We are now past Labor Day weekend, school is well underway, football games have started and most of us have “checked out” of summer mode.

We recently heard someone say, “I am looking forward to fall, but am sad the farmers’ market is over.”

WHAT?!

 

As summer winds down, you may also be thinking that farmers’ market season has come to an end, but nothing could be further than the truth! 

You heard that right — there is a wide variety of extraordinary in-season produce during this “end of summer” meets “beginning of fall” season!

And farmers’ markets will continue to thrive for several more weeks and months!

 

 

Why is it important to eat in-season? 

We love strolling the market on a cool crisp fall morning, enjoying a hot cup of coffee, plus there are SO MANY benefits that make shopping the farmers’ market and buying local, just harvested ingredients completely worth it:

 

• Take advantage of maximum flavor!  Those tomatoes, carrots, greens and pears taste the absolute best when they are picked just days – or even hours – before you buy them!
• Nutritional powerhouse!  This is also the best way to get the best bang for your buck when it comes to produce being loaded with nutrients.  It helps take care of our bodies’ seasonal needs (cooling and hydrating with foods like watermelon in the summer, and then transitioning to cooler weather with foods like apples and pears), plus it gives us the optimal assortment of nutrients we need.
• Know your farmer!  Shopping at the farmers’ market helps you know where your food comes from, and it also helps the environment by supporting those who work hard to keep our soil and water chemical free!
• Bigger bank account!  Eating in-season and local helps you save money.  Whether you are buying those cool-season greens at the market, or you are buying what’s on sale at the store, you can enjoy nutritious foods and save money at the same time!
• Most important…buying REAL food ingredients is the perfect inspiration to find great ideas what to do with them and cook at home!  And, Eat REAL America has your back with absolutely delicious ideas!

 

What produce can you expect at the farmers’ market this time of year?

As we roll through September, you will continue to see fresh tomatoes, melons, corn, peppers, sweet potatoes, okra, eggplant, carrots, garlic, green beans and more.  Plus, you will find leeks, broccoli, cauliflower, parsnips, Brussels sprouts and a wide variety of winter squash (such as butternut, acorn, spaghetti and kabocha).

Beets, turnips and fennel will be going strong, as well as autumn fruits like apples and pears.  And, as an added bonus, super-delicious and healthy greens like kale, Swiss chard, spinach, and arugula are coming back with the cooler temperatures!

 

 

The REAL question…what can you do with all these ingredients?

Eggplant – we are frequently asked, “what can you do with eggplant besides eggplant parmesan?”  A 14-year-old daughter of an Eat REAL America member told us that the Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Pasta is her favorite recipe – make sure to try it if you haven’t already!  We also highly recommend the Mini Eggplant Pizzas and the Crispy Eggplant and Corn with Chile Oil!

 

Green Beans – we love roasting green beans, and also combining them with other ingredients and seasoning combinations.  Instead of just opening a can of green beans, try one of the recipes on the website using fresh green beans from the farmers’ market and you will be amazed by the difference!  A few delicious ideas include the Oven Roasted Salmon over Creamy Green Beans, the Roasted Balsamic Green Beans & Mushrooms and the Grilled Green Beans with Curry Dipping Sauce.

 

Butternut Squash – we have so many delicious ideas, there are literally too many great ones to highlight!  Some of the favorites include the Butternut Squash Veggie Bake, the Very Veggie Minestrone, the Pear and Butternut Squash Salad, the Roasted Butternut Squash and Pesto Grilled Cheese, and the Butternut Squash Lasagna.

 

Acorn Squash – not sure what to do with acorn squash?  If you think it is only for decorating, you are not alone (but you ARE missing out!).  When you slice and roast them, you don’t even have to peel the skin.  Check out the Roasted Acorn Squash with Pine Nuts, the Acorn Squash and Apple Salad, the Maple Roasted Acorn Squash, and the Egg in the Hole Acorn Squash (one of our personal favorites!).

 

Spaghetti Squash – it’s an ideal change-of-pace from pasta, and a few flavor-loaded ideas are the Spaghetti Squash Noodle Bowl (we’ve been told this is restaurant quality!), Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai (will take care of that Thai craving!), and the Spaghetti Squash Pancakes will amaze you – they are great with both sweet and savory toppings!  It is also the perfect base to serve with dishes like the Cincinnati Style Chili and the Baked Chicken Parmesan.

 

Sweet Potatoes – if you or someone you know don’t think they like sweet potatoes, the Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potato needs to be on your “make very soon” list!  It is also a great time to enjoy the Oktoberfest Inspired Potato Skins.  Or, if nothing else, try roasting them using our Sweet Potato Curly Fries recipe — the kids will love these!  There are MANY more ideas on the website.

 

Apples and Pears – now is the time!  This is the perfect time of year to enjoy the Cabbage, Apple & Pear Salad, the Braised Red Cabbage with Apples, the Fall Inspired Kale Salad, the Slow Cooker Autumn Pork Tacos, the Green Pear Salad with Candied Walnuts, the Rustic Roasted Pears, and the Roasted Chickpeas and Pear Salad!

 

Leeks – similar to large green onions, there are many things you can do with leeks.  A few of our favorite ideas include Fennel and Leek Al Forno, the Grilled Zucchini, Leeks and Corn, and the Scallops on Creamy Leeks – crazy good!

 

Beets – roasted beets are fantastic this time of year.  If you can find them at your local farmers’ market, golden beets and Chioggia beets are definitely worth picking up!  Try the Montana Inspired Beet Salad, the Autumn Roasted Veggie Sandwich, the Roasted Beets & Orange Salad, the Roasted Beet Hummus, and the Pear & Beet Salad!

 

Broccoli and Cauliflower – get out of the rut of steaming veggies and impress your family and friends with the Buffalo Broccoli and Cauliflower Bites, the Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, the Roasted Vegetable Pesto Pasta, the Roasted Cauliflower Sandwich or the Honey Lime Sriracha Cauliflower!  And you can search “broccoli” or “cauliflower” in the SEARCH RECIPES box for MANY more ideas.

 

For even more ideas, check out the “In Season” section on Eat REAL America for some incredibly delicious Fall-inspired recipes!

 

Take advantage of shopping at your local market within the next few months, and then share what you bought and what you did with those in-season ingredients!

 

And, if there is something you’re not sure what to do with, please let us know…

 

we want to help, and we love a challenge!