Strange fall produce with surprising benefits

Explore the perks of “strange” fall produce and how to incorporate them into meals. 

Autumn and Winter are often associated with classic produce like pumpkins, apples, and squash. Yet, the harvest yields a variety of lesser-known produce that adds unique flavors and textures, but also has surprising benefits. Explore the perks of these “strange” fall produce and how to incorporate them into meals. 

6 strange fall produce to try 

Next time you visit your local farmer's market or grocery store, keep an eye out for these unusual gems and give them a try.

Romanesco broccoli

Resembling a cross between a cauliflower and a broccoli, Romanesco may look like a spiky and scary vegetable, but its unique geometric pattern is a fascinating and healthy addition to a dish. Use it in place of regular broccoli or cauliflower in recipes, or roast it with olive oil and garlic for a simple side dish. 

Similar to broccoli and cauliflower, it's a good source of vitamin C and B vitamins which help with immunity and energy in our body. It’s also rich in vitamin K, which is important for wound healing and blood clotting (2, 3). 

Sunchokes (jerusalem artichokes)

Despite the similar name, sunchokes are not related to artichokes. These tubers have a sweet, nutty flavor reminiscent of water chestnuts. They can be roasted, mashed, or even eaten raw in salads. 

Sunchokes are rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health. Inulin also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is important to manage and prevent disease such as type 2 diabetes (4). 

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi has a mild, slightly sweet flavor similar to broccoli stems or turnips. It can be eaten raw, shredded in salads, or cooked in stir-fries and soups. It’s also excellent when pickled.

Kohlrabi is a member of the Brassica family of vegetables, known to potentially be involved in preventing some types of cancers and benefit heart health (5). 

Celeriac (celery root)

Celeriac is a root vegetable with a creamy texture and subtle celery flavor. Peel and dice it for soups and stews, mash it like potatoes, or roast it with other root vegetables for a hearty side dish.

It’s rich in nutrients including vitamin C, important for immunity and phosphorus which is good for bone health (6). It’s also a great source of fiber, which helps benefit our healthy gut bacteria. 

Daikon radish

Daikon radishes are large, white root vegetables that are popular in Asian cuisine. They resemble carrots and have a mild flavor and crisp texture, making them perfect for salads, pickles, and soups. Daikon can also be grated and used as a condiment or garnish. 

Daikon radishes are rich in cell supporting vitamin C and folate, which is important for fetal development and metabolism (7). 

Pawpaw

Pawpaw fruit has a look resembling a wild cat or bear paw. It has a custard-like texture with a tropical flavor resembling a mix of banana, mango, and melon. Enjoy it fresh, in smoothies, or use it as the fruit source for healthy popsicles. 

Pawpaws are very nutritious and contain good amounts of the minerals, iron, copper, and magnesium (8).

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