Written by Kiritika Rana
Edited by Khadija Aleem
Designed by Ayesha
Published by Kiritika Rana
On September 23, 2023, the Autumn Equinox will occur. The Autumn Equinox occurs every year at the beginning of fall, signaling the start of a new season. This article will cover the locally available, healthy food options that will grow in Ontario this fall.
Food to Consume
There are some great food choices in the fall, such as the following, listed below:
- Apples: improve brain health
- Pears: Great source of fibre
- Cranberries: Helps reduce Oxidative stress
- Oxidative stress is a condition in the body when antioxidant levels are low
- Winter Squash: Source of vitamin A (Good for strengthening your eye health)
- Pumpkin: Carve them to get a rich source of vitamin A
- Leeks: help fight off diseases
- Brussels Sprouts: contain lots of fibre and antioxidants
- Sweet Potatoes: are loaded with vitamins A and C
- Parsnips: provide vitamin K to bones
- Broccoli: Is a cancer-fighting food because of the high amount of a phytochemical called sulforaphane
My Top 5 Meals to Make
Although some fruits and vegetables don’t look appetizing, great meals can be made from them!
Pumpkin Cranberry Cake
A sweet, delicious cake that everyone enjoys. LINK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole
A delightful dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. LINK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
Winter Squash and Pear Soup
It may look disgusting, but it’s twice as good as any soup. LINK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
Sprout, hazelnut, and leek pasta
Maybe add a bit of broccoli to spice it up. LINK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
Roasted Parsnips
Are you on a diet but crave fries? Try this recipe! LINK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
Benefits of Eating Food Seasonally
Eating food seasonally entails consuming fruits, vegetables, and other products that are naturally available during specific times of the year in a particular region. This practice offers various advantages.
Firstly, seasonal produce is at its nutritional peak, containing higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. As these foods are harvested closer to their ripeness, they tend to have better flavour and texture.
Secondly, supporting local agriculture by choosing seasonal foods can boost the community’s economy and preserve local farming traditions. Furthermore, because seasonal produce is more likely to be sourced locally, the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation is reduced, thus contributing to environmental sustainability.
Lastly, embracing seasonal eating requires including a wider variety of foods in your diet. Different seasons offer a diverse range of produce, encouraging individuals to explore new ingredients and cooking methods. This can contribute to a more balanced and nutritionally rich diet over time.
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-to-know-seasonal-eating
https://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/healthy-fall-foods/
https://www.britannica.com/science/autumnal-equinox