Quick, Healthy Meals Using Seasonal Produce
— Jilleon Farrell, Dietetic Intern, University of Maine, and Kate Yerxa, MS, RD, Extension Professor University of Maine Cooperative Extension
October’s harvest is all about rich flavors and local ingredients, featuring an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and grains that all capture the essence of the season. Whether you’re a fan of stews, casseroles, or delicious desserts, fall provides a variety of seasonal produce to create satisfying and flavorful meals. In Maine, pumpkins, apples, squash, potatoes, beets, carrots, cabbage, parsnips, and turnips are all in season in the late fall.
By using seasonal foods in your meals, you not only get to enjoy our local foods but also fresh ingredients. So head to your local farmers market, farm stand, or grocery store for seasonal produce to create some fun fall meals.
Meals don’t need to take a long time to prepare or cost a lot of money. Focus on choosing recipes that are quick to prepare with both local and easily accessible ingredients. The goal is to make healthy eating easier for you and create a more enjoyable cooking experience.
Why are quick and easy meals a great option?
- Saves Time: Quick meals reduce the time spent in the kitchen, making it easier to fit cooking into a busy schedule.
- Encourages Healthy Eating: Simpler meals often mean fewer processed ingredients, helping you maintain a balanced diet.
- Reduces Stress: Having easy recipes on hand can minimize the stress of meal planning and preparation.
- Improves Consistency: Quick and easy meals are more likely to become a regular part of your routine, supporting long-term healthy eating habits.
Why is buying and eating local and in-season produce a great option?
- Freshness: Seasonal produce is often harvested at peak ripeness, which means better flavor and more nutrients for you.
- Affordability: Foods in season are usually less expensive, so you can enjoy a variety of fresh options without breaking the bank.
- Environmental Impact: Seasonal foods require less transportation, which means a smaller carbon footprint and less impact on the planet.
A few of our favorite fall Mainely Dish recipes include Butternut Squash Bisque, Carrot Fries, Carrot Bread, Pumpkin Seeds, Roasted Root Vegetables, and Stuffed Squash. Make sure you visit the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s Mainely Dish recipe page to find your favorite quick and healthy fall recipe.