Fall Favorites That Aren’t Pumpkin Spice

There’s so much more to autumn than pumpkins

By:  Elise Arko

Graphic by Yeyoung Chang

By Elise Arko

We all know what it means when pumpkin spice hits the shelves: fall has officially begun. From cold brew to pancakes and even to popcorn, there seems to be no escape. I have to admit, pumpkin spice is good, but it gets old quickly, especially when there are so many other seasonal options stores that seem to miss out on. Even though the season of berries and watermelon has come to an unfortunate end, fall provides much more to look forward to.

If you’re truly not ready to give up the fresh fruits of summer, pomegranates may be the perfect food for you. With their peak growing season beginning in October, they’re an easy bridge from summer into fall. Their sweet flavor contrasts with that of the pumpkin spice found all around, but their sour bite is a reminder of the cold weather to come. They may be difficult to eat, but on a crisp fall morning, they provide the perfect opportunity to reminisce about all the good things that happened this summer. You can eat them plain, toss them on salads, and even use them as a garnish for your favorite drinks.

Another sweet taste of fall is the pear. Often overshadowed by apples, pears are also at their best during the fall months. Pears taste good on their own, but when baked, a whole new world of opportunity opens up. When cooked, their flavor becomes even sweeter, and their texture becomes much softer. This change allows them to absorb the flavors of any spices you pair them with, making them perfect for pies, upside-down cakes, and tarts.

For those who are ready to fully embrace the cozy vibes of fall, sweet potatoes are perfect for you. Their orange color plates beautifully, and their natural ability to caramelize makes even the simplest of meals taste restaurant-ready. These simple root vegetables taste amazing from August all the way through November, so get cooking!

Don’t forget your greens! And how could this article be complete without mentioning Brussels sprouts? These vegetables may be an acquired taste for some, but I think people who say they don’t like them just haven’t had the chance to cook them well. When paired with balsamic vinegar, the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts comes out, and when baked with honey, their bitter taste almost completely disappears. They are the perfect fall side dish, and you can simply stick them in the oven while you focus on something else. Don’t be surprised when you wind up wanting to sneak Brussels sprouts into every meal.

If you’re already sick of seeing pumpkin spice everywhere, let this be your sign to branch out. Fall is fleeting, and before we know it, it will be over. No time can be wasted focusing only on pumpkins.