Treasures of autumn: best autumn ingredients for cooking

David White Castle

For most people, autumn is all about beautiful colours. But this variety is not only present in our environment, but also in our gastronomy: nature treats us to more and more delicious fruits and vegetables, which can be used to create first-class dishes.
Autumn is full of delicious gifts, which can be bought seasonally in supermarkets, and picking them from your own garden is an extra treat for the whole family.

Autumn vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins and precious minerals, and they also bring the smiles of summer sunshine. They play a particularly important role in the diet, as the body needs energy and immune boosts during the colder months.

Let's see which are the best autumn ingredients for cooking!

Grapes

Grapes are one of the most energy-dense fruits, with a sugar content of up to 18%. Both the fruit and its juice are rich in nutrients. Its seeds and skins are high in antioxidants and also contain valuable substances such as potassium and selenium. The essence made from its seeds protects the nervous system and helps to heal arthritis. When eaten raw, it can be used in desserts, main courses and even soups, giving a pleasant and refreshing taste to dishes. They go particularly well with a variety of roast meats, but for the more adventurous, they can also be served with grape pizza!

Apples

Apples can now be bought fresh at any time of the year, thanks to breeding, with both early and late ripening varieties, but the real season is autumn. It is a real vitamin bomb, containing vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C. It also contains calcium, iron, folic acid and magnesium, all of which contribute to the healthy functioning of the body. Its peel contains high levels of flavonoids, which are plant substances with antioxidant properties. These substances strengthen the immune system and help us fight viruses and bacteria.

Pumpkins

Pumpkins are an autumn delicacy, with their distinctive orange colour due to beta-carotene, which boosts the antioxidant pool and is essential for healthy vision. It supports liver and intestinal function and strengthens the immune system thanks to its vitamin content. It can be used in a wide range of ways: as a side dish, savoury, sweet, in salads, as a soup, in smoothies and simply fried. Thanks to its distinctive flavour and valuable nutrients, it can be included in the diets of even very young children.

Beetroot

Beetroot is a very distinctive autumn root vegetable that is not only delicious but also a great and practical colouring agent. It's packed with all the good stuff: calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamins and minerals. It has a detoxifying, antihypertensive and fat-burning effect, as well as increasing stamina. It makes a wonderful cream soup, is delicious as a side dish with fresh herbs, and can be used as a colouring agent in pasta and risottos.

Walnuts

Walnuts are a typical crop at this time of year and can be used in their shells, insides or even whole. It is a very valuable and healthy fruit, rich in vitamins A, B and E, and its leaves are rich in vitamin C. Seeds in general are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as are walnut kernels. This is why it is good for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
It is mostly used to make excellent sweets, but some people also put it in bread for its benefits and delicious taste. Green walnuts can also be used to make wine, liqueurs, jams and various oils.

Autumn offers a wealth of delicacies, so take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy them on the table!