Square Roots | 09.26.19
There’s no better time to get out and explore the local food and farming scene than fall: cooler temps, delicious produce, and an endless list of events come along with the changing of the season. The Square Roots team compiled some of our favorite ways to get connected with our food (outside of our everyday urban farming lives, of course) as winter approaches.
Apple harvesting in the US dates back to 1607 in Jamestown. A mere 400 years later, over 7,500 apple producers grow 240 million bushels of apples on average each year. The consensus? People love apples! And fall is by far the best time to bypass the grocery store, throw your tribe into a van, and get your apple-picking on. Nothing says weekend like bringing home a bushel of just-harvested Honeycrisps for a homemade apple pie to share with family and friends. Not to mention, most orchards have other fun activities like hayrides and corn mazes for the kids (or the kid in you)!
Brewers across the world incorporate autumn’s bounty into seasonal brews. Pumpkin, pecan, and cranberry make their way into stouts, IPAs, and ales that are best enjoyed while gazing at the falling leaves. Rally your friends to share a pint while supporting your local craft brewery and (bonus points) seek one out that will lead you through the ins and outs of beer making while you sip.
Maybe it’s because of their oddly beautiful appearance, their complex mycelium network—which can grow for thousands of acres, or the fact that they pop up overnight even in the most unexpected sidewalk gardens: whatever the reason, foraging for mushrooms has taken off in popularity over the past few years. Of course, foraging can be tricky if you don’t know what to stay away from, so find yourself a certified guide or check out your local park’s event schedule and get to know more about these magical lunar lobes.
Apple cider is the perfect fall drink: warm, comforting, and pairs well with weekend sweatpants. You can make your own (maybe from the above-mentioned apple picking adventure) or just grab a jug from your local farmers market and get brewing. Oranges, cinnamon, and cloves are classic additions, but we find that basil and mint also lend an unexpectedly fresh kick. Fortunately, apple cider is best consumed regularly, so take turns trying out different blends before you settle on your favorite.
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