5 Surprising Ways to use Fall Farmer’s Market Finds

Check out these 5 produce gems at your local farmer’s market this fall and how you can enjoy them a little differently this year!
 

• Apples – Nothing says fall like apple picking. And nothing taste better than a fresh, crisp, apple right off the tree. Don’t pass over this staple at the farmer’s market this fall. Over 30 varieties of apple are grown right here in NJ – how many different varieties can you find and try this year? Plan a fun family activity with your farmer’s market haul and put on an apple tasting! Sample 4-5 different varieties of apple, noting the flavor, texture, and color. Let the kids be the judge and pick their favorite! Dip apple slices in honey or nut butter then top with chopped nuts and mini dark chocolate chips to make a sweet and crunchy dessert.

 

• Cranberries – Look for cranberries that have a rich, deep, color and are opaque, not translucent. Fresh cranberries should bounce, so give them a quick test before purchasing at the market. Most folks find cranberries too tart to eat raw, but before you cook them, consider saving the juices and cooking liquid to use for tie dye! Check out this link will full instructions on how to use cranberries to dye napkins for your holiday table!

 

• Beets – Don’t skip over the beets this fall! This deeply colored root vegetable is packed with nutrition but can also be used as a treatment for dandruff or an itchy scalp! Beet juice can stain just about any surface so it’s recommended to do this in the shower. Save the water used to boil beets, let it cool, then massage the beet water on the scalp. Put a disposable shower cap on over your hair and sleep with the beet water in your hair. Rinse away the beet water during your morning shower. Blonds beware – using red beets may give lighter locks a reddish hue!

 

• Potatoes – Find potatoes at local farmer’s markets between August and October. Stored properly in a cool, dark place with low humidity, they can last from 1 month up to 3 months! As the weather turns colder, it may be helpful to have potatoes on hand – did you know they can be used to prevent ice forming on your car windshield?? Cut a potato in half and rub the cut side on your windshield the night before a frost. The sugar from the potato forms a barrier on the glass and prevents ice from forming. Just wipe away the potato residue in the morning with a cloth or wiper fluid – no scraping necessary!

 

• Collards – Become more familiar with this nutritious leafy green and use the entire plant in the kitchen! Collards become more nutritious and tastier after the first frost so don’t fret if you aren’t able to get them early in the fall. Select collards that have no yellowing, spots, or wilting. Poach the leaves and use them as an alternative to high-calorie sandwich wraps. Making that switch will save over 100 calories! Watch a collard wrap tutorial here. Prevent food waste and keep the stems. Chop the stems into small pieces and blend with olive oil, hard cheese, walnuts, and herbs to make a pesto!