Autumn’s Festival of Foods
With a new season comes a new way of eating. The summer weather brings with it cookouts and barbeques but as the weather starts to get colder, a more seasonal style of food begins to emerge. In the United States, the Fall means a large amount of seasonal crops get harvested creating an abundance of many of America’s favorite foods. From apples and pears to corn and berries, Fall brings with it a taste like no other season.
Apples, Apples, and more Apples
Who doesn’t remember going apple picking as a child? It is an American pastime and it can only be done in the Fall season. Many cities and urban areas have farms that allow you to have an adventure by going through the lines of apples trees and selecting which style and kind of apples to pick. This is an activity that can be enjoyed with the whole family, as a work adventure, or with a group of friends. In addition to the fun of going to the farms and the adventure of picking the fruit itself, is the numerous creations that can be made from the apples. Apple pies, caramel apples, and apple cider are just a few examples of delicious products that can be made from the abundant fruit. So, embrace the fruit of the season, try new recipes and share what you find with others. Apples can be purchased year round at the local grocery store but the current season brings a higher level of quality and freshness, embrace it and enjoy it while it lasts.
Corn, the ultimate American Crop
The early days of European colonization were harsh for the settlers. Traditional crops were tough to grow and food was hard to come by. This all changed when Native Americans introduced European settlers to corn. Corn is an indigenous crop of North America; it grows with more ease in the soil and climate and can be used in many products. Corn can be cooked and eaten off the cob like many of us are accustomed to; however, it can also be used to make other crucial food products as well. Corn can be transformed to make corn bread and corn starch which are crucial ingredients in many of the foods we eat and enjoy daily. Corn has been part of the American economy for many years and its diversity is never ending. Corn can now be used to create types of fuel and is even used as decoration for Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays. It’s hard to image life without this miracle crop.
Pumpkins, a Childhood Favorite
Many people have great childhood memories of going to the store or a farm with the family and picking out a pumpkin. Pumpkins have a diverse role for anyone who gets one. They are set outside as decoration for the early Fall season and later carved into Jack-O-Lanterns for Halloween. They are used to produce snacks and desserts and are a lot of fun in general. Pumpkin pies have become a traditional dessert for Thanksgiving and baked pumpkin seeds are a simple and fun seasonal snack. In addition, there are many recipes for other pumpkin delights like pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin muffins, and many more. Make the most of the season by enjoying this seasonal flavor in any number of fun ways. Don’t forget to share your favorites with friends and family.
Grapes, great for children and adults
Another product that is in abundance in the Fall is grapes. This sweet fruit has a number of different varieties and a number of different uses. It is a healthy snack in its natural form and can also be dehydrated into raisins for another favorite snack among children. It can also be made into juice and even fermented into wine. Like apples, grapes can be purchased year-round but the best and most fresh grapes are available now. For an adult, this creates several fun adventure possibilities. Tons of national and local vineyards produce their own wine and juice. This leads to wine tasting competitions and events that can be a fun destination for anyone of age.
Local Gardens
One of the most unique ways to enjoy the season is harvesting your own garden. Millions of people plant them at the start of Spring and the Fall season is the last opportunity to harvest its produce. This is a fun activity for anyone who puts the work into growing their own crops. This is a hobby for many people and a great time of year. It is the end result of a summer of watering, feeding, and weeding. Gardening advocates enjoy sharing their crop yields with those around them and enjoy cooking and baking foods these crops yield. Do you have a garden that produces a lot?
Fall is a wonderful time of year in North America. Embrace its seasonal foods with anticipation and make activities and events around them. Share the joy of this season with friends and family and don’t forget to share your favorite seasonal recipes.
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