Fall is in the air, and we’re not talking about falling leaves and sweatshirt breezes. We’re talking pumpkin as in – candles, coffee, cereal and of course pie and porch decorations. “Pumpkin spice everything has been everywhere since – literally