As the crisp air of autumn settles in, nature offers us a bountiful harvest of fruits, painting orchards and gardens with vibrant hues of red, orange, and purple. However, amidst the beauty lies a challenge – how can we make the most of these seasonal treasures before they succumb to the inevitable fate of rotting on the ground?
With funding from Hinkley Point C, Live Naturally CIC encourages families in Bridgwater to use autumn fruit to create colourful, tasty, and nutritious dishes. During our autumn after-school cooking clubs, families enjoy cooking with autumn fruits, transforming them into delectable treats that not only tantalize our taste buds but also prevent waste and saving money!
Consider the humble apple, abundant in Bridgwater gardens during this season. Instead of allowing them to rot away, we turn them into applesauce. The children love to put the apples through the kitchen machine, where boiled apples are made into delicious applesauce. Similarly, baking apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey and nuts, not only yields a comforting dessert but also rescues these fruits from being wasted. By freezing the apples, families can enjoy them through the winter.
Health Benefits:
Beyond mere preservation, cooking with autumn fruits offers a plethora of health benefits. Apples, rich in fiber and antioxidants, are renowned for their ability to promote digestive health and boost immunity. By incorporating them into dishes like apple crumble or baked apples, we not only savor their natural sweetness but also reap their nutritional rewards. Likewise, blackcurrants, bursting with vitamin C and antioxidants, lend themselves beautifully to the creation of tangy jams and preserves, providing a delicious way to support our health during the colder months.
Community and Connection:
Engaging in autumn fruit cooking sessions also fosters a sense of community and connection, whether through sharing recipes with friends and family or participating in harvest-themed gatherings. As you bond over the joy of cooking with autumn fruits, you not only create cherished memories but also deepen your connection to nature's rhythms.
Conclusion:
Our fully funded autumn cooking sessions have been a great success, which we look forward to doing again next year. It is a celebration of nature's generosity and a commitment to sustainability.
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