What’s in Season in November: Best Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts
Right on time, the mercury has been plummeting as the calendar gets ready to flip from October to November. This time of the year typically ushers in chilly days and downright cold nights, triggering cravings for comfort food, earthy flavors, and dishes that warm you up. You will enjoy your meals the most in the weeks ahead if you lean on the seasonal produce that peaks in November. Here is a look at what to put on your grocery list for November to harness the best flavors of the season at the most affordable prices.
November Fruits
While October is typically considered the peak month for apples and pears, November is still a great time to enjoy these fruits at their peak freshness. Eat these fruits straight-up, bake them into your holiday pies and tarts, or incorporate them into savory pork and chicken entrees for a complementary flavor. Apples and pears also make great toppings for salad, boosting the fiber content while adding crunch and a touch of sweetness.
Cranberries are also quite popular in November, starring in many Thanksgiving meals. Most cranberries are harvested by the end of October so that they are ready for Thanksgiving. These bright and colorful fruits also freeze great if you want to stock up when they are at peak freshness and availability in November.
Other good fruits to consider purchasing in November include pomegranates and persimmons. November is also the time when you can expect winter citrus fruits to start showing up in abundance. Grapefruits, oranges, and kumquats are also solid options.
November Vegetables
Squash reigns king in November. Thankfully, there is a squash variety for every taste and purpose. Good options include pumpkin, butternut, acorn squash, kabocha, and delicata. Even the colors of these gourds complement the classic fall hues, making them a beautiful and tasty addition to any dinner table.
Sweet potatoes are another staple on many November tables. This extremely versatile vegetable can be used in soups, in casseroles, or as part of a breakfast hash. Season them with cumin to bring out the savory qualities or with cinnamon to lean on their natural sweetness.
Root vegetables such as beets, parsnips, and turnips peak this time of the year. These types of veggies are hearty and filling while providing an abundance of heart-healthy nutrients.
Cruciferous vegetables also shine in November. Examples include cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli. These low-calorie veggies are packed with fiber and other nutrients.
Freshly harvested mushrooms begin appearing in stores this month. Good choices to pick up for your next fall-forward meal include oyster mushrooms and porcinis. Add mushrooms to pasta dishes, salads, or sauté them with garlic and butter for an earthy side dish.
Looking for green vegetables to incorporate into your November dishes? Good seasonal choices include Brussels sprouts, kale, and chard. While these vegetables are all known for their strong flavor profiles, you can make them more palatable to picky eaters with other additions. For example, try sautéing Brussels sprouts with a little bacon or cheese.
Do not shy away from combining these November vegetables and fruits into one creation. For example, roasted butternut squash and kale pair wonderfully together. Sprinkle with a handful of dried cranberries for the ultimate fall side dish. Or try your hand at making a homemade apple and cranberry sauce.
Lastly, this is also a good time of the year to keep an eye out for freshly harvested nuts. Good choices in November include almonds, walnuts, and pecans. Use them on your holiday charcuterie platters, as a topping for yogurt, or to add another layer of texture to your favorite fall baking recipes.
Not only will you enjoy the best flavors of the season if you build your meal plan around these ingredients, but you will also save money by buying food that is in season. Lastly, the produce available this time of year provides plenty of nutrients to help keep you healthy, as cold and flu season also ramps up. Do not let the best tastes of the season pass you by this November.
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