In This ArticleView AllIn This Article1. Apples2. Winter Squash3. Dark Leafy Greens4. Pears5. Cauliflower6. Brussels Sprouts7. Potatoes
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Apples
Winter Squash
Dark Leafy Greens
Pears
Cauliflower
Brussels Sprouts
Potatoes
CloseWelcome toThrifty. A weekly column where nutrition editor and registered dietitian Jessica Ball keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two, and make Earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life.Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially if you live where the leaves change colors, like here in Vermont, where I live. And it’s one of my favorite seasons for cooking since the cooler temps help make it more comfortable to be in the kitchen, too.The beginning of fall also brings delicious and abundant seasonal produce ready to dress up your meals with warmer flavors. When you lean toward seasonal produce, you always get the best flavor and the greatest value. These seven fruits and vegetables are delicious options to enjoy the flavors of the season while aligning with your budget.Related:How to Choose the Healthiest Canned Fruits and Vegetables, According to a Dietitian1. ApplesYou may have heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And while this may be a bit of an overpromise, this popular fruit boasts some impressivehealth benefits. Apples are packed with fiber—one medium apple contains about 4 grams, or about 16% of the Daily Value—which promotes feelings of satiety and healthy digestion. They also contain antioxidant compounds that support brain health and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancers.Not only are apples super nutritious, but they’re cost-effective, too. If stored correctly, they can last forup to six weeks. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy recipes like ourApple Pie-Inspired Overnight OatsorThe Easiest Apple Tarts—or simply have them as a snack on their own, maybe with a spoonful of nut butter. If you want to save even more and have a fun family outing, consider picking your own from a local orchard.2. Winter SquashWinter squash comes in a variety of different shapes, sizes and flavors, from butternut and acorn to delicata and kabocha. They can last on your counter forup to two months, so they’re a great option if you’re worried about food waste. They are so beautiful they almost look like decorations! Each variety offers unique nutrition profile andhealth benefits, but they are all packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants our bodies need to thrive. Simply cut them in half, drizzle them in olive oil and your desired seasonings, and roast them until tender for a simple side. Or get creative and try them in delicious dishes like ourButternut Soup with Coconut MilkorCheesy Spinach-&-Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash.3. Dark Leafy GreensAs a dietitian, I love nutrient-dense foods like dark leafy greens. They come in several different sizes, flavors and textures, so there’s sure to be one you enjoy, whether it’s kale, collards, bok choy, chard or spinach. And research suggests they can support everything frombrain health to healthy bones. I try to add them anywhere I can, from soups and stews to smoothies and scrambled eggs, for a quick-cooking nutrition and flavor boost.Many dark leafy greens are cold-hardy and grow well throughout the fall in most regions, whether it’s in your garden or at a local farm. If they’restored correctly, they can last for about a week in the fridge or several months in the freezer. Beyond a delicious side dish, they can be added to mains like ourSpicy Meatloaf with Collards, which helps your protein go a bit further, too.4. PearsFruits may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about budget-friendly foods, but pears are a welcome exception. Plus, they’re a great source of fiber, providing a whopping6 gramsper medium fruit. They offerhealth benefitslike supporting your heart health, aiding in healthy digestion and fighting off free radical damage to your cells.Tostore pears correctly, keep them on the counter until they’re fully ripe and then transfer them to the fridge. Enjoy them in a classicRustic Pear Tart, or try them in savory dishes like ourArugula Salad with Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Pears & Blue Cheese.5. CauliflowerCauliflowers have come into the spotlight for their versatility in recent years. While they can be blitzed into a “rice” alternative or transformed into a pizza crust, my favorite way to eat them is simply roasted in olive oil with warm spices like paprika, cumin and cayenne. They’re nutty, sweet and flavorful and can bestoredfor about a week in your fridge or up to a year in your freezer. Not bad for a budget-friendly vegetable. And they’re a good source offolate and potassiumto boot.6. Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts have also had quite the glow-up in recent years, I attribute this mostly to the shift from boiling them to roasting them until they’re little pillows of earthy, crunchy goodness (and the inclusion of Parmesan, of course). They’re another long-lasting veggie thatcan last for about a weekin the fridge and several months in the freezer.Brussels sproutsare also incredibly nutrient-dense, helping with everything from reduced inflammation and improved bone health to fighting liver disease. If you’re still on the fence about these little cruciferous veg, recipes like ourCrispy Smashed Brussels Sproutsor ourHoney-Chile Glazed Baked Brussels Sproutsmay just change your mind.7. PotatoesPotatoes may get a bad rap (mostly thanks to popular low-carb diets), butthey’re actually really nutritious! They’re a good source of filling fiber, immune-supporting vitamin C and heart-healthy potassium. They’re delicious, whether you boil them, roast them or sauté them. And they’re one of the most cost-effective vegetables out there,lasting for monthsin your pantry.The Bottom LineThe fall harvest is still bountiful, and many delicious fruits and vegetables are at their ripest and most delicious this time of year. Plus, you can add several to your grocery list without breaking the bank, too. This season, get creative in the kitchen with these delicious produce options and more to help you enjoy fall flavors and feel your best.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
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Welcome toThrifty. A weekly column where nutrition editor and registered dietitian Jessica Ball keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two, and make Earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life.Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially if you live where the leaves change colors, like here in Vermont, where I live. And it’s one of my favorite seasons for cooking since the cooler temps help make it more comfortable to be in the kitchen, too.The beginning of fall also brings delicious and abundant seasonal produce ready to dress up your meals with warmer flavors. When you lean toward seasonal produce, you always get the best flavor and the greatest value. These seven fruits and vegetables are delicious options to enjoy the flavors of the season while aligning with your budget.Related:How to Choose the Healthiest Canned Fruits and Vegetables, According to a Dietitian1. ApplesYou may have heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And while this may be a bit of an overpromise, this popular fruit boasts some impressivehealth benefits. Apples are packed with fiber—one medium apple contains about 4 grams, or about 16% of the Daily Value—which promotes feelings of satiety and healthy digestion. They also contain antioxidant compounds that support brain health and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancers.Not only are apples super nutritious, but they’re cost-effective, too. If stored correctly, they can last forup to six weeks. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy recipes like ourApple Pie-Inspired Overnight OatsorThe Easiest Apple Tarts—or simply have them as a snack on their own, maybe with a spoonful of nut butter. If you want to save even more and have a fun family outing, consider picking your own from a local orchard.2. Winter SquashWinter squash comes in a variety of different shapes, sizes and flavors, from butternut and acorn to delicata and kabocha. They can last on your counter forup to two months, so they’re a great option if you’re worried about food waste. They are so beautiful they almost look like decorations! Each variety offers unique nutrition profile andhealth benefits, but they are all packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants our bodies need to thrive. Simply cut them in half, drizzle them in olive oil and your desired seasonings, and roast them until tender for a simple side. Or get creative and try them in delicious dishes like ourButternut Soup with Coconut MilkorCheesy Spinach-&-Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash.3. Dark Leafy GreensAs a dietitian, I love nutrient-dense foods like dark leafy greens. They come in several different sizes, flavors and textures, so there’s sure to be one you enjoy, whether it’s kale, collards, bok choy, chard or spinach. And research suggests they can support everything frombrain health to healthy bones. I try to add them anywhere I can, from soups and stews to smoothies and scrambled eggs, for a quick-cooking nutrition and flavor boost.Many dark leafy greens are cold-hardy and grow well throughout the fall in most regions, whether it’s in your garden or at a local farm. If they’restored correctly, they can last for about a week in the fridge or several months in the freezer. Beyond a delicious side dish, they can be added to mains like ourSpicy Meatloaf with Collards, which helps your protein go a bit further, too.4. PearsFruits may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about budget-friendly foods, but pears