I've been on a steep learning curve in the last few years as the eating habits in our house have dramatically shifted. I was fortunately always raised to eat healthy food by a mom who cooked amazing meals, but it's a whole different story when you're making food for yourself - and even more different when you have to cook for someone else! As a disclaimer, since he will read this blog, Nathan does not ask me to cook every night but I really love making fresh, healthy food for both of us. So I do!
As we have started down the journey of eating mainly local and/or organic food and meat, we have realized something we never did before - that living in America, we are incredibly spoiled to eat things like peaches, pumpkins, strawberries, and dozens of other examples year-round. These foods simply don't exist year-round naturally, and the only reason we get them is because grocery stores and suppliers stock up for the months they aren't available.
Shopping at our farmer's markets (click here to check out the best markets in Hampton Roads) has opened our eyes to this! Fortunately, this summer has meant loads of peaches, blueberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, and zucchini. Unfortunately, the winter harvest isn't nearly as good. So as a helpful resource both to myself in others, here's a blog that answers the question: what IS in season this fall? Even if local/organic produce isn't heavily important to you, these foods will still be the freshest and most delicious...and that's something we can all get on board with!
Every geographical area is different depending on the climate and humidity, but I've used these resources (here, here, and here) to collect my information.
Vegetables: beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower (yay!), lettuce, pumpkin (YAY!), radishes, squash, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
Fruit: apples, cranberries, grapes, pears, pomegranates
Recipes (all gluten free)
Stuffed Delicata Squash with Wild Rice and Brown Butter
Roasted Buddha Bowl (Oh She Glows)
Butternut Squash Risotto (SkinnyTaste)
Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Soup (Cookie and Kate)
Paleo Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes
Salted Caramel Mocha Latte
Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Cider
Paleo Pumpkin Pie (haven't tried this yet!)
Happy shopping, and happy cooking! And as always, let me know if I missed something!
