone. Long the subject of old wives’ tales, the parsnip is making a bit of a comeback in today’s culinary scene. A parsnip is a root vegetable that looks like a white carrot, but it has a sweeter, earthier taste. If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, look no further than these Baked Parsnip Fries with Rosemary for a great addition to your fall menu.
Brussels Sprouts
Like broccoli, Brussels sprouts have gotten a bad rap. Many people refuse to even try them, assuming they won’t like them. This fall, we dare you to try Garlic Brussel Sprouts with Crispy Bacon. The fat from the bacon and the bite of the garlic give a unique flavor to Brussels sprouts. Because fall is when Brussels sprouts are freshest, it’s a great time to give them a try.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are hearty vegetables that can withstand cool temperatures, frost, and even snow. That makes them perfect for fall recipes. Think spicy arugula, sweet spinach, crispy collards, and kale, and you’re ready to put together the quintessential fall salad. Try mixing them together in an Arugula, Kale, and Gorgonzola Salad with Balsamic Vinegar.
Cauliflower
Thanks to various trendy diet plans that call for little or no carbs, cooks have been working overtime to find ways to substitute cauliflower for things like rice, potatoes, and even pizza crust. Because cauliflower is best harvested in the cool part of the year, fall is when it’s freshest. You won’t have to buy any expensive ricers or one-time-use ingredients for this simple recipe: Whole Roasted Cauliflower.
Green Beans
Many people think of fresh green beans as a spring or summer food, but with a peak period that lasts well into October, the fall is still an excellent time to add green beans to your dinner menu. By adding some rich, deep flavors, you can create a seasonal fall green bean dish in a snap. Try Green Beans with Hazelnuts and Gorgonzola, and you’ll become a fall green bean believer.
Turnips
The versatility of the turnip makes it the fall harvest’s best utility player. You can mash it, roast it, puree it, stew it, sauté it, or julienne it and use it as a garnish. Not only is it versatile, but it’s packed with Vitamin C, folate, Vitamin K, and other vital nutrients that can help you stay healthy when you’re less active during the winter. If you can cook a potato, you can cook a turnip, so don’t be afraid to be creative. Here’s a recipe for Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips to get you started.
Pumpkin
What’s fall without pumpkins? Some people only see them as decorations, but there are plenty of things you can do with a pumpkin in the kitchen as well. After the kids have had their fun making jack-o-lanterns, do something unexpected with the leftover pieces. You don’t have to just stick to soups and stews. Try something unexpected like Beer-Battered Pumpkin with Dipping Sauce to give this fall harvest MVP its culinary due.
There’s a reason why fall is so often associated with the cornucopia. It’s one of the best times to get fresh fruits and vegetables for your favorite dishes. By taking advantage of these fall harvest staples when they’re in their peak, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful meals well into the winter. Bon Appetit!
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