Now that we’re moving into the cooler months, the colorful variety of seasonal produce is scarce. But it certainly isn’t completely barren. There are some pretty exciting fruits and veggies to look forward to this winter! Here in November, we still have apples and pears to enjoy. And when it comes to veggies, we’re saying hello to parsnips and winter squash.

Here’s what to look for this month.

Apples

Bowl of red apples.

Our favorite fall flavor, even more than pumpkin, is apple. Give us all of the apple cider, apple-spiced tea, and warm apple pie! Aside from being a seasonal favorite, they’re healthy. They’re high in fiber and water, which makes them filling and good for your gut. Not only are apples a smart snack choice, but they’re a fun way to jazz up your salad, too!

Try my Apple Pecan Farro Salad with Maple Vinaigrette!

Or try apples in these other recipes:

  1. Pork Chops with Apples and Butternut Squash by The Forked Spoon
  2. Apple Pie Granola by White Kitchen Red Wine
  3. French Apple Thyme Tart by Tastes Like Green Spirit

Beets

Bunch of beets.

A lot of people dislike beets because of their earthy taste; because they “taste like dirt”. But roasting them brings out a richness and sweetness that works really well in a hearty salad or as a side dish! It also has great health benefits. This nutritious root veg can help keep blood pressure in check, act as an anti-inflammatory, and improve digestive health. You can also blend it up and use it as food coloring, thanks to its natural bright fuchsia tone.

Try beets in my Fall Harvest Wild Rice Medley!

Or try them in these other recipes:

  1. Beet and Dill Lentils by The Nourished Mind 
  2. Roasted Beet Salad by Waves In the Kitchen
  3. Vegan Beetroot Risotto by Lazy Cat Kitchen

Broccoli

Two bunches of broccoli.

It’s funny how as a kid, broccoli was only tolerable if it was smothered in melted cheese. Today, roasted broccoli is hands down my favorite veg side. A simple drizzle of olive oil and a few dashes of kosher salt and cracked black pepper go a long way. However, my favorite way to eat it is with garlic salt and nutritional yeast so you get that cheesiness without the extra calories. When shopping, be sure to snag broccoli with tightly-packed green florets and firm stalks.

Try my Oven-Roasted Broccoli with Nutritional Yeast!

Or try broccoli in these other recipes:

  1. Broccoli Beef Soba Bowl by The Modern Proper
  2. Three Cheese Broccoli Soup by The Almond Eater
  3. Creamy Lemon Pappardelle with Roasted Broccoli by Hello Veggie

Cabbage

Head of savoy cabbage.

This healthy cruciferous vegetable comes with quite a few health benefits. Cabbage is a digestive tract cleanser which helps improve digestion. It’s also high in vitamin C and contains vitamin K. When it comes to cooking, it’s actually really versatile! You can cook it or eat it raw in salads and slaws.

Try cabbage in my Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls!

Or try it in these other recipes:

  1. Irish Colcannon by The View from Great Island
  2. Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Slaw by Isabel Eats
  3. Healthy Carrot Cabbage Coleslaw by Yay! For Food

Carrots

Bunch of carrots.

When we think of carrots, we think of eye health. That’s been ingrained into us since we were little. But this crunchy veg has some other great health benefits, too! They’re full of both soluble and insoluble fibers; they help with digestion, boost heart health, lower blood pressure, and fight cholesterol. Carrots are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamins B6 and K, potassium, and phosphorous. They’re a light crunchy snack with a hefty healthy punch.

Try our Hot Honey Roasted Carrots!

Or try carrots in these other recipes:

  1. Easy Quick Pickle Carrots by Randa Nutrition
  2. Spiralized Carrots and Quinoa Veggie Bowl by Nutritiously
  3. Roasted Carrots and Beets with Feta and Pecans by The Yummy Bowl

Cauliflower

Cauliflower

Cauliflower has been viewed as a trendy health food for a while now. It’s being shredded to substitute rice and mashed to mimic potatoes; it’s even being used as pizza crust! In addition to helping folks who are trying to lessen their carb intake, the cauliflower has a bangin’ nutritional profile.

Try cauliflower in my Easy One-Pot Roasted Cauliflower Soup!

Or try it in these other recipes:

  1. Air Fryer Blackened Cauliflower Tacos by Sprinkles & Sea Salt
  2. Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower by Every Little Crumb
  3. Maple Sriracha Cauliflower Wings by Cupful of Kale

Kale

Bowl of torn kale.

