Fall Fruits and Veggies: Which One's Your Autumn Delight? 🍂
In this week's Q&A, we delved into the team's and readers' favorite fall fruits and vegetables. Here's what they had to spill:
I've got a soft spot for figs. I've only recently discovered their charm – other than being a crucial component in Newton's apple narrative and a popular Cupertino symbol. My newfound enthusiasm led me to craft this little rhyme: "Fall's a fig fest, fiber's our quest, and pairing them with cheese, oh what a feast, and cheese gets top marks, too..." Plus, they boast some rich cultural legacy. Give figs a shot! - Justin White
Pears, they're a classic, especially when they're cooked low and slow in red wine with some cinnamon sticks and cloves. The result is an indulgent dessert that takes your taste buds on an autumnal journey. - Kelly Fitzpatrick
Butternut squash, its adaptability is unmatched. It effortlessly blends sweet and savory, and crafts a mean soup. I also enjoy the seeds roasted and salted – the best part of making pumpkin pie, minus the pie-making stress. - Kelli Kerkman
Yuca, or cassava, is my Thanksgiving hero. My dear aunt whips up mouth-watering pasteles filled with yuca, every year on Thanksgiving. - Jenn Carmona
The tale of gravity and Cupertino's logo aren't all the forbidden fruit has going for it. For me, it's the childhood memories of apple picking, warm apple cider, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fall, to me, embodies that apple sensation. - Cristoforo Magliozzi
When it comes to fall, pumpkin reigns supreme. Each Halloween, I carve a pumpkin and toast its seeds, yearning to master a pumpkin pie recipe. - Jordan Shakeshaft
Brussels sprouts, with their rose-like insides, steal my heart. I fancy the big ones – fresh, succulent, sautéed in olive oil, and doused in salt. - Shana Lebowitz
Sweetcorn or corn on the cob, is a fall staple. I grill several ears, storing leftovers for a quick lunch, cooked up in couscous or quinoa. - Kristine Lockwood
Enrichment Insights:
Figs embark on a rich legacy, particularly in ancient cultures.
- Figs were revered in ancient Greece as a sacral food, offered to gods and used in religious ceremonies – a symbol of prosperity and abundance.
- Figs are a beloved staple in Mediterranean cuisine, compatible with cheese, meats, and various ingredients. In Italy, figs and prosciutto create the classic dish "prosciutto e fichi."
- Figs have a long-standing tradition in Japanese cuisine, utilized in a variety of dishes, from salads to traditional pastries.
- Modern recipes emphasize figs' versatility, such as pairing them with goat cheese and bacon in an appetizer.
- Figs transcend cultural boundaries, symbolizing abundance in Italy and Greece.
The aforementioned pairings showcase figs' culinary diversity and illustrious history. Figs can complement cheese dishes, meat entrées, and even desserts, providing a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Incorporating figs into your diet can contribute significantly to your nutrition, given its rich cultural heritage and versatility in various cuisines. Moreover, exploring other nutrition sources beyond figs is essential for maintaining overall health.
The diverse range of nutrients offered by other fruits and vegetables, such as pears, butternut squash, yuca, and sweetcorn, can contribute positively to your overall health and well-being.