It's FALL, and that means … it's Freaky Fruit® season!
This year, our holidays will probably be a little different because of COVID-19. Instead of gatherings, we may have more socially distanced fall celebrations than in the past. Colors are changing to browns, golds and oranges, and new seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables become available to warm our kitchens. Fall leaves and decorations begin appearing, marking the coziness of winter that will soon follow. Freaky Fruit® are starting to make their appearance in markets and homes nationwide, just in time for Halloween. Expect to see squash, Kiwano melons, kiwi, Buddha's hand, passion fruit, and more.
Winter Squash
Butternut, Acorn, Spaghetti, Delicata, Gold Nugget, Sweet dumplings, Butterkin, Kabocha, and Turban are the most popular. Try them baked or cube them into stews. Some squashes are difficult to cut. Here is a simple solution: Place whole squash in 375ºF oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the outer shell softens enough to cut. Adjust cooking time accordingly, so squash does not overcook. Use in your favorite recipe! You can also scoop out the inside flesh and use the outer shell as a unique serving dish. This is incredibly fun to do with the smaller squash, using them for individual servings.
Variety Potatoes
Dutch Yellow®, Fingerlings, Baby Red, Baby White, Gemstone®, and Ruby Gold®, are all delicious and easy to prepare. Baked or mashed are the most popular ways to serve these potatoes; leave the skin on for a healthier dish.
Other Fall Favorites
These popular items cannot be left out for fall cooking: pearl onions, pine nuts, garlic, steamed lentils, and our full line of ready-to-go steamed veggies.
Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit like pomegranates, Asian pears, starfruit, and persimmons are all very popular in the fall, continuing into the holidays. Remove the arils (seeds) from a pomegranate by carefully slicing the fruit in half, then submerging the half-cut side down into a bowl of water; gently remove the arils from the pith, and they will drop to the bottom of the bowl and the pith will float to the top. Use the arils as a garnish around a cheese ball, toss them into fresh salads, or sprinkle them around the edges of a plate to make it look festive.
Halloween
October 31 is one of the most anticipated holidays of fall. In past years, millions of Americans spent October 31 dressing up in funny, scary, and realistic costumes, eating candy and fun treats after gathering them from homes in the neighborhood. This year, things may be different with social distancing rules in place. More than likely, there will be no door-to-door trick-or-treating, but possibly small family gatherings with candy and treats. There are many stories about Halloween, some religious and others superstitious. Melissa's thinks of Freaky Fruit® for Halloween; they are fun to eat and healthy too!
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a traditional favorite for Halloween. Pumpkins can be orange, which is the most common color, or white, which are called ghost pumpkins. Generally, people carve their pumpkins into a "Jack' O Lantern" by making a face on the pumpkin. The inner seeds are also popular to bake as a crunchy snack. You can season them with salt or your favorite popcorn seasoning for a real treat. Pumpkins can also be cooked and eaten just like any other squash. The most popular recipe for a pumpkin is pie.
Try our Brown Butter Pumpkin Galette with Onions Goat Cheese and Sage.
If you want to get really creative, try some of our FREAKY FRUIT® recipes.
These exclusive recipes will help you create one of the most delicious and fun Halloween feasts ever!
