Healthy Fall Farmers' Market Vegetables -- And How to Cook with Them

Fall at the Farmers\' Market

farmers market, fruits, fall fall at the farmers market

Why should you make the weekly trek to your local farmers\' market instead of to the nearest mega-grocer? It all starts with quality. The ingredients from your farmers\' market will always be in season, meaning they were grown and harvested during peak conditions. The farmers\' market also brings you food from right outside your front door. The fresher your food, the longer it will last and the better it will taste.

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Here\'s a seasonal guide to what you can find in most greenmarkets across the country this fall. Check back regularly with The Daily Green to stay updated on what to look for as seasons change. Already a fan of greenmarket shopping? Send us your photos and tell us what\'s big at your greenmarket stall this autumn.

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Winter Squash

acorn squash, winter squash, farmers market acorn squash Arguably fall\'s favorite (and most prevalent) vegetable, winter squash can be seen on seasonal menus across the country. Whether simply roasted with butter and sage or tossed with ricotta as a ravioli filling, acorn squash (pictured) is versatile and simple to prepare, but has a limited peak from October to December.
\r\nRecipe Ideas:
\r\nAcorn Squash Stuffed with Rutabaga and Pecans
\r\nBaked Acorn Squash with Red Quinoa and Pumpkin Seed Stuffing
\r\nSimple Roasted Acorn Squash\r\n

Concord Grapes

concord grapes, farmers market concord grapes These sweet, deeply colored grapes are best known for producing grape juice, jelly and wine, but have a myriad of other uses. They\'re available in the fall, but are most abundant during the month of October. Known as \"slip-skins,\" they don\'t even need to be peeled — just wash, rinse and pinch. The skin slips right off, leaving you with a delicious and healthy snack. \r\n

Pomegranates

pomegranate, farmers market pomegranates at the farmers market Long a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, the pomegranate has recently become popular because of its intense health benefits. Available from September through January, the pomegranate has almost 20% of the daily required vitamin C for adults, and its juice is packed with healthy antioxidants. Mix the seeds into couscous or sprinkle them over a green salad with orange segments for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Apples

apples, farmers market apples at the farmers market Nothing heralds the arrival of fall like a bushel of apples. You\'ll start to see a few show up in markets come late August, but most are really at their peak around late September. Apples come in dozens of varieties with each one serving a very specific culinary purpose. Gala and Jonagolds are great for applesauce, while Honeycrisps are great for baking and cider, and Granny Smiths make a wonderful tart snacking apple that doesn\'t come into season until the end of October.
\r\nRecipe Ideas:
\r\nCranberry Apple Crisp with Oatmeal Streusel
\r\nApple Cranberry Sauce
\r\nApple Butter
\r\nWarm Chicken and Apple Salad\r\n

Butternut Squash

butternut squash, farmers market butternut squash The most popular of the winter squashes, butternut squash is available during fall and winter. Unlike its many summer and winter squash cousins, butternut squash holds up well to the bitter winter cold because of its tough outer shell. The soft inner flesh matures throughout the entire winter season, allowing it to slowly develop its distinctively sweet flavor. Use it in couscous with pomegranate and raisins or puree it into a soup topped with chives and crème fraîche.
\r\nRecipe Ideas:
\r\nWinter Squash Casserole
\r\nButternut Squash Soup\r\n

Brussels Sprouts

brussels sprouts, farmers market Brussels Sprouts Silence your inner child with these delicious, diminutive members of the cabbage family. Available and at their peak from late September through mid-February, Brussels sprouts hold up to almost any preparation, from oven roasting to braising and blanching. Go savory with thick-cut bacon or toss them with reduced balsamic vinegar and pecans for a sweet fall side dish. I love Brussels Sprouts with Cannellini Beans and Chorizo.\r\n
Recipe Ideas:\r\n
Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Baby Carrots and Pearl Onions\r\n\r\n\r\n
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts and Prunes

Eggplant

eggplant, farmers market eggplant farmers market Eggplant is a transitional berry (that\'s right — it\'s not actually a vegetable or even a fruit), and like most berries, peaks toward the end of summer and begins to decline in the fall. But this year, thanks to the unusually warm fall weather, eggplant is still widely available in most markets and continues to be picked while in peak condition. A favorite recipe of mine is Japanese Eggplant with Garlic, Olive Oil and Tomatoes.\r\n
Recipe Ideas:\r\n
Eggplant and Zucchini Lasagna\r\n\r\n
Bistro Chicken and Eggplant Sandwiches

Carrots

carrot, vegetable, farmers market, union square green market carrots at the farmers market Despite being available year-round, carrots have long been considered a \"cool weather\" vegetable, and are generally best in the late fall and early spring. Once thought of as a humble buttered side dish, carrots have come into their own in recent years and are now widely available in their various natural hues, including red, purple, yellow and white. Pan roast them whole with fresh thyme or go sweet by baking them into carrot cupcakes.
Recipe Ideas:
Carrot Cake Recipe\r\n
Carrot Soup with Cucumber Pistachio Relish

Sweet Potato

sweet potato, farmers market, union square green market sweet potato at the farmers market Traditionally thought of as a Thanksgiving staple, the sweet potato is actually available year round, but is always best in November and December. Sweet potatoes work well in both sweet and savory preparations, from sweet potato mash to sweet potato pie. Not to be confused with yams, most sweet potatoes in the United States are characteristically orange, but can still be found in white and yellow varieties throughout the deep South, where they first became dietary staples. \r\n
Recipe Ideas:
Sweet Potato Casserole \r\n
Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew\r\n
Sweet Potato Fries

Pears

pears, farmers market, union square green market pears at the farmers market Although some varieties, like Bartlett, start creeping into markets by the end of summer, pears don\'t truly hit their peak until late fall and winter. Don\'t stop at just peeling and eating them raw — pears are perfect for poaching in spiced wine or stirring into risotto and topping with cheese. For a meatier alternative, kick applesauce to the curb and serve sugar-syrup poached pears with pork chops instead.\r\n
Recipe Ideas:\r\n\r\n\r\n
Honey Pears with Rosemary\r\n
Pear Applesauce\r\n
\r\nButternut Squash-Chestnut Soup with Balsamic Caramelized Pears

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