Here in Virginia the summer heat is finally winding down and we have actually had a few crisp fall days! If you’re anything like me, this cooler weather is making you see pumpkins! While the change in season means a lot of our fresh local produce is going away, it doesn’t mean you are out of options. Although you can still get most fresh fruits and veggies year-round in your local grocery store, it does taste better (and is typically less expensive) to eat seasonal produce.
Fruits and veggies are packed with nutrients. The most common nutrients across the board are Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Fiber. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps with wound healing, keeping your body healthy and the absorption of iron, to name a few. Vitamin A is most well-known for its role in vision, but also plays a role in fighting sickness. Fiber helps with digestion and helps our bellies to stay full between meals.
Check out the list below to see which fruits and veggies are in season this fall in Virginia, and which nutrients they are packed with! An “excellent source” means it contains 20% or more of your recommended daily value and a “good source” means it contains 10-19% of your recommended daily value for that nutrient. Regardless of which category it falls in, I promise it’s a delicious and healthy choice!
Excellent Source Vitamin C
Bell Peppers
Broccoli
Cabbage
Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Most Winter Squash varieties
Excellent Source Vitamin A
Sweet Potatoes
Most Winter Squash varieties
Pumpkin
Excellent Source Fiber
Apples
Pears
Good Source Vitamin C
Pumpkin
Pears
Beets
Good source Fiber
Broccoli
Sweet Potatoes
Beets
Good Source Potassium
Broccoli
Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Winter Squash
Pumpkin
Beets