Summer is drawing to a close and it’s time to say good-bye to its sweet bounty of berries and watermelon. However, fall has more to offer than just Halloween pumpkins and cooler temperatures; from September to November, fall’s harvest boasts a variety of healthy, delicious produce such as: squash, sweet potatoes, apples and even pears. Dig in this fall and even try something new! Keep reading to find out which fruits and veggies are at their peak this season.

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Ok, time to dig into fall’s fruits and veggies! Keep reading to find out which one’s are best thanks to Greatist.com[1]. 

1. Apples:
These sweet, crunchy fall favorites are packed with antioxidants, which may help prevent chronic illness and slow aging. Among popular apple varieties (and there are more than 7,500 different types!), Fuji apples have the highest concentration of phenolics and flavonoids, while Cortland and Empire apples have the lowest. Quince, a floral-flavored cousin of the apple, is also at its best in autumn and can be added to jams, jellies, and desserts—but it is inedible raw.

2. Beets:
They may be available year-round, but beets are at their best in the fall. Besides the familiar reddish-purple color, you can also find golden, white, and even multicolored beets. When shopping, look for firm, smooth bulbs and (if attached) bright, crisp greens. Toss the greens in salads and roast the beets for their betaine—a compound that may help prevent heart and liver disease—and nitrate, which may increase blood flow to the brain and potentially reduce risk of dementia.

3. Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage:
Packed with vitamins A and C, cabbage and its mini-me, Brussels sprouts, boast high concentrations of cancer-fighting glucosinolates (which also lend these veggies their distinct flavor).Try this easy Brussels sprouts scramble for a savory start to your day.

4. Cranberries:
Between the size of a blueberry and a grape, cranberries taste their best October through November, though only 5 percent actually make it to the fresh produce section (the other 95 percent are dried, canned, or turned into juice). Research suggests cranberry concentrate can help prevent urinary tract infections and that fresh cranberries can help prevent oral diseases and slow the growth of cancer.

5. Pears:
These sweet fruits fall into two major categories: European and Asian. In the U.S., the European varieties, Bosc and Bartlett, are most common, and grow on the west coast during fall. Pears are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. To get that daily dose of fiber and to satisfy a sweet tooth, snack on the fruit whole or incorporate into recipes from filling breakfasts to healthier cocktails.

6. Persimmons:
Resembling a bright orange peach wearing a leafy cap, most persimmons are imported from Asia, with a few American-grown species sprinkled about the Southeast. Just be warned: Under-ripe persimmons can be extremely tart, so allow them to ripen at room temperature before eating. Compared to apples, persimmons can be considered an even healthier option thanks to their fiber, antioxidants, and minerals.

7. Pomegranates:
Held sacred by many ancient religions, pomegranates have health benefits that have only been recognized more recently (POM juice, anyone?). While much of the research has been inconclusive, some studies suggest the fruit’s antioxidants may reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications like heart attacks.  Early studies also suggest that pomegranate may help prevent breast and colon cancers, though results are far from conclusive. These labor-intensive fruits can be a hassle to deseed, but we figured out the best way to do so. Ah, victory is sweet.

8. Pumpkins:
Though technically a member of the squash family, with their rich history and health benefits (plus their essential role in Halloween festivities), pumpkins earn their own spot on our list. Pumpkin is one of the best sources of alpha- and beta-carotene, which can be converted into retinol to promote healthy vision and cell growth. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Toast them up for a deliciously nostalgic treat!

9.  Rutabagas and Turnips:
These root veggies aren’t winning any beauty pageants with their bulbous shape and occasionally hair-like roots, but what they lack in looks they make up for in nutrition. Research suggests eating turnips and rutabagas may help reduce the risk of prostate and lung cancers. What’s more, turnip greens are a source of calcium, and one cup of raw rutabaga offers a respectable three grams of fiber.

10. Squash:
From festive photos to Thanksgiving table centerpieces, squash is the poster food for autumn. Summer squash are still available locally until October in some parts of the country, and winter squash begin to crop up (pun intended) as summer squash heads out. The gourd family offers varieties including acorn, butternut, and delicata squash, as well as spaghetti squash and its pasta-like strands.

11. Sweet Potatoes
These orange beauties have the best flavor during fall, their peak season. Like squash, sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which can prevent vitamin A deficiencies, promote healthy eyesight and generate retinol production. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of vitamin C, and when eaten with their skin on, a medium tater can pack nearly four grams of fiber.

Time to fall in love with fall’s best fruits and veggies; and it is also time to protect yourself from a serious fall with Life Alert Protection. If you are an aging senior who is living independently then you need top notch personal protection. Well, with Life Alert, you can summon an emergency medical response fast with just one touch of button! So no matter what life threatening emergency you may face, Life Alert’s dispatch team is available 24/7 to send you the proper authorities fast. While you work hard on the inside by eating this season’s best, let Life Alert Protection keep you safe on the outside! For a free brochure on all their delicious lifesaving services, call 1-800-513-2934.

Works Cited:

1.       Fitzpatrick, Kelly. “The Best Fruits and Veggies to Eat This Fall.” Greatist.com. 25 September 2015. <http://greatist.com/health/healthiest-fruits-and-vegetables-fall>.

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