As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, fall is a wonderful time to reflect on our food choices and embrace seasonal eating. In San Diego, this means a bounty of delicious produce that nourishes our bodies, supports local farmers, and reduces our carbon footprint.
Let’s explore what’s in season this fall, take a trip to the charming apple orchards of Julian, and whip up some healthy apple recipes to enjoy the season!
Seasonal Produce in Fall
During the fall months in Southern California, you can find a delightful variety of fruits and vegetables.
Apples:
This iconic fall fruit comes in many varieties, perfect for snacking, baking, or cooking.
Pears:
Juicy and sweet, pears are excellent raw or in salads.
Pumpkins:
Versatile and nutritious, pumpkins can be used in soups, pies, or even as a savory side dish.
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- brussels sprouts
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- butternut squash
Brussels Sprouts:
These mini cabbages are delicious roasted or sautéed, providing a hearty side.
Squash:
Varieties like butternut and acorn squash are perfect for soups and casseroles.
Apple Picking in Julian
One of the best ways to celebrate the fall season is by visiting the quaint town of Julian, known for its apple orchards. Julian offers a picturesque escape where you can enjoy the fresh mountain air and pick your apples. Many orchards provide a variety of apple types, including Granny Smith, Fuji, and Golden Delicious, which are perfect for all your culinary adventures.
Not only is apple picking a fun family activity, but it also allows you to connect with nature and appreciate the hard work of local farmers. After a day of picking, bring home your bounty and try out some healthy apple recipes!
Here are two delicious and nutritious apple dishes to try this fall:
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
2 cups water or milk of choice
1 apple, diced
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Chopped nuts for topping (walnuts or almonds)
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, bring water or milk to a boil.
2. Add oats and diced apple, then reduce heat to low.
3. Stir in cinnamon and cook for about 5 minutes or until oats are soft.
4. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.
5. Serve warm, topped with chopped nuts.
Baked Apples with Oat Topping
Ingredients:
4 apples, cored
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), chopped
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter or coconut oil, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix oats, nuts, honey, cinnamon, and melted butter or coconut oil in a bowl.
3. Stuff the mixture into the cored apples and place them in a baking dish.
4. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish to help steam the apples.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until apples are tender.
Halloween Treats in Moderation
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of candy and treats. While it’s important to enjoy the holiday, moderation is key. Here are some tips for navigating Halloween in a healthy way:
Choose Quality Over Quantity:
Opt for dark chocolate or organic candies with fewer additives and real ingredients. Check out the Natural Candy Store for dye-free, cleaner candy options.
Mindful Snacking:
Enjoy a few treats, but pair them with healthier options like fresh fruit or nuts to balance your snacks.
Stay Active:
Incorporate fun physical activities, like a family costume party or a neighborhood Halloween walk, to burn off some of those extra calories.
By embracing seasonal eating this fall, you can nourish your body with fresh, local produce while enjoying the season’s festive spirit. So grab your family, head to Julian for some apple picking, and savor the flavors of autumn in your kitchen!
We’re delighted to have Francesca Orlando and Healthy Living SD as a TNCM San Diego marketing partner!
Francesca Orlando, M.S.
Doctoral Candidate
NTP, CGP
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®
Francesca recently spoke about the picky eater topic on a health-focused podcast. We encourage you to take a listen!
Check out our featured interview with Francesca and her recent TNCM blog post. She shares discoveries through her own health journey and her focus on nutrition:
Summer Eating for Kids and Families: Healthy and Delicious Treats to Beat the Heat
Meet Nutritionist Francesca Orlando — Healthful Living SD
Fixes for Your Picky Eater from Nutritionist Francesca Orlando
