Fall Harvest has begun!

Days are getting shorter and fall is in the air! Now is a fantastic time to explore a variety of local, seasonal foods as we say goodbye to those hot, rainy summer days.

Did you know that out-of-season produce is often picked early kept in cold storage for weeks or even months, losing valuable nutrients? Buying and preparing locally grown food is one of the simplest, most direct ways to positively impact your body, our community, and our land. In addition, your taste buds will benefit from all that fresh flavor!

Here's a little inspiration based on items you'll find at the farmer's markets and in our boxes over the upcoming weeks - keep scrolling to check it all out! 

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These dainty Fairytale Eggplants from The Family Garden in Gainesville are known for their delicate skin and fresh flavor. Unlike their cousin the Globe Eggplant, this variety does not require salting before cooking to remove bitterness.

Fairytale eggplant are ideal for cooking hard and fast, we recommend roasting until tender and creamy. Due to their small size, it's possible to achieve a nice char without overcooking and becoming soggy. Plus, it all comes together in just a few minutes!

Halve lengthwise, score diagonally, and place cut-side down in a hot cast iron skillet to sear, then transfer to 400F oven to cook through. Or, skip the cast iron and roast on a sheet pan in the oven. Season with salt and pepper, or give your eggplant a boost by rubbing it with a spice blend before cooking. 

While your eggplant is in the oven, toss together a quick cucumber and tomato salad. Swoosh hummus in a bowl, top with roasted eggplant, cucumber-tomato salad, a sprinkling of fresh herbs and call it a night. ​