Days are shorter; nights are longer. There has been some relief of the summer heat, and the foliage is beginning to turn beautiful shades of red and yellow. These are direct indications that fall is here. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are packed full of nutrition and should not be forgotten during the fall and winter months. They are low in calories, high in fiber (especially the skin), antioxidants and phytonutrients. They are cancer-fighting, heart healthy and full of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamins A, C, K and folate.

Although most fruits and vegetables are available year round, people seem to eat fewer of them during the winter months. There is so much seasonal produce from which to choose that is abundant and fresh. The list begins with bananas, clementines, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, pomegranates, lemons and limes, as well as artichokes, avocado, Brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, leeks, potatoes, radishes, rutabaga, rhubarb, turnips, snow peas and winter squash.