by Ophir Lehavy Busel

Created on: September 03, 2009   Last Updated: November 12, 2009

As the weather cools, a host of heartwarming fall foods are found at grocery stores and farmers' markets around the globe. Fall fruits and vegetables are versatile and offer robust flavors, vibrant colors, and delectable aromas along with a wealth of healthy nutrients. Some of these foods even come complete with disease fighting properties. Best of all, fall foods afford many options for some really fabulous autumnal meals that everyone can enjoy.

Apples are a mainstay of the fall menu. There are literally hundreds of varieties to choose - ranging from the well-known Granny Smith, Macintosh, Fuji, and Red Delicious to the Bismark from New Zealand or the Irish Peach. Although apples can be found in supermarkets year round nowadays, the season peaks in October. Apple pie is a must, but the fruit works well with both sweet and savory. Apples can be paired with pumpkin and pureed into a sweet soup blended with cinnamon. Stuff apples with ground beef and pine nuts and serve with a mushroom sauce. Sliced apples are a great complement to cheese, salads, honey, and nut butters. Bake apples with walnuts, oats, and orange juice and then top with vanilla ice cream for a tasty dessert.

Cranberries are grown in Northern climates and harvested in September and October. The fruit is rich with antioxidants, loaded with healthy nutrients such as Vitamin A and C, and are touted as the cure for urinary tract infections. Much more than a healthy fruit, this tart, red berry is a bright addition to meals. Many are familiar with the traditional cranberry sauce served on Thanksgiving as a complement to turkey, but cooked cranberries also work well in muffins, breads, juices, and Jell-O molds. Packaged dried cranberries make a great addition to salads and trail mix. Cranberries should be combined with sugary ingredients or other fruits to subdue their tart taste.

Pears were introduced to the Americas in the 17th Century boasting more than one thousand varieties including Bartlett, Anjou, Bosc, and the very sweet Seckel, also called the 'sugar pear'. Pears are a relative of the apple and are harvested in September and October. They are high in fiber, loaded with Vitamin C and K, and are low in calories. Pears often act as the main ingredient for desserts such as cakes, pies, or tarts, or can be roasted and served with ice cream. Roasted pears are often paired with bleu cheese and walnuts and added to salads. Poach pears in vanilla syrup and then add dark chocolate, or eat them fresh

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