Fall’s Healthy Harvest

Fall is here and time to harvest apples, yams and all the falls cornucopia of vegetables, and fruits. The very best way to experience the wonderful tastes of fall is straight from the farms and orchards in your area. They are never as tasty from the supermarkets where they usually come in from many miles away.

My sister has a patch of collards, and turnip greens, mustard greens that I must go and pick for my cooking pot. I enjoy nothing more than a pot of turnip greens with baked corn bread, a big baked yam (out of Betty’s garden), a big slice of onion, and an apple pie. Yummy-Yum, It makes my mouth water.

Here’s a look at the benefits that come from fall’s fresh fruits and vegetables:

1. Apples: Vitamin C and fiber, there are 5 grams of fiber in one medium apple. Bake an apple with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon.
2. Brussels Sprouts: Fiber vitamin C and folate, there are 3 grams of fiber in four sprouts. You can simmer those or bake for a sweeter flavor.
3. Cauliflower: Vitamin C, and folate, very low in calories just watch the cheese sauce.
4. Collard Greens, Turnip Greens or Mustard Greens: Vitamin A and C, fiber and calcium. That’s right, famous for being in milk; calcium is also in leafy greens.
5. Mushrooms: Low calorie, high in riboflavin, good source of niacin. Mushrooms add rich flavors to stews and soups.
6. Winter Squash and Pumpkin: Vitamin A and C, potassium, fiber and folate. Try pumpkin in savory dishes. It’s not just for pies.
7. Sweet Potatoes: Fiber, Vitamin A and C, also potassium. Count 100 calories for a medium sweet potato. Roast and enjoy with added butter.

Stock up on fall’s wonderful bounty and enjoy all the delicious flavors of fall.