What’s in Season Right Now? (Fall 2016)

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What’s in Season Right Now? (Fall 2016)

Seasonality of what you consume is more important than ever. Not only are restaurants adopting the practice of creating dishes that use ingredients that are in season, but many grocery stores are also beginning to do the same.
One of the most important things you can do is to arm yourself with the knowledge of what’s in season during certain months so you can make the most out of the produce.
In-season produce not only tastes better, but you’re also supporting the local farmers and eliminating your carbon footprint by minimizing orders for items that aren’t available in your area, but are grown across the world and have to be shipped.
Here’s what’s in season during Fall 2016.
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Pomegranate

Pomegranate adds a wonderful sweet note to any savory dish, and can stand up on its own in desserts. Find opening a pomegranate daunting? Here’s how to do it quickly, easily, and cleanly.
Try these recipes:
Rose Meringue with Pomegranate Seeds
Fennel-and-Endive Salad with Pomegranate Seeds and Walnuts
Pulled Lamb Shoulder with Sticky Pomegranate Glaze

Quince

Quince isn’t an oft used project, but when used right, you can elevate your fall dishes to a whole other deliciously tart level.
Try these recipes:
Five-Spice Duck Breast With Caramelized Quince
Polenta with Port-Poached Quince and Blue Cheese
Quince Jelly with Star Anise

Butter lettuce

Delicate and supple, lettuce is a strong reminder of warmer days that’s also packed with nutrients.
Try these recipes:
Avocado-Butter Lettuce Salad
Butter Lettuce, Chicken, and Cherry Salad
Butter Lettuce Salad with Gorgonzola and Pear Dressing
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Squash

Is it possible to go through fall without having some nice butternut squash soup? Earthy and versatile, squash comes in a huge variety and can be used in just about any recipe, including spaghetti!
Try these recipes:
Nutty Chicken Stew with Squash
Rintaro’s Beef Curry
Lemongrass Shrimp Soup with Spaghetti Squash

Asian pear

Sweet and juicy, pears will brighten up your winter. They are great in both savory and sweet dishes.
Try these recipes:
Pear pie with red wine and rosemary
Leek, pear, and chanterelle toasts
Pear and manchego salad
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Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are certainly not everyone’s favorites, but when made right, they’re incredible. Key tip: don’t under- or overcook your sprouts!
Try these recipes:
Pasta with shaved Brussels sprouts and pancetta
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Scalloped Brussels sprouts

Cauliflower

Incorporate this powerful cruciferous vegetable to punch up your nutritional intake this winter.
Try these recipes:
Crunchy top cauliflower
Cauliflower cheese
Shaved cauliflower salad

Pumpkin

Classic pumpkin. As if you could have gone through the autumn season without having any. It’s also rich in dietary fiber, antoxidants, minerals, and vitamins, meaning there’s no reason not to have any!
Try these recipes:
Roasted Pumpkin Soup
Chunky Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin Pie Shake
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Apples

Delightful in salads, as desserts, and as snacks, the apple is one of the most versatile foods around.
Try these recipes:
Roasted apple and winter squash soup
Cabbage, apple, and walnut salad
Apple cherry cobbler

Sweet potatoes

This complex carb is another item on the “Foods of Fall” list that makes it a necessary ingredient for the season. Sweet and filling, it’s perfect as a supporting side dish, or the star of the show.
Try these recipes:
Sweet Jacket Potato with Piri-piri Prawns
Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes
Braised Pork, Sweet Potato, and Fennel Stew

Swiss chard

Sweet, crunchy, and perfect in stews, as a sauté, and in soups, it’s a beautifully vibrant ingredient to add into any fall dish.
Try these recipes:
Swiss Chard Tart
Swiss Chard with Lentils and Feta Cheese
Sautéed Swiss Chard with Garlic and Lemon

Turnips

Cooked or eaten raw, turnips will give you all the vitamin C you need to keep you healthy and happy through the winter.
Try these recipes:
Turnip gratin
Glazed turnips
Baked turnip fries
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Seasonality is important to adhere to, but with Urban Cultivator, you won’t have to miss greens that are only available in the spring and summer seasons because you can grow your own 365 days a year.
Offering a variety of greens, you can have things like basil, lemon balm, and shiso all year round.
What do you like to cook during the fall? Let us know in the comments section!