Leaning into the Fall Trends

 Posted by: Kara Harders, CSU and NRCS Regional Small Acreage Management Specialist

Crisp air, falling leaves, cooling temperatures, jackets, scarves, and boots. It must be fall in Colorado. 

The people who really lean into this season tend to get made fun of, pumpkin spice latte anyone? Or as the kids say, “PSL”. But there maybe a little to this fall craze in Colorado and it might just be a good thing to get more on board with the season. 

I’m not talking about purchasing the latest fashion or increasing your Starbucks budget, I’m talking about utilizing local produce. According to the Colorado Produce Calendar (see at end of article, or check out here) in November you can find Colorado apples, carrots, cucumbers, onions, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, and winter squashes. These are the main produce ingredients in many of the things we associate with fall and winter foods such as soups, stews, apple pie, roasts, mashed potatoes, and most Thanksgiving side dishes. While you’re at the store, don’t forget to load up on Colorado beef if you are a meat-eater!

While buying local is always a good idea it counts a bit extra this year. COVID-19 has presented challenges for producers at many levels, ranging from labor shortages, to delivery conflicts, and equipment shortages. Additionally, with I70 being closed this year deliveries between the west and east slopes of the state were made much more difficult. Trying to purchase products from producers in your own state helps the Colorado economy, and even if each person only adds a couple dollars back, that adds up when you consider there are over five and a half million people living here now!

Altruism is great, and buying local is certainly good for neighbors around the state but buying whole, local produce can also benefit you. Consuming more whole foods is always a good idea and when you cook your own food you know exactly what is in it. So, bust out your Grandmother’s cookbook, or better yet, call a family member to chat and see if you can get an old family recipe from them. Pick something that includes some in-season produce that brings back good memories, it’s good for your mental health too. And when all else fails, Alton Brown and Martha Stewart have never let me down.