As the weather turns cooler, the beauty of autumn emerges – not only the vibrant foliage but also the colors in the fall harvest. These brilliant colors are more than skin deep. The green hues of cabbage and Brussels sprouts and the orange flesh of winter squashes contain powerful phytochemicals and antioxidants important to maintaining good health.

People are rediscovering the pleasure of fresh, healthy food from local farms and a more meaningful connection with the land and the community. A good directory of farmers markets in your area can be accessed by clicking here. Buying locally grown fruits and vegetables is a healthy lifestyle habit. Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke, other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Besides health benefits, eating locally grown produce keeps our dollars local and it helps the environment.  Less fossil fuel is used to transport the produce to local markets which offsets the price we pay for foods produced by our area farms.

In the fall, squash, cabbage, and apples are just a few of the seasonal favorites in our area. 

Don’t save cabbage just for special occasions.  This unassuming vegetable is actually a nutrition powerhouse.  Rich in fiber and vitamin C, but low in calories and fat, this versatile and inexpensive vegetable should be at the top of everyone’s menu.  When selecting cabbage, choose heads that are firm, feel heavy, and look fresh and unblemished.  A one and one-half pound cabbage will yield six to eight cups of shredded raw cabbage.  Cabbage can be prepared sweet, tart, bland or creamed.

Squash is a superstar!  This is another area vegetable that ranks high in nutrition, stores well and is easy to prepare.  No matter which of the many gorgeous shapes and colors you choose, you will be loading up on health promoting carotenoids.  Carotenoids (for example, beta carotene) are antioxidants that our bodies turn into vitamin A.

Apples have flavonoids and polyphenols especially in the skin that offer disease protection.  The old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” stands the test of time.