As fall begins in New England, memories await, fires are kindled, and seasonal food abounds. It’s a great time of year to look around and see what you can enjoy both from a consumption and growth perspective. Autumn offers so much for every taste and preference – not to mention beauty for all five senses. In this seasonal fall food guide, we discuss the food we can eat and grow during autumn.
Seasonal Fall Food to Eat
There are endless options when you think about the food available to eat in the fall. Some are the obvious choices dotting grocery stores and farmer’s markets. Others are less common. Regardless, fall is a great time to enjoy new and old food options. Here are just a few.
Apples
These sweet, crunchy pieces of fruit are a joy to eat and gather from orchards. Apple picking remains one of New England’s favorite fall pastimes, and for good reason. Bake an apple pie with friends and family, or pack one of these fiber-filled treats for a snack.
Pumpkins
Whether you decorate pumpkins or roast their seeds, this orange gourd is another fall favorite. You can also incorporate pumpkin into baked goods like pumpkin bread or pies.
Sweet Potatoes
Diced or sliced, in soups or as a side, sweet potatoes are a classic on any fall time menu. In the same family as pumpkins, you can eat sweet potatoes in a variety of ways. They are great in both savory and dessert dishes and are a perfect example of seasonal fall food.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Kale, brussels sprouts, and broccoli are examples of cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables all offer delicious flavors to your seasonal fall menu. Roast any of these options with salt and pepper for a simple and hearty flavor profile alongside any meat or poultry dish.
Seasonal Fall Food to Plant
Many of the same foods we enjoy for consumption can also be grown. While spring and summer are known for their growing seasons, fall can also be a time for growth for some plants. The following are some common plants you can grow during autumn.
Broccoli and Cauliflower
Get your roasting ovens ready: broccoli and cauliflower, two cruciferous vegetables, do well in autumn gardens. The cooler temperatures keep their flowers intact and tender. Plant them in mid to late summer for a late fall harvest.
Green Beans
Prepare your fall vegetable casseroles with crops from your own garden. Green beans are perfect for any autumn menu, and you can plant them during the season as well. Try to plant well before the first frost, as they do not handle cooler temperatures well.
Carrots
As a side dish, carrots provide depth and flavor. They make heart contenders for your autumn garden. You will reap the benefits of a plentiful carrot harvest by planting seeds in early fall.