are a welcome exception. Plus, they’re a great source of fiber, providing a whopping6 gramsper medium fruit. They offerhealth benefitslike supporting your heart health, aiding in healthy digestion and fighting off free radical damage to your cells.Tostore pears correctly, keep them on the counter until they’re fully ripe and then transfer them to the fridge. Enjoy them in a classicRustic Pear Tart, or try them in savory dishes like ourArugula Salad with Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Pears & Blue Cheese.5. CauliflowerCauliflowers have come into the spotlight for their versatility in recent years. While they can be blitzed into a “rice” alternative or transformed into a pizza crust, my favorite way to eat them is simply roasted in olive oil with warm spices like paprika, cumin and cayenne. They’re nutty, sweet and flavorful and can bestoredfor about a week in your fridge or up to a year in your freezer. Not bad for a budget-friendly vegetable. And they’re a good source offolate and potassiumto boot.6. Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts have also had quite the glow-up in recent years, I attribute this mostly to the shift from boiling them to roasting them until they’re little pillows of earthy, crunchy goodness (and the inclusion of Parmesan, of course). They’re another long-lasting veggie thatcan last for about a weekin the fridge and several months in the freezer.Brussels sproutsare also incredibly nutrient-dense, helping with everything from reduced inflammation and improved bone health to fighting liver disease. If you’re still on the fence about these little cruciferous veg, recipes like ourCrispy Smashed Brussels Sproutsor ourHoney-Chile Glazed Baked Brussels Sproutsmay just change your mind.7. PotatoesPotatoes may get a bad rap (mostly thanks to popular low-carb diets), butthey’re actually really nutritious! They’re a good source of filling fiber, immune-supporting vitamin C and heart-healthy potassium. They’re delicious, whether you boil them, roast them or sauté them. And they’re one of the most cost-effective vegetables out there,lasting for monthsin your pantry.The Bottom LineThe fall harvest is still bountiful, and many delicious fruits and vegetables are at their ripest and most delicious this time of year. Plus, you can add several to your grocery list without breaking the bank, too. This season, get creative in the kitchen with these delicious produce options and more to help you enjoy fall flavors and feel your best.Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Welcome toThrifty. A weekly column where nutrition editor and registered dietitian Jessica Ball keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two, and make Earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life.Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially if you live where the leaves change colors, like here in Vermont, where I live. And it’s one of my favorite seasons for cooking since the cooler temps help make it more comfortable to be in the kitchen, too.The beginning of fall also brings delicious and abundant seasonal produce ready to dress up your meals with warmer flavors. When you lean toward seasonal produce, you always get the best flavor and the greatest value. These seven fruits and vegetables are delicious options to enjoy the flavors of the season while aligning with your budget.Related:How to Choose the Healthiest Canned Fruits and Vegetables, According to a Dietitian1. ApplesYou may have heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And while this may be a bit of an overpromise, this popular fruit boasts some impressivehealth benefits. Apples are packed with fiber—one medium apple contains about 4 grams, or about 16% of the Daily Value—which promotes feelings of satiety and healthy digestion. They also contain antioxidant compounds that support brain health and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancers.Not only are apples super nutritious, but they’re cost-effective, too. If stored correctly, they can last forup to six weeks. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy recipes like ourApple Pie-Inspired Overnight OatsorThe Easiest Apple Tarts—or simply have them as a snack on their own, maybe with a spoonful of nut butter. If you want to save even more and have a fun family outing, consider picking your own from a local orchard.2. Winter SquashWinter squash comes in a variety of different shapes, sizes and flavors, from butternut and acorn to delicata and kabocha. They can last on your counter forup to two months, so they’re a great option if you’re worried about food waste. They are so beautiful they almost look like decorations! Each variety offers unique nutrition profile andhealth benefits, but they are all packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants our bodies need to thrive. Simply cut them in half, drizzle them in olive oil and your desired seasonings, and roast them until tender for a simple side. Or