Beets. Root vegetables, like beets, parsnips, and turnips are plentiful during the fall season and are easy to prepare. Plus, beets embody great grounding properties, which are perfect as we transition from summer to fall. Like most vegetables, you can eat beets raw on a salad or roast them in the oven. Get creative and whip them up into a homemade hummus, but avoid adding them or any beets or their scraps to homemade broths or stews as they can create a bitter flavor.
Figs. Apples may be a fall favorite beloved by many, but another fall fruit to enjoy during the cooler months is figs. The naturally sweet flavor and jammy texture of figs make them a great addition to fall baking. Add figs to appetizers, adorn them on top of a tart, toss them in fall salads or use them in desserts.
Garlic. Garlic may be well known as an herb or spice, but it is actually a fall vegetable. This fall veggie adds a great flavor to most recipes including homemade hummus, marinades, meats, salad dressings, sauces, soups, stews, vegetables, and vinaigrettes. Step aside garlic bread and try these Savory Garlic Biscuits instead.
Ginger. Looking to flavor a dish with some classic fall flavor? Try some ginger root. Known to ease any digestive discomfort or sour stomach, ginger is always great to have on hand. Whether you are enjoying a warm mug of tea with a slice of Ginger Lemon Bars or a Pumpkin Gingerbread Cupcakes with Maple Cinnamon Frosting, ginger is good for more than just holiday baking.
Kale and Spinach. Swap that summer smoothie for a fall kale and spinach salad. Fall is no excuse to skip out on greens, so enjoy them raw in a salad or steamed for a dinner side dish. Top with fresh garlic and onion for an added touch of savory flavor or try another recipe like Cauliflower Beet and Kale Pizza, Kale and Parmesan Scones, or Savory Chicken Pesto Casserole, all delicious dishes for a brisk fall day.
Parsnips. Root vegetables, like parsnips, pair well with certain fruits, such as pears, but are also delicious on their own. Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with favorite seasonings, like crushed red pepper flakes, parsley, pepper, salt, and roast. Then, enjoy it as a fabulous fall side dish.
Persimmons. Another fall fruit to fall in love with is the persimmon. Serve them baked in a homemade dessert, candied, or enjoy them fresh. You can also swap out tomato slices on a traditional lunchtime BLT and use fresh slices of persimmons instead. Who needs a BLT when you can make a BLP?
Squash. Butternut squash is one of the most popular varieties of squashes, but be adventurous this fall season and try other options like acorn squash, delicata squash, and spaghetti squash. Serve roasted or get creative and create a batch of plant-based spaghetti for an Italian-themed dinner perfect for a chilly fall night.
Looking for more fall fruits and vegetables? Check out these additional 14 fruits and vegetables to enjoy this fall and if you are tired of all of that fall pumpkin, try our seasonal Apple Cinnamon Muffin & Bread Mix.
Wondering what fruit and vegetables are in season in your region? Access this seasonal food guide.