When you think about the month of November, the period where Fall slowly slips into Winter, it doesn’t stand out as a very popular harvest month for fruits. But there are actually quite a few produce selections that are popular in stores and in their prime. These foods also have health benefits of their own:
Persimmons – these peculiar fruits are a big November item, and usually come in two varieties: hachiya and fuyu. Persimmons are high in antioxidants, nutrients and fiber, and are shown to reduce inflammation, control blood sugar and ease thyroid symptoms.
PERSIMMON AND RICOTTA TOAST:
On 2 pieces of freshly toasted chia or whole grain bread, spread on ricotta cheese, add crumbled M&M raw walnuts, place a few slices of persimmons on top and drizzle with honey to taste.
Pink Lady Apples – this variety of apple (also known as “cripps pink”) is just coming into season in BC and the US, and is known to have a sweet-tart flavour. These apples, amoung others, are a fantastic source of fiber to aid in digestion and gut health, and are lower in sugar.
PINK LADY APPLE AND OAT PANCAKES:
In a food processor, blend 1 C oats until it becomes a flour-like texture. Add ½ C almond flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg to taste and mix. Then add 1 tsp vanilla, 1 egg, 1 C milk (or until desired consistency is achieved), 2 tbsp. maple syrup and blend. Mix in finely chopped pink lady apples. Cook in a pan on medium heat on each side for 3-4 minutes and enjoy with some maple syrup!
Pomegranates – known for their deep ruby red colour, pomegranates are another fruit that’s extremely high in antioxidants and can boost your immune system.
POMEGRANATE AND RASPBERRY SMOOTHIE:
In a blender, add 1 banana, a small handful of raspberries and strawberries, ½ C pomegranate seeds, ½ C Greek (or vegan) yogurt, 1 ½ C coconut milk, 1 tbsp. hemp hearts, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional) and 1 tbsp. honey. Blend and enjoy.