Remember when kale was the star of the superfoods? Kale chips, kale smoothies—kale was everywhere. Various other vegetables have stepped into the superfood spotlight since, but kale still holds a secure spot in the nutritional world with its rich source of vitamins, folate, manganese, and dietary minerals.

Try my Soothing Chicken and Kale Soup!

Or try kale in these other recipes:

  1. Chickpea Kale Caesar Wrap by Cait’s Plate
  2. Loaded Veggie Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce by A Simple Palate
  3. Squash and Caramelized Onion Pasta by Lazy Cat Kitchen

Parsnip

Parsnips.

If you’ve taken a moment to really take in the produce at your local market or grocer, you’ve probably noticed parsnips. This root veg is closely related to the carrot and has a sweet but earthy flavor. It can be eaten raw, but it’s much more enjoyable when cooked. You can roast them and serve them as a side, blend them into a soup, or serve them up as a healthy alternative to fries.

Try my Creamy Roasted Garlic and Parsnip Soup!

Or try parsnips in these other recipes:

  1. Root Vegetable Gratin by Baked Ambrosia
  2. Loaded Parsnip Fries by the Healthy Hunter
  3. Beef Bourguignon with Parsnip and Cauliflower Puree by Peanut Butter and Fitness

Pears

Bowl of Bosc pears on a counter top.

Pears are super nutritious with their sweet and earthy flavor, and slightly gritty texture. They promote good gut health, have anti-inflammatory properties, and are linked to lower the risk of diabetes. We tend to enjoy them as they are, but we’ve also learned to appreciate their flexibility with savory dishes, and even cocktails!

Try our Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Pear and Ginger Sauce!

Or try pears in these other recipes:

  1. Kale and Butternut Salad with Pears and Almonds by Skinnytaste
  2. Maple Baked Pears with Whipped Cream by Cotter Crunch
  3. Stuffing with Mushrooms and Pears by Snixy Kitchen

Pumpkins

Pumpkins lined up on shelves.

Photo by Ben Libby on Unsplash

Pumpkins—they’re not just for pie! Pumpkins are rich in vitamin A, antioxidants, potassium, and fiber. Sure, they’re fantastic in baked goods (and lattes), but there’s a pretty extensive list of things you can do with pumpkins away from that stuff.

Try pumpkin in these recipes:

  1. Pumpkin Carrot Soup by Lindsey Eats LA
  2. Healthy Pumpkin Bread by Erin Lives Whole
  3. Roast Pumpkin Chickpea and Feta Salad by The Yummy Bowl

Radishes

Bunch of radishes.

Thrown over tacos, tossed into a green salad, or pickled and served with charcuterie, radishes are one of my faves. There’s just something exhilarating about them with their snappy peppery flavor. Despite the fact that they’re mostly used as a garnish or addition, they’re also great on their own when roasted and they come with some pretty awesome health benefits—like supporting a healthy digestive system.

Try my Addictive Spicy Quick Pickle Radishes!

Or try radishes in these other recipes:

  1. Roasted Radish Mini Bagels by My Goodness Kitchen
  2. Roasted Radishes by Real + Vibrant
  3. Radish Potato Salad by With Food + Love

Sweet Potato

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes work in recipes both savory and sweet. I can enjoy them year long, but there’s something extra cozy about them come the cooler months. Maybe it’s the association with Thanksgiving, or maybe it’s just the rich and comforting texture they bring. Either way, when you’re scoping out sweet potatoes, look for small to medium-sized potatoes. They’re guaranteed to be sweet and creamy, whereas the larger ones tend to be starchier. And hey, fun fact: the deeper the color of the sweet potato, the richer it is in antioxidant beta-carotene.

Try my Smokey + Spicy Sweet Potato Soup!

Or try sweet potatoes in these other recipes:

  1. Sweet Potato Bowl by Lazy Cat Kitchen
  2. Cinnamon Honey Butter Baked Sweet Potatoes by Nourish and Fete
  3. Creamy Vegan Chickpea Curry by Supergolden Bakes

Winter Squash

Butternut squash cut in half.

Winter squash comes in many forms: butternut, acorn, delicata, etc. And they’re all delicious! Another winner when roasted or blended into soups. They have high levels of alpha and beta-carotene, and they’re a great source of Vitamin C and fiber.

Try winter squash in my Thai Coconut Fish Curry!

Or try it in these other recipes:

  1. Walnut Crusted Roasted Delicata Squash by Eating by Elaine
  2. Stuffed Acorn Squash by #foodbyjonister
  3. Souped-Up Roasted Butternut Squash Soup by Two of a Kind Cooks