Favorite Fall Produce: Beyond the Cornucopia

The fall season is the perfect time of the year to incorporate fresh wholesome kidney-friendly fruits and vegetables into recipes. These delicious fall produce selections cannot be passed up. Some of my favorites include apples, cabbage, cranberries, cauliflower and grapes.

A trip to the local orchard to pick your own fruit is a great family fun activity that also provides a healthy snack. Crisp apples are a fall favorite and a perfect complement to the renal diet as they are low in both phosphorus and potassium.  Apples are delicious picked fresh from the tree or baked in pies and fruit crisps. A baked apple with butter and cinnamon is a good addition to any meal.

Cabbage is a great source of fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K. It is low in phosphorus and potassium. Cabbage can be boiled then topped with a little vinegar and then served as a side dish. It is also versatile in homemade soups or shredded and used in salads or slaw recipes.

Cranberries are touted as a super fruit due to the high antioxidant and nutrient content. Fresh cranberries can be used to make a compote or homemade cranberry sauce. They add tart flavor to any dish and are commonly used in baking muffins, breads or scones. Cranberry juice is a kidney-friendly addition to breakfast.

Cauliflower, a member of the cabbage family, is low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. Cauliflower has been getting attention lately for its versatility in the kitchen. It can be boiled or steamed then mashed to replicate mashed potatoes. This potato alternative is a real asset for renal meal planning. Cauliflower can be rubbed with olive oil and spices then roasted, chopped and sautéed to resemble fried rice, or cut into florets then eaten raw.

Grapes are a fan favorite sweet treat. Take your pick of red, green or purple. Eating frozen grapes is helpful in reducing thirst to help control fluid intake. These low potassium, low phosphorus sweet gems are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which are thought to have protective and disease preventive properties. Grape juice is the perfect addition to the renal breakfast. Grapes are good eaten off the vine, added to salads, or made into juices or jellies.

Enjoy the fall produce this fall season, try new recipes including these flavorful foods, and reap the rewards of the cornucopia of produce!