The warm and cozy season is now upon us... Fall. Time for cozy sweaters, warm cups of coffee, and heart-warming fall recipes. What's better than a homemade fall-inspired dish to pass for football Sundays? The autumn season brings out all the fresh produce both seasonally and locally.

  Did you know that there are many benefits to eating seasonally? Well, good news! Today's blog post shares a guide on how to eat seasonally this fall!

Importance of Eating Seasonally

First of all, what does "eating seasonally" exactly mean?

Have you ever noticed that grocery stores tend to be loaded with strawberries and blueberries during the summer? Or the amount of squash has doubled, right around the beginning of September? As the seasons change, so does the produce! Eating seasonally surprisingly has many benefits and fresh produce is a great way to bulk up your healthy recipes!

Keep on reading to learn the benefits of eating seasonally and the variety of fruits and vegetables to add to your meals this fall!

1. Produce is fresh & nutrient dense

Did you know that in-season produce is higher in nutritional value when consumed during harvest season? In-season fruits and vegetables are at the peak of their nutrients and loaded with anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C, folate, and beta-Carotene! When these fruits and vegetables are locally sourced, they are not stored for long periods of time during transportation, which brings out the authentic taste and freshness.

2. Produce and recipes taste better

Quite nothing as satisfying as biting into a fresh Honey-crisp apple or a green, juicy pear! The reason why these fruits taste fresher and sweeter is that they are in season! When these fruits and vegetables are locally picked at peak harvest time, they have been naturally ripened and are ready for consumption. Transportation of fruits and vegetables for long periods of time can strip them of their natural flavor, so that's why in-season, locally sourced produce is the best option!

4. Supports your body's natural nutritional needs

Did you know that eating seasonally can be beneficial to your body's natural needs?

In the summer, fruits like peaches, plums, berries, and cherries all provide extra beta-carotene that protects us against the strong rays of the sun. Fresh lettuce and cucumbers make for a crisp summer salad, leading to more energy for a hot day!

Eating seasonally in the fall supports these natural needs as well! All of the vegetables that pop up during the fall call for warm and cozy soups, casseroles, and other warming meals which are perfect for the chilly weather! Ripe fruits that are higher in Vitamin C provide immunity-boosting effects and can steer the body away from sickness!

5. Produce is affordable

As we know by now, fall is the season for harvest. Have you noticed that the grocery store seems to be higher stocked with fruits and vegetables around this time? Since the fall season brings in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, the price tends to reduce! When farmers have a high abundance of fruits and vegetables, the cost of their produce reduces.

I always suggest buying from a local farmers' market or even a produce stand along side the road! When produce is locally sourced, the price is cheaper because traveling expenses and transportation rates go down!

What Fruits & Vegetables are in Season?

Eating seasonally to benefit your health!

Eating seasonally overall has many benefits such as affordable fruits and vegetables, nutrient-dense produce, and tastier fresh fall-inspired recipes!

The best time to stock up on locally sourced produce is now! Fall brings in all the yummy fruits like apples, pears, and grapes. Time to bulk up a heart-healthy soup recipe with fresh veggies such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and zucchini squash!

Eating seasonally will not only boost your body's natural nutritional needs but also help you create many healthy recipes. Next time you're at the grocery store, try picking out a few new fall inspired vegetables!