Photo credit: Whole Foods Market
Oooooh...it's almost that time! A slight nip in the air. Shorter days, longer nights. Halloween catalogs in the mail. Pumpkin displays at Barnes and Noble. It's almost autumn!
What I consider the most superior of all seasons, fall is nearly upon us. Yes, it means different things based on where you live - autumn in the desert means a brisk 90 degrees - but the anticipation and excitement is the same. Maybe it's the Midwesterner in me, but fall to me means cooking and baking. I want hole up in the kitchen, whipping up all kinds of harvest-based creations. Pies and stew and chili, oh my!
I've learned over the last few years that just because we are sliding into the holiday season, the diet does not have to suffer. Keeping things plant-based and healthy, this is one of the easiest seasons to maintain a fresh and clean menu. Sure, you could turn it into an all-day sugar cookie binge (disclaimer: I reserve this right after the St. George Marathon) but really, this is a fantastic time to dig into some great harvest veggies at their peak.
What I consider the most superior of all seasons, fall is nearly upon us. Yes, it means different things based on where you live - autumn in the desert means a brisk 90 degrees - but the anticipation and excitement is the same. Maybe it's the Midwesterner in me, but fall to me means cooking and baking. I want hole up in the kitchen, whipping up all kinds of harvest-based creations. Pies and stew and chili, oh my!
I've learned over the last few years that just because we are sliding into the holiday season, the diet does not have to suffer. Keeping things plant-based and healthy, this is one of the easiest seasons to maintain a fresh and clean menu. Sure, you could turn it into an all-day sugar cookie binge (disclaimer: I reserve this right after the St. George Marathon) but really, this is a fantastic time to dig into some great harvest veggies at their peak.
When the nice people at Whole Foods sent me a guide to picking great fall produce, I knew I had to share it. I've always wondered what to look for when selecting fruits and vegetables. I'm totally a watermelon tapper. I smell pineapples and squeeze mangoes with wide-eyed innocence. No longer, my friend. Knowledge is power. Go forth and pick your veggies with authority.
Photo credit: Whole Foods Market
First up…Leafy Greens: Ironically, while leaves are changing from green to yellows, browns and reds, autumn is actually one of the best times to enjoy leafy greens – both in terms of variety and flavor. Kale's popularity has skyrocketed in the past few years, and for good reason – often touted as a superfood, kale is an excellent source of vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and fiber, and a good source of manganese. But there are lots of other powerhouse greens that are at their best in fall, like chard, watercress, leaf lettuce and mustard greens, arugula, raddichio and chicory.
Apples: From sweet Fujis to sweet and tart Honeycrisps, there's a flavor for every palate. To pick the best of the orchard, choose apples that are firm and free of blemishes or bruises. Apples emit ethylene, which speeds up the process of ripening so be sure to store them in a cool place away from other ethylene-sensitive produce, such as avocados, bananas or citrus fruit. When storing cored or peeled apples, a squeeze of lemon will help to prevent browning.
Pears: From Anjous to Bartlett to the Sugar Pear, this fall favorite offers a wide range of varieties and flavors from tart to sweet. No matter the type, pick pears while they are still firm and allow them to ripen at room temperature for a few days. They ripen from the top down they are ready to eat when they give a little at the stem. It also helps to know your varietals – bosc are better a firm while comice are best soft. In some cases look for changes in color, like with the Bartlett, which turns from green to yellow. Opt to store them in the fridge to slow the ripening process, or use them up within five days. Just like apples, lemon juice can help prevent cut pears from browning.
Apples: From sweet Fujis to sweet and tart Honeycrisps, there's a flavor for every palate. To pick the best of the orchard, choose apples that are firm and free of blemishes or bruises. Apples emit ethylene, which speeds up the process of ripening so be sure to store them in a cool place away from other ethylene-sensitive produce, such as avocados, bananas or citrus fruit. When storing cored or peeled apples, a squeeze of lemon will help to prevent browning.
Pears: From Anjous to Bartlett to the Sugar Pear, this fall favorite offers a wide range of varieties and flavors from tart to sweet. No matter the type, pick pears while they are still firm and allow them to ripen at room temperature for a few days. They ripen from the top down they are ready to eat when they give a little at the stem. It also helps to know your varietals – bosc are better a firm while comice are best soft. In some cases look for changes in color, like with the Bartlett, which turns from green to yellow. Opt to store them in the fridge to slow the ripening process, or use them up within five days. Just like apples, lemon juice can help prevent cut pears from browning.
Photo credit: Whole Foods Market Winter Squash: From acorn to butternut to delicata, you can choose from a range of hearty gourds and squashes in fall that are perfect for roasting, mashing and pureeing. Choose squash that remains firm when pressed, contains an intact stem, and feels heavy for its size. Winter squash can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks if kept in its tough exterior. Kept refrigerated for a few days if cut or raw.
