Fall is still fruit and vegetable time!

Plenty of Michigan grown produce is still available during the fall.

Summer always seems to bring to mind the thoughts of fresh fruits and vegetables growing in gardens or being sold at local farm markets. As we head into the fall season, Michigan State University Extension reminds you that there are still plenty of great Michigan grown fruits and vegetables available to enjoy.

MSU Extension’s Availability Guide displays what fruits and vegetables are available at what times of the season. So what produce is still available for the fall season? Here are examples of just some of the fresh fruits and vegetables you might find:

  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Melons
  • Pears
  • Squash
  • Zucchini
  • Tomatoes
  • Beans
  • Broccoli
  • Beets
  • Cabbage
  • Parsnips
  • Rutabagas
  • Peppers
  • Spinach

Whether you are going to enjoy the fresh produce today (don’t forget to wash all produce before consuming) or preserve for enjoyment through the cold, winter months, these fruits and vegetables will help you get the important vitamins and minerals your body needs for good health.

We know that eating fruits and vegetables is beneficial to our bodies. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 recommends increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. MyPlate recommends filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Making sure your body gets enough fruits and vegetables on a daily basis can be done, for ideas on salads read MyPlate fits into your salad bowl! There is still plenty of time to enjoy fresh produce this fall as the harvest season winds down. Incorporating fall fruits and vegetables into your meal plan and reducing empty calorie foods, fats and fast foods can help you in reaching your weight management goals.

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