Eating Seasonally Made Simple: October
October brings us crisp mornings, breezy afternoons and chilly evenings, and here in the Pacific Northwest, typically a decent amount of rain. This month, there’s no denying that Autumn is here and the long warm days of Summer are gone until next year.
October is the perfect month to dust off your crock pot and whip up your favorite cozy comfort meals. Did you know that “warming foods” like soups, stews, roasted vegetables and warm drinks are more than just a way to stay warm as the weather cools off? They’re actually exactly what our bodies crave during this time of year to balance our energy and support overall wellness. Similarly, we tend to prefer “cooling foods” like crisp fruit, raw veggies and cold smoothies & ice cream in the Summer for the same reasons.
Like September, October is all about welcoming early Fall produce to the table, while beginning to add a few other mid-fall favorites. Consider this your simple guide for what’s in season this month.
What’s in Season in October
Apples
Blackberries
Beets
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Carrots
Cauliflower
Chard
Cranberries
Dates
Figs
Grapes
Kale
Leeks
Parsnips
Pears
Plums
Pomegranate
Pumpkin
Sweet Potatoes
Turnips
October Recipe Ideas
Apples
Slice and serve with almond butter, peanut butter, cheese, or a handful of nuts for a hormone balancing seasonal snack.
Make a simple slow cooker apple butter to spread on toast or pancakes, drizzle on ice cream, or give as a gift!
Dice into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle on top of oatmeal. Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for a warm and nourishing breakfast.
Pumpkin
Add a scoop of puréed pumpkin to your next smoothie bowl for a nutrient dense seasonal boost of flavor. Top with cinnamon and apple granola.
Try a pot of pumpkin curry to warm up a chilly Autumn evening.
Got seeds? Whip up a batch of these Pumpkin Spiced Pumpkin Seeds for a healthy snack.
