All about Fall (produce)

As the weather cools down, kitchens come alive with the rich, earthy flavors that define fall. It’s a time for creamy soups and stews simmering on the stove; hearty grains, warming crisps and crumbles, and of course, seasonal smoothies that will have you feeling cozy from the first sip. 

Autumn brings a bounty of delicious and nutritious fruits and veggies. Here are some of the best to enjoy throughout the season.

1. Apples. Apples shine brightest in the fall, with multiple varieties coming in flavors that range from super sweet to extra tart. They are rich in soluble fiber, vitamin C, and quercetin, a flavonoid that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Enjoy them fresh on their own or in salads, bake them into pies and crumbles, or DIY your own cider. They’re also great blended up in your nutribullet. Case in point: this Silky Apple Pie Smoothie that condenses the flavors of apple pie à la mode into an ultra-nutritious plant-based beverage. 
2. Pumpkin. A quintessential fall veggie, pumpkins have sweet and savory versatility that makes them great for soups, pies, and roasted dishes alike. They’re high in vitamins A and C, which are beneficial for eye and immune health. Canned pumpkin puree is a great alternative to fresh, and we recommend using it in both this No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake and these Pumpkin Spice Bites. And don’t forget the seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds make for a tasty snack that’s rich in healthy fats, magnesium, and zinc.
3. Butternut Squash. With its sweet, nutty flavor, butternut squash is perfect for roasting, blending into soup, and incorporating into grain dishes, like this 3 Sisters Wild Rice Salad. To prep your squash, we recommend cutting it in half lengthwise, scooping out the seeds, then peeling and cutting into cubes. From here, you can roast, steam, or saute for all your culinary preparations.
4. Sweet Potatoes. Antioxidant-rich sweet potatoes are hearty and slightly sweet, making them ideal for baking, mashing, or roasting. They also tend to score lower on the glycemic index than white potatoes, which means they may have a more gradual effect on blood sugar levels. Cozy up to both sweet and spicy flavors with our Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie.
5. Brussels Sprouts. These nutrient-dense buds are harvested from the stalk of a larger green cabbage plant. Like other cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts are part of the Brassica family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, and kale—all known for their health benefits. To prep the most tender sprouts, first remove the tough ends, along with any discolored outer leaves. You can then leave them whole or cut them in half to roast, or thinly slice or shred your sprouts for salads, slaws, and stir-fries. Our nutribullet® Triple Prep System is the perfect tool for the latter job.
6. Kale. Hailed as a superfood due to its impressive nutritional profile and health benefits, kale has been the “it” leafy green for a while now. This kale and grain-based Fall Harvest Bowl makes the most of all the amazing flavors the season has to offer, with roasted butternut squash, pumpkin seeds, fresh apples, and a smooth maple tahini dressing to top it all off.

Eating fall produce is like embracing a warm, comforting hug from the season. These fruits and vegetables not only capture the flavors of autumn but also provide a wealth of nutrients to support your health as the seasons change.