get creative and try them in delicious dishes like ourButternut Soup with Coconut MilkorCheesy Spinach-&-Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash.3. Dark Leafy GreensAs a dietitian, I love nutrient-dense foods like dark leafy greens. They come in several different sizes, flavors and textures, so there’s sure to be one you enjoy, whether it’s kale, collards, bok choy, chard or spinach. And research suggests they can support everything frombrain health to healthy bones. I try to add them anywhere I can, from soups and stews to smoothies and scrambled eggs, for a quick-cooking nutrition and flavor boost.Many dark leafy greens are cold-hardy and grow well throughout the fall in most regions, whether it’s in your garden or at a local farm. If they’restored correctly, they can last for about a week in the fridge or several months in the freezer. Beyond a delicious side dish, they can be added to mains like ourSpicy Meatloaf with Collards, which helps your protein go a bit further, too.4. PearsFruits may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about budget-friendly foods, but pears are a welcome exception. Plus, they’re a great source of fiber, providing a whopping6 gramsper medium fruit. They offerhealth benefitslike supporting your heart health, aiding in healthy digestion and fighting off free radical damage to your cells.Tostore pears correctly, keep them on the counter until they’re fully ripe and then transfer them to the fridge. Enjoy them in a classicRustic Pear Tart, or try them in savory dishes like ourArugula Salad with Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Pears & Blue Cheese.5. CauliflowerCauliflowers have come into the spotlight for their versatility in recent years. While they can be blitzed into a “rice” alternative or transformed into a pizza crust, my favorite way to eat them is simply roasted in olive oil with warm spices like paprika, cumin and cayenne. They’re nutty, sweet and flavorful and can bestoredfor about a week in your fridge or up to a year in your freezer. Not bad for a budget-friendly vegetable. And they’re a good source offolate and potassiumto boot.6. Brussels SproutsBrussels sprouts have also had quite the glow-up in recent years, I attribute this mostly to the shift from boiling them to roasting them until they’re little pillows of earthy, crunchy goodness (and the inclusion of Parmesan, of course). They’re another long-lasting veggie thatcan last for about a weekin the fridge and several months in the freezer.Brussels sproutsare also incredibly nutrient-dense, helping with everything from reduced inflammation and improved bone health to fighting liver disease. If you’re still on the fence about these little cruciferous veg, recipes like ourCrispy Smashed Brussels Sproutsor ourHoney-Chile Glazed Baked Brussels Sproutsmay just change your mind.7. PotatoesPotatoes may get a bad rap (mostly thanks to popular low-carb diets), butthey’re actually really nutritious! They’re a good source of filling fiber, immune-supporting vitamin C and heart-healthy potassium. They’re delicious, whether you boil them, roast them or sauté them. And they’re one of the most cost-effective vegetables out there,lasting for monthsin your pantry.The Bottom LineThe fall harvest is still bountiful, and many delicious fruits and vegetables are at their ripest and most delicious this time of year. Plus, you can add several to your grocery list without breaking the bank, too. This season, get creative in the kitchen with these delicious produce options and more to help you enjoy fall flavors and feel your best.
Welcome toThrifty. A weekly column where nutrition editor and registered dietitian Jessica Ball keeps it real on how to grocery shop on a budget, make healthy meals for one or two, and make Earth-friendly choices without overhauling your entire life.
Fall is a beautiful time of year, especially if you live where the leaves change colors, like here in Vermont, where I live. And it’s one of my favorite seasons for cooking since the cooler temps help make it more comfortable to be in the kitchen, too.
The beginning of fall also brings delicious and abundant seasonal produce ready to dress up your meals with warmer flavors. When you lean toward seasonal produce, you always get the best flavor and the greatest value. These seven fruits and vegetables are delicious options to enjoy the flavors of the season while aligning with your budget.
Related:How to Choose the Healthiest Canned Fruits and Vegetables, According to a Dietitian
You may have heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And while this may be a bit of an overpromise, this popular fruit boasts some impressivehealth benefits. Apples are packed with fiber—one medium apple contains about 4 grams, or about 16% of the Daily Value—which promotes feelings of satiety and healthy digestion. They also contain antioxidant compounds that support brain health and lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancers.
