There’s so much to love about Harvest Season, the winding down after a fast-paced summer, the smell of drying leaves, the Neil Young song Harvest Moon, and of course the wonderful array of Fall Vegetables…

It is sad to say farewell to the farmers markets and the ample supply of fresh tomatoes and lettuce, but if I’ve learned anything from reading Barbara Kingsolver’s book Animal Vegetable Miracle, its the importance of eating vegetables in their correct season.  Of course there’s the obvious ethical reasons: carting vegetables form one side of the country to the other to please consumer demands, but just as important of a reason is the taste.  Eating a tomato bought from a grocery store in February does not even compare to the flavor of a tomato bought in mid summer at a farmers market.

I don’t have the time or means to can, preserve and store summer vegetables for the long of winter, but living in Boston I do have choices that allow me to taste the fruits of the season.  The easiest way for me to enjoy veggies in their prime  is through the Dogma Box offered by Boston Organics.  I view the Dogma box as an exciting challenge, it’s contents are sourced from farms as close to the Boston area as possible which is the exciting part.  The challenge is that some of the items are vegetables I have never cooked with so it gives me a chance to explore new recipes and techniques.  Last winter was the first time I had ever  seen and had in my possession a knob of celery root.  At first I was taken back by the sight of it, but then immediately scoured the internet and found a yummy recipe for a celery root and apple puree to serve along side pork chops.  With the Dogma Box you sacrifice the bananas and tomatoes, but in return recieve vegetables in their freshest stage and get to take on new culinary feats.

Am I going to shy away from salads until summer- no, am I going to make a conscious effort to incorporate more cabbage, turnips, squash and chard into my fall/winter diet- yes.

SIDENOTE: Lets not overlook seasonal drinks.  Say goodbye to sangria and mojitos and say hello to eggnog and rum, hot whiskey ciders and mulled wine!