Credit: nib health insurance
Autumn in Australia is one of the best times of the year. The throng of the festive season is still strong in our memories and the stifling heat of summer has passed, leaving us with fresh mornings and cooler evenings.
And, along with the change in temperature, comes a change in fresh in-season produce.
Not only is eating locally-sourced seasonal produce a great way to help the environment (Environment Victoria estimates out of season produce travels more than 21,000 kilometres before it reaches your kitchen), but it’s often a cheaper option.
So, we’ve partnered with medical doctor and author of cookbook, The Doctor’s Diet, Dr Sandro Demaio to find out what should be on your autumn grocery list, as well as his tips and tricks for cooking delicious autumn produce.
Autumn vegetable shopping list
| Beans | Chillies | Peas |
| Beetroot | Corn | Potatoes |
| Bok choy | Cucumber | Silverbeet |
| Broccoli | Eggplant | Spinach |
| Brussels sprouts | Kale | Spring onion |
| Cabbage | Leeks | Squash |
| Capsicum | Lettuce | Sweet potatoes |
| Carrot | Onions | Tomatoes |
| Cauliflower | Parsley | Zucchini |
| Celery | Parsnips |
Not sure how to use this array of autumn veges in everyday cooking? Sandro has some suggestions for simple meals that’ll have the whole family eating their greens – even broccoli and cabbage!
“Broccoli and cauliflower have become very popular in recent years, and with good reason – they’re extremely versatile. Broccoli can be roasted with garlic to make a crunchy, delicious side, or lightly steamed and served in a salad with flaked almonds, feta, olive oil and seasoning. Cauliflower can also be roasted with garlic or spices, like cumin, and turned into a soup, or tossed with barley, walnuts and herbs to make a delicious salad.”
“Cabbage is also a favourite of mine, although it commonly has a bad reputation. When done well, it’s a very cheap and tasty way to get your daily greens. I like to slice it into wedges and pan-fry it with butter and oil, which brings out its sweetness while keeping its shape.”
Autumn fruit shopping list
| Apples | Melons |
| Figs | Oranges |
| Grapefruit | Pears |
| Grapes | Pomegranates |
| Mandarins | Rhubarb |
| Strawberries |
Autumn fruit can be eaten straight from the grocers; fresh apples and strawberries are a great option to snack on in between meals. Alternatively, Sandro explains that you can use autumn fruit as an unexpected, but delicious addition to salads.
“Autumn salads can also be taken up a notch with seasonal pomegranates and figs. Mix green leaves, such as rocket, spinach or kale, with pomegranate or sliced figs; add some goat’s cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and you have yourself an elegant, yet simple, autumn salad.”
Want more recipe ideas using autumn ingredients? Check out this yummy roasted cauliflower salad with creamy tahini dressing.
Related: Fresh vs frozen: Which vegetables are best?
Healthy Eating Tips
How to fuel your body in your 20s, 30s and beyond
Learn how to up your intake of healthy foods on a budget
Read article 5 minute read
Healthy Eating Tips
What fruits & vegetables are in season in summer?
The fruit and vegetables to put on your menu this season
Read article 2 minute read
Healthy Eating Tips
How to become a better cook
It’s never too late to learn new cooking techniques!
Read article 4 minute read
Healthy Eating Tips
How to fuel your body in your 20s, 30s and beyond
Learn how to up your intake of healthy foods on a budget
Read article 5 minute read
Healthy Eating Tips
What fruits & vegetables are in season in summer?
The fruit and vegetables to put on your menu this season
Read article 2 minute read
Healthy Eating Tips
How to become a better cook
It’s never too late to learn new cooking techniques!
Read article 4 minute read
Dr Sandro Demaio
In partnership with
Dr Sandro Demaio
Co-host of the ABC TV series ‘Ask the Doctor’, author of 30 scientific papers and ‘The Doctor’s Diet’ (a cookbook based on science), Dr Sandro Demaio is an Aussie medical doctor and global expert on non-communicable diseases.
For more articles by Dr Sandro Demaio, check out The Check Up’s dedicated section.