Mushrooms: From Oyster to Portobello, all mushrooms should feel firm and dry when you’re selecting a perfectly earthy bunch. They can be stored in a paper bag between layers of damp paper towels in the fridge. If your mushrooms are prepackaged, make sure to remove them from the store packaging to maintain freshness.
Photo credit: Whole Foods Market
Best, Whole Foods also launched a fun campaign called "Shop in the Name of Love" to show its appreciation for customers. Running now until November 3rd, stores around the country will have weekly giveaways, fun promotions and a few other surprises.
The first one to catch my eye? Coffee for a quarter. From now until September 30, all 12 oz cups of coffee are only 25 cents. No limit per customer (heck yea!). I'm a huge fan of grabbing a coffee before I start my leisurely stroll around the store. Sipping something hot helps me avoid bakery temptations, though the occasional vegan chocolate chip cookie has inexplicably jumped into my cart.
For those of you who frequent the Whole Foods on Ft. Apache and Charleston, here's a little sampling of some of the activities they have planned. I'm headed to Cedar City today for a half marathon, so I'll miss the breakfast giveaway tomorrow, but maybe I'll see you in the aisle one of these days, sipping our coffee and attempting to ignore the baked goods.
September 12th
A Thank you breakfast giveaway! Come down and eat breakfast with us on Saturday September 12th & five lucky
Whole Foods Market Shoppers will receive breakfast on us! Customers will be randomly selected between the hours of 8am and 10am
September 18th
Pride Parade Las Vegas 2015 7-10 P.M
September 19th
Pride Festival- Join us at our Whole Foods Market Las Vegas Pride booth we will have giveaways, games and more! 12-8pm
September 23rd
Organic Gala Apples from Cuyama Farms
10-12 while supplies last, one per customer
September 25th
Mystery Gift Box Giveaway! For The first 20 customers we will be giving away gift boxes filled with Whole Foods Market Goodies!
8am until supplies last
September 26th Deliciously Dairy Free
Free tour and healthy eating cooking class hosted by Sari Dennis Of My Wellness Counts.
12-2pm
October 1st
We are saying Thank you to one of our community Partners; The Working K-9 Rescue ! Cantina Laredo & Whole Foods Market Fort Apache
Will be offering a 6 course tapas style dinner & tequila tasting. All Proceeds will go to the Working k-9 Foundation. $30 pre-sale . Event will be hosted @ Cantina Laredo.
Please RSVP at (702) 202-4511
October 7th
Love Fest Single Stem Flower giveaway
4-6 PM while supplies last, one per customer
October 21
Chocolate Square & Cookie Giveaway
10-12 while supplies last, one per customer
(Author’s note: I'm totally going to this)
The first one to catch my eye? Coffee for a quarter. From now until September 30, all 12 oz cups of coffee are only 25 cents. No limit per customer (heck yea!). I'm a huge fan of grabbing a coffee before I start my leisurely stroll around the store. Sipping something hot helps me avoid bakery temptations, though the occasional vegan chocolate chip cookie has inexplicably jumped into my cart.
For those of you who frequent the Whole Foods on Ft. Apache and Charleston, here's a little sampling of some of the activities they have planned. I'm headed to Cedar City today for a half marathon, so I'll miss the breakfast giveaway tomorrow, but maybe I'll see you in the aisle one of these days, sipping our coffee and attempting to ignore the baked goods.
September 12th
A Thank you breakfast giveaway! Come down and eat breakfast with us on Saturday September 12th & five lucky
Whole Foods Market Shoppers will receive breakfast on us! Customers will be randomly selected between the hours of 8am and 10am
September 18th
Pride Parade Las Vegas 2015 7-10 P.M
September 19th
Pride Festival- Join us at our Whole Foods Market Las Vegas Pride booth we will have giveaways, games and more! 12-8pm
September 23rd
Organic Gala Apples from Cuyama Farms
10-12 while supplies last, one per customer
September 25th
Mystery Gift Box Giveaway! For The first 20 customers we will be giving away gift boxes filled with Whole Foods Market Goodies!
8am until supplies last
September 26th Deliciously Dairy Free
Free tour and healthy eating cooking class hosted by Sari Dennis Of My Wellness Counts.
12-2pm
October 1st
We are saying Thank you to one of our community Partners; The Working K-9 Rescue ! Cantina Laredo & Whole Foods Market Fort Apache
Will be offering a 6 course tapas style dinner & tequila tasting. All Proceeds will go to the Working k-9 Foundation. $30 pre-sale . Event will be hosted @ Cantina Laredo.
Please RSVP at (702) 202-4511
October 7th
Love Fest Single Stem Flower giveaway
4-6 PM while supplies last, one per customer
October 21
Chocolate Square & Cookie Giveaway
10-12 while supplies last, one per customer
(Author’s note: I'm totally going to this)
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