Halloween has come and gone, which means it’s officially time for our November produce guide! November ushers in a time of change and transformation in the world of fresh produce. With Thanksgiving around the corner and the holiday season approaching, this month brings a unique assortment of fruits and vegetables that are at their peak of flavor and freshness. In this post, we will break down what’s in season this month, highlighting the delicious, nutritious, and eco-friendly options that you can savor during this time of year.
Keep scrolling to see our favorite fall recipes!
The Benefits of Eating Seasonally
Eating seasonally offers numerous advantages. These advantages are not just for your taste buds but also for your health, wallet, and the environment. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Flavor: Seasonal produce is often at its peak in terms of flavor. Eating in season produce will almost always result in the tastiest recipes.
2. Nutrition: Freshly harvested fruits and vegetables tend to be more nutrient-dense than their out-of-season counterparts.
3. Cost: When produce is in season, it’s typically more abundant and, therefore, more affordable. Cheers to that!
4. Environmental Impact: Choosing in-season items can reduce your carbon footprint as they are often locally sourced, requiring less transportation. Try to shop from local farmers at the grocery store, or attend the next farmers market!
Now let’s break down the fruits that are in season this month.
Fruits in Season
1. Apples: Crisp, sweet, and versatile, apples are a quintessential fall fruit. Use them for snacking, baking, or making homemade applesauce. When you think November produce, apples may be the first thing to come to mind.
2. Pears: With their sweet, juicy, and slightly grainy flesh, pears are perfect for eating fresh or incorporating into salads and desserts.
3. Cranberries: These tart, red jewels are a Thanksgiving essential. Use them to make cranberry sauce, relish, or even bake them into muffins and bread.
4. Grapes: Grapes come in various colors and flavors, making them an excellent addition to fruit platters or for creating your own grape-based desserts.
5. Persimmons: These bright orange fruits are known for their honey-like sweetness. Slice them into salads or enjoy them as a healthy snack.
6. Pomegranates: Bursting with antioxidants, pomegranates make a delightful and nutritious addition to your November diet. Their seeds can be sprinkled over salads or used to garnish dishes.
7. Kiwi: This tropical fruit adds a touch of exoticism to your fall meals. Slice and eat them as they are, or use them to enhance fruit salads.
8. Quince: Quince is a lesser-known fruit with a unique flavor profile. Use it to make jams, jellies, or delicious tarts.
9. Kumquats: These tiny, tangy citrus fruits can be eaten whole, peel and all. They make a zesty addition to salads and cocktails.
Vegetables in Season
1. Brussels Sprouts: A star of the Thanksgiving table, Brussels sprouts are best roasted with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.
2. Butternut Squash: Creamy and sweet, butternut squash can be turned into delectable soups, roasted side dishes, or even used in pies.
3. Pumpkin: Beyond being a Halloween decoration, pumpkins can be transformed into pumpkin puree for pies, soups, and more. You can turn pretty much any recipe into a “pumpkin version” for the fall, right?
4. Sweet Potatoes: These vibrant tubers are perfect for mashing, roasting, or turning into pies.
5. Acorn Squash: Acorn squash’s sweet and nutty flavor shines when roasted or stuffed with flavorful ingredients.
6. Cauliflower: A versatile vegetable, cauliflower can be used to make creamy cauliflower soup, cauliflower rice, or even roasted cauliflower steaks.
7. Turnips: Turnips are a root vegetable with a mild, peppery flavor. Try them mashed or roasted.
8. Cabbage: Cabbage varieties like red and green cabbage are ideal for coleslaw, sauerkraut, and stir-fries.
9. Kale: Packed with nutrients, kale is great for making salads, smoothies, or even kale chips.
10. Radishes: Add a spicy kick to your salads or pickled dishes with fresh radishes.
Recipe Ideas for November’s Produce (with recipe links!)
Now that we’ve explored the variety of fruits and vegetables in season in November, let’s dive into some mouthwatering recipe ideas to make the most of this seasonal bounty.
1. Roasted Vegetable Medley: Combine butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and carrots. Toss them with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic, then roast until they caramelize.
2. Kale and Pomegranate Salad: Toss fresh kale with pomegranate seeds, crumbled feta cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette for a nutritious and flavorful salad.
3. Pumpkin Soup: Blend roasted pumpkin with aromatic spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for a creamy and comforting soup.
4. Caramelized Pear and Brie Crostini: Slice pears and caramelize them in a pan with a touch of honey. Serve on toasted baguette slices with melted brie.
5. Stuffed Acorn Squash: Hollow out acorn squash and stuff it with a savory mixture of quinoa, cranberries, and pecans, then bake until tender.
6. Pear and Blue Cheese Pizza: Top a pizza crust with thinly sliced pears, crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of honey for a gourmet pizza experience.
7. Spicy Roasted Radishes: Toss radishes with olive oil, chili flakes, and sea salt, then roast until they become tender and slightly crispy.
8. Pomegranate Sorbet: Make a refreshing sorbet by blending pomegranate seeds with a touch of sugar and lemon juice, then freeze until firm.
Enjoy November’s Produce
November brings a wealth of seasonal fruits and vegetables that are both delicious and nutritious. Embracing the bounty of this time of year not only enhances your culinary experiences but also supports local farmers and reduces your carbon footprint. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast or simply enjoying the flavors of fall, make the most of the produce in season this November. So, head to your local farmers’ market or grocery store, and let the vibrant colors and flavors of autumn inspire your culinary creations.