Not only are apples super nutritious, but they’re cost-effective, too. If stored correctly, they can last forup to six weeks. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy recipes like ourApple Pie-Inspired Overnight OatsorThe Easiest Apple Tarts—or simply have them as a snack on their own, maybe with a spoonful of nut butter. If you want to save even more and have a fun family outing, consider picking your own from a local orchard.
Winter squash comes in a variety of different shapes, sizes and flavors, from butternut and acorn to delicata and kabocha. They can last on your counter forup to two months, so they’re a great option if you’re worried about food waste. They are so beautiful they almost look like decorations! Each variety offers unique nutrition profile andhealth benefits, but they are all packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants our bodies need to thrive. Simply cut them in half, drizzle them in olive oil and your desired seasonings, and roast them until tender for a simple side. Or get creative and try them in delicious dishes like ourButternut Soup with Coconut MilkorCheesy Spinach-&-Artichoke Stuffed Spaghetti Squash.
As a dietitian, I love nutrient-dense foods like dark leafy greens. They come in several different sizes, flavors and textures, so there’s sure to be one you enjoy, whether it’s kale, collards, bok choy, chard or spinach. And research suggests they can support everything frombrain health to healthy bones. I try to add them anywhere I can, from soups and stews to smoothies and scrambled eggs, for a quick-cooking nutrition and flavor boost.
Many dark leafy greens are cold-hardy and grow well throughout the fall in most regions, whether it’s in your garden or at a local farm. If they’restored correctly, they can last for about a week in the fridge or several months in the freezer. Beyond a delicious side dish, they can be added to mains like ourSpicy Meatloaf with Collards, which helps your protein go a bit further, too.
Fruits may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking about budget-friendly foods, but pears are a welcome exception. Plus, they’re a great source of fiber, providing a whopping6 gramsper medium fruit. They offerhealth benefitslike supporting your heart health, aiding in healthy digestion and fighting off free radical damage to your cells.
Tostore pears correctly, keep them on the counter until they’re fully ripe and then transfer them to the fridge. Enjoy them in a classicRustic Pear Tart, or try them in savory dishes like ourArugula Salad with Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Pears & Blue Cheese.
Cauliflowers have come into the spotlight for their versatility in recent years. While they can be blitzed into a “rice” alternative or transformed into a pizza crust, my favorite way to eat them is simply roasted in olive oil with warm spices like paprika, cumin and cayenne. They’re nutty, sweet and flavorful and can bestoredfor about a week in your fridge or up to a year in your freezer. Not bad for a budget-friendly vegetable. And they’re a good source offolate and potassiumto boot.
Brussels sprouts have also had quite the glow-up in recent years, I attribute this mostly to the shift from boiling them to roasting them until they’re little pillows of earthy, crunchy goodness (and the inclusion of Parmesan, of course). They’re another long-lasting veggie thatcan last for about a weekin the fridge and several months in the freezer.Brussels sproutsare also incredibly nutrient-dense, helping with everything from reduced inflammation and improved bone health to fighting liver disease. If you’re still on the fence about these little cruciferous veg, recipes like ourCrispy Smashed Brussels Sproutsor ourHoney-Chile Glazed Baked Brussels Sproutsmay just change your mind.
Potatoes may get a bad rap (mostly thanks to popular low-carb diets), butthey’re actually really nutritious! They’re a good source of filling fiber, immune-supporting vitamin C and heart-healthy potassium. They’re delicious, whether you boil them, roast them or sauté them. And they’re one of the most cost-effective vegetables out there,lasting for monthsin your pantry.
The Bottom Line
The fall harvest is still bountiful, and many delicious fruits and vegetables are at their ripest and most delicious this time of year. Plus, you can add several to your grocery list without breaking the bank, too. This season, get creative in the kitchen with these delicious produce options and more to help you enjoy fall flavors and feel your best.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
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Thanks for your feedback!
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