Seasonal September

 

Seasonal September  Luckily, September is an all-star month when it comes to healthy, price-happy, seasonal foods. Here are the top produce picks to add to your list:

Apples – The most in-season apple varieties are the McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Jonathan,Red Delicious and Golden Delicious.

Artichokes – Don’t feel suspicious when you see these skinny greens in the fall; theyaren’t just a spring crop! Fall artichokes are grown in California and are just as flavorfulas the spring varieties.

Blackberries – Eat them fresh or freeze them for later. I love to sprinkle ripe blackberries with a little sugar and cream for a quick, tasty September treat  (Sesonal September).

Blueberries – Look for plump, firm berries with a uniform, dusky-blue color. The silveryfilm on blueberries is called bloom; it’s natural and a sign of freshness.

Carrots – Surprised to find that there’s a carrot season? While these veggies areavailable year-round, unusual varieties – like true baby carrots – are harvested during their natural September season.

Cucumber – Ever wonder where the saying “cool as a cucumber” came from?Cucumbers are always several degrees cooler on the inside than their surroundings.

Figs – These little babies actually have two seasons: a quick season in early summer and a second one in the fall. Figs don’t stay fresh for long, so plan on eating them within a day or two of purchase.

Leeks – They’re often divided into summer and winter harvest seasons. September leeksare larger and more strongly flavored than their summer counterparts.

Nectarines – Grab ‘em quick, nectarine season is almost over! A nectarine is essentially a peach without the fuzz. I love adding them to sweet desserts or even grilling them with a little honey, balsamic vinegar and vanilla extract!

Peaches – A summertime classic. It’s a good thing Georgia is only a hop, skip and ajump away.

Pumpkins– I always get excited when pumpkins arrive at the market. It’s time forpumpkin soup, stew and of course, pie! As an added bonus, these bright, beautiful fruitswill add a pop of color to your kitchen.

Red Onions – It’s the end of the season for these pretty picks. Red onions have brighttones and slightly less water content than their yellow cousins, with a crisp, mild flavor.

Spinach – Skip the watery, frozen spinach and opt for the fresh, crisp variety. Whenpicking spinach, look for dark green leaves with a fresh smell.

Tomatoes – Central Florida’s mild climate makes growing tomatoes a piece of cake: a good thing for both your tummy and your wallet.

BY SARAH MASON Seasonal September