Fall Is in The Air!
Fall is the season of harvest and abundance, when crisp mornings, golden leaves, and cozy gatherings set the stage for some of the year’s most memorable meals. Markets come alive with pumpkins, apples, pears, squash, grapes, and root vegetables; nature’s way of coloring the season in deep reds, oranges, and golds. These fresh, flavorful items aren’t just beautiful; they’re versatile staples that lend themselves to roasting, baking, simmering, and sharing.
Thanksgiving is the most popular holiday of fall, a holiday rooted in gratitude and tradition. Families and friends gather around the table to share recipes passed down through generations, roast turkey with herbs, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pies brimming with pumpkin, apple, or pecan. It’s also a holiday that encourages creativity and exploration with side dishes that highlight the season’s best produce, from roasted Brussels sprouts to glazed carrots, or hearty squash casseroles.
Seasonal produce is at the heart of these traditions. Pumpkins, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes bring comfort and color to savory and sweet dishes alike, while apples and pears shine in crisps, cobblers, and salads. Pomegranates, grapes, and citrus add brightness and balance to heavier fare, and root vegetables like parsnips, beets, and turnips round out the menu with earthy richness. Fresh herbs, sage, rosemary, thyme, tie them all together with aromas that make kitchens feel festive and warm.
Beyond the food, fall and Thanksgiving traditions are about connection. Setting the table with vibrant produce displays, sharing new recipes alongside old favorites, and enjoying the bounty of the season creates memories that last far beyond the holiday. Whether it’s carving pumpkins with family, baking pies together, or sampling a new fruit or vegetable for the first time, Melissa’s seasonal produce makes it easy to celebrate fall in its fullest, most flavorful form.
VETERANS DAY
Veterans Day 2025 will be observed on Tuesday, November 11, honoring all U.S. military veterans who have served our country. Unlike Memorial Day, which remembers those who gave their lives, Veterans Day is a time to thank and recognize living veterans for their courage, sacrifice, and service. It’s a day marked by ceremonies, community gatherings, and moments of reflection, often accompanied by parades, school programs, and time spent with family.
Food traditions around Veterans Day tend to be about comfort, togetherness, and seasonal abundance. With fall in full swing, it is the perfect time to cook with Melissa’s produce items like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts for hearty side dishes; apples and pears for crisps and cobblers; or pomegranates and grapes to brighten salads and charcuterie boards. Warm soups made with lentils, root vegetables, or mushrooms offer nourishment and comfort, while roasted squash or baked apples bring festive seasonal flavor to the table. Sharing a meal filled with fall produce is a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate the day, honoring veterans by gathering with loved ones in gratitude and reflection.
