Autumn is the best time of the year to harvest and enjoy earthy fruits, veggies and herbs. It’s even better if you grow them yourself! Let’s take a look at what’s in season!
Photograph: BRZOZOWSKA / GETTY IMAGES
Why Eat Seasonally?
Do you eat local produce that’s in season? Eating in-season produce means that you’re consuming fruits, veggies and herbs at the height of their freshness and flavour. In-season produce packs a nutritional punch because it’s typically grown, harvested and delivered in a shorter period of time.
Not only is it better for your health, it’s better for your wallet, too. In-season produce is generally in peak supply, so there’s no reason for growers to artificially extend the “season” of the produce in greenhouses. Buying local, in-season produce is also a fantastic way to support local growers and economy.
Lastly, eating seasonally is a great way to add a variety of different vitamins and minerals to your meals throughout the year. Plus, it’s always fun to experiment with different produce.
Photograph: Lis Rí Barlow / Flickr
Autumn Vegetables In Australia
Here in Australia, we’re pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to autumnal veggies! There are plenty of root veggies in season, which make fantastic bases for plenty of hearty dishes to warm you up in the chilly evenings.
We have: Beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Chillies, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Onions, Pak Choy, Parsley, Peas, Pumpkins, Spinach, Spring Onion, and Tomatoes. Brussels Sprouts, Parsnips, Potatoes, Silverbeet, Sweet Potatoes, and Zucchini are also in season.
There are plenty of ways to jazz up these autumnal veggies. Try our delicious, creamy Pumpkin Soup With Coconut Bacon for example, or for something fresh and crunchy, you'll love this Vietnamese Rainbow Salad With Sesame Crusted Tofu.
Photograph: Alan Benson / SBS Australia
Autumn Fruits In Australia
Many fruits thrive in the cooler weather that we typically experience in March, April and May. In autumn, many of these fruits are leaning toward the end of their harvest season, so they’re ripe and ready to go! Autumnal fruits include Apples, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Mandarins, Oranges, Pears, Pomegranates, Rhubarb, Strawberries and Watermelons.
Aside from the obvious (enjoying fruit in its whole form), why not experiment with these fruits in sweet and savoury dishes! A delicious bed of leafy greens (kale, spinach or lettuce), a layer of sweet, roasted veggies (beetroot, carrot or pumpkin), a handful of chopped fruit (orange, apple, pear, or pomegranate), topped with walnuts and parsley.
Another great option is to make homemade jam with rhubarb or figs to channel the deep, earthy flavours of autumn.
Autumn is such a lovely time of the year! We love enjoying hearty root veggies and earthy fruits in all sorts of sweet and savoury dishes.
For more creative ways to use these beautiful fruits and veggies, check out our Vegan Recipes category! Plus, if you’re new to gardening and growing your own produce, check out the blogs below for more tips and advice.
