Picked at their peak: The benefits of buying seasonal produce

Every season brings its own beauty, complemented by favorite foods. But there’s something special about fall that adds more color — and seasonal favorites — to our plates.  It’s true that most produce is available year-round. But are you aware of the benefits of eating these foods when harvested in peak season? Grab your shopping list as we journey down the produce aisle to explore the surprising discoveries of the fall season’s freshest produce.

Benefits of buying (and eating) seasonal produce

Aside from waiting to make your favorite fall recipes, there are several benefits of eating produce when picked at its peak. Let’s see how many you know.

• Better for your health. Produce that is harvested in its proper season matures longer on the plant, which makes it more nutrient-dense when compared to being picked before its prime. And were you aware that seasonal produce is likely to be locally grown? This is not only better for your health, but for your local economy too!
• Tastes better. Seasonal produce simply tastes better since it’s been picked at the peak of flavor.
• Saves money. Seasonal produce is typically sold at its best price, which keeps more money in your wallet. And that’s a good thing in any season!
• Good for the environment. Buying seasonal produce can actually help the environment as it reduces water and land use, pollution, and soil degradation.

Health benefits of the season’s top fruits and vegetables

From reducing inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases to improved gut, heart, and brain health, there is no escaping the fact that vegetables and fruits are the foundation of a healthy diet and contribute to overall health, well-being, and longevity. 

When it comes to choosing the best seasonal fruits and veggies, it’s all about your preferences. With so many to choose from, our specialists have narrowed it down to some of the most popular — with a few surprises thrown in. You might even discover a new fall favorite!

Fruits

Apples: You may be surprised that apples are a fall fruit since they are available in grocery stores throughout the year. The truth is that apples have a season and are typically harvested from late summer until fall. Were you aware there are thousands of varieties of apples? When picked at their peak, there’s nothing like taking a bite out of a crisp, juicy apple.

Nutrients apples are rich in:

• Antioxidants
• Fiber
• Phytonutrients

With all of these amazing benefits, an apple a day just may indeed keep the doctor away.

Figs: If you’re not familiar with figs, this is the season to acquaint yourself with this power fruit. Figs have a short second season in late fall (the first being summer) and a make their long-awaited appearance for the holiday season. (Figgy pudding, anyone?) This sweet fruit can be enjoyed fresh or dried, and it packs a nutritional punch in whatever way you choose to eat it. 

Nutrients figs are rich in:

• Vitamins A, B1 and B2
• Manganese, potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorous
• Fiber
• Phenols
• Calcium

Fun fact: Fig leaves can be used to make a hot drink — similar to herbal tea — to soothe respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and even sore throats.

Cranberries: Considered one of the world’s healthiest fruits, this antioxidant powerhouse makes its appearance between October and December and is used in items ranging from baked goods, smoothies, and compotes to serving as tasty additions to oatmeal, granola, and even festive holiday decorations. One of the best things about cranberries is that they freeze well, so you can enjoy them all year long.

Nutrients cranberries are rich in:

• Phytonutrients (naturally derived plant compounds), particularly proanthocyanidin antioxidants, which are essential for overall well-being
• Vitamins C, A and folate
• Beta-carotene and lutein
• Potassium
• Manganese

Pears: This sweet, velvety fruit is not only delicious but packs a punch when it comes to nutrients. Although there are about 100 varieties of pears grown worldwide, the three most popular found in the U.S. are Bartlett, Bosc, and D’Anjou.

Nutrients pears are rich in:

• Folate
• Vitamin C
• Copper
• Potassium
• Polyphenol antioxidants

Note: The peel of a pear contains up to six times more polyphenols than the flesh, so be sure to eat the entire pear!

Vegetables

Pumpkins: Although, pumpkin is technically a fruit it has the nutritional profile of a vegetable — giving you the best of both worlds. Considered the “star of the season,” pumpkin is a favorite fruit that endures right through the holiday season.

Nutrients pumpkin is rich in:

• Fiber
• Beta-carotene
• Magnesium
• Potassium

Not that we want to remind you, but when it comes to reaping the nutritional benefits of pumpkin, a pumpkin spice latte doesn’t count!

Butternut squash: Butternut squash is just one variety of winter squashes that is gaining popularity for its sweet, nutty taste. Packed with nutrients, this delicious seasonal veggie is great in soups and stews or in one of your favorite recipes. Butternut squash stores well and will last throughout the winter when kept in a cool, dark place.

Nutrients butternut squash is rich in:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Antioxidants

Beets: Boasting a beautiful deep red color, beets are one of the season’s most versatile and nutrient-dense vegetables. They are at their sweetest in colder climates but can be found year-round in most grocery stores. And did you know that beet greens are chocked full of vitamins and minerals, too? They can be steamed and sauteed — just as you would with spinach, Swiss chard, or kale — or added to salads and even smoothies. Give them a try this season.

Nutrients beets are rich in:

• Folate
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Manganese
• Copper
• Fiber

Sweet potatoes: Possibly the healthiest of the potato family due to their nutrient-dense properties, sweet potatoes are popular all year-round but especially during the fall and winter seasons when they are at their peak. Whether you enjoy them baked, mashed or in a favorite holiday recipe, sweet potatoes are a hit in any way you prepare them. And did you know they come in orange, white, and purple varieties?

Nutrients sweet potatoes are rich in:

• Beta-carotene (which is converted to vitamin A in the body)
• Fiber
• Antioxidants

Brussels sprouts: You may be surprised to learn that these mini-cabbages have big disease-fighting properties. They are packed with nutrients, which make them extraordinarily healthy. In the past, Brussels sprouts were not received as a fall favorite. Today, however, you can find them on menus across the country. Culinary experts have even created recipes that are making Brussels sprouts their new addiction.

Nutrients Brussels sprouts are rich in:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Fiber
• Phytochemicals

Fun fact: Any idea how Brussels sprouts got their name? They were cultivated in Belgium (where Brussels is the capital city) during the 16^th century!

Eggplant: Eggplant is an amazing seasonal vegetable as it is — like pumpkin—botanically a fruit. Known for its “meaty” texture, eggplant is extremely versatile, as well as being a weight-loss wonder since it is low in calories and high in antioxidants. Eggplant is considered a nutrient-dense food and is part of the nightshade family of plants. 

Nutrients eggplant is rich in:

• Antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins a pigment that can help guard against cellular damage
• Fiber
• Polyphenols
• Manganese

Fun fact: Wondering how eggplant got its name? During the 18^th century, Europeans named the oddly shaped fruit after the shape and size of goose eggs.

Check out our blog, “Veggie hacks: How to include more veggies in your diet.”

The Mayo Clinic Diet makes it easy to enjoy seasonal produce and stay healthy

Enjoying seasonal fruits and vegetables just became easier. Did you know that you can eat an unlimited number of veggies on the Mayo Clinic Diet? As you learned from this blog, there are many benefits to eating seasonal produce. Which ones are your favorites? Check out more seasonal fruits and vegetables here.

The Mayo Clinic Diet’s flexible meal plans not only fit into any lifestyle, but they are healthy and easy to plan for. With easy-to-find ingredients that are light on your wallet — combined with quick prep times — you’ll be saving money and eating delicious meals while losing weight. Plus, the Mayo Clinic Diet features a food tracker, so you can keep track of your veggie intake.

Our team of dietitians has developed seven different meal plans which allow you to find and follow an eating style that suits your taste and diet preferences. Wondering what a “day on a plate” looks like? Have a look at a sample of the Simple Mayo Clinic Diet meal plan.