Fall in Love with Fall Produce!
By Lauren Martyn
As a college student on a budget, it can be difficult to buy fresh fruits and vegetables as they can be costly. One way to save money while grocery shoppings is by taking advantage of seasonal produce. Seasonal produce is often much cheaper than buying imported produce, allowing you to optimize your grocery budget while maximizing the flavor of your recipes!
Not only can shopping seasonally help you manage your grocery budget, but there are also so many other benefits you can reap. Seasonal produce is often more fresh and flavorful than imported goods, as fruits and vegetables that ripen on a stem tend to develop a more full flavor than produce that has been picked earlier in the season and shipped out. The nutritional value of produce also tends to diminish the longer it has been off the stem, and fruits and vegetables that are stored for long periods of time due to transportation or to be used at a later date have a reduction in phyto-nutrient content. When you eat recently harvested food, you receive the full nutritional benefit of these goods and ensure you are getting the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals available.
Additionally, you can reduce your carbon footprint by shopping seasonally. Eating seasonally and locally can reduce the carbon footprint of your food by up to 10% because these crops are grown without artificial heat. If they are grown locally, the distance a product has travelled between its origin and supermarket shelf are likely to be much lower and avoid the need for products to be shipped or flown in. So if you are looking to better your health and the environment, shopping for seasonal produce is a step in the right direction!
This fall, be sure to take advantage of:
Apples
Dates
Figs
Pumpkins
Squash
Pineapples
Pears
Persimmons
Bell peppers
Brussel sprouts
Kale
Beets
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Onions
Spinach
There are so many amazing recipes you can recreate using fresh fall fruits and vegetables. Some of my favorites you should be sure to check out are:
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread (https://www.wellplated.com/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-bread/)
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cups (https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/apple-cinnamon-oatmeal-cups/ )
Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes (https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/healthy-pumpkin-oatmeal-pancakes/)
Roasted Beet, Tomato, Arugula and Feta Salad (https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/roasted-beets-arugula-tomato-feta-salad/)
Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta (https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/creamy-roasted-garlic-butternut-squash-pasta/)
