It's officially the harvest season, and what better way to celebrate the season than stocking up on some delicious, affordable, plant-based autumn grocery items? Autumn comes with the most beautiful, fun flavors, from pumpkin and squash to cranberries and figs. These top four Trader Joe's grocery choices are a must for your autumn kitchen.
1. Butternut squash ravioli
2. Fall zucchette pasta
Butternut squash is rich in vitamins, containining over 100% of the average recommended daily intake of vitamin A and nearly 40% of your vitamin B. It is also a great source of calcium at 15% daily intake, magnesium and potassium. Butternut squash helps you eat your water, as it is made up of 87% water.
With strength in immunity, eyesight and fiber, butternut squash is a healthy autumn harvest staple.
3. Triple Ginger brew
Ginger, originating in Southeast Asia, is one of the healthiest spices on the planet. Its main compound is gingerol, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxident benefits. Ginger can help ease nauseau and joint pain.
4. Apple cider jam
Cider is unfilterized juice from apples. Apple cider contains the antioxidant flavonoid, which helps fight chronic illness and heart disease. Apples are a fab source of fiber and potassium.
Farmer's Market Adventure
We took a trip to Criswell Farm and Market in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Criswell is a sustainable, urban farm dedicated to producing the freshest, sun-fed organic herbs. They also hold events in their beautiful space.
We picked these fresh herbs:
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is highly antioxident due to its rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid. Drinking rosemary tea can help you fight off oxidative inflammation and chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
2. Mint
Mint contains menthol, which helps with decongestion. Mint aroma triggers the salivary glands, acting as a palette cleanser and stimulating digestive enzymes to regulate digestion, soothe the stomach.
3. Passion Hibiscus
Passion hibiscus, as a delicious cup of tea, is a fantastic antioxident that also may help lower blood pressure.
4. Holy Basil
Holy basil is originally from India, where it is considered a sacred herb. Holy basil has small lavender flowers and is used in Ayuverdic medicine. Holy basil contains natural essential oils such as eugenol, camphor, flavonoids, nerol and terpenes. It helps relieve acne, asthma, respitory issues, and inflammation. It also reduces risk to heart disease.
5. Stevia
Stevia has been used as a natural sweetener for beverages dating back to the 16th century. It is originally from Brazil and contains little to no calories, acting as a healthy alternative to added sugar. This helps to avoid diabetes. Stevia also contains sterols and antioxident compounds such as kaempferol, which can reduce pancreatic cancer by 23%.
We hope this inspires you to check out your local farms and enjoy the most delicious fall flavors!