Are you starting to notice that the supply of tomatoes and zucchini are beginning to be lacking at your local farmers markets? It’s hard to give up those beautiful ripe red tomatoes of summer, but just around the corner are the complex vegetables of Autumn.
Autumn is a time for root vegetables. It’s a time we begin to hunker down and stay indoors, and to eat more soups and stews. The plants that grow above ground begin to take their Winter sleep.
Though Pumpkin is not really a vegetable, it’s a very large berry, believe it or not, they are ripe for the Autumn season. Pumpkin is high in vitamin A and beta-carotene. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium. Bake it into a pie, or make it into a soup.
Check your local market for yams and sweet potatoes. Like the pumpkin, they are high in vitamin A and fiber. They are wonderful baked and topped with cinnamon and butter. Enjoy them in a casserole.
Kale is available year round, but it’s actually a fall staple. It’s at its best in Autumn. After the first frost, or even snow, kale gets so mild and sweet. I love turning it into a pesto.
Here’s my recipe for Kale Pesto that I make and freeze:
2 to 3 cloves garlic
3 cups packed kale (about 1 small bunch)
1 cup basil
3⁄4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
3⁄4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1⁄4 teaspoon ground pepper
1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1⁄3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Process ingredients in a food processor, or blender. Serve with pasta, or use as a marinade.
As we watch the season change and become colder, it’s important to take care of your immune system. Eating healthy foods with vitamin C will help us stay well. Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are great for this. Add garlic and ginger where you can. Spices are a great way to boost your health and immunity. Stay happy, stay well. Happy Autumn.
The Content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Linda Pecone has lived in Lyons for 25 years. She wrote a wellness section for the Lyons Recorder for five years. She is also a contributor at The Elephant Journal. She has a degree in Nutrition from Harbor Community College. Linda received certificates from The Science and Art of Herbalism after completing a course in Herbalism and Nutrition. She has continued her education in health and nutrition for the last 40 years. Nutrition and healthy cooking have been her life-long passions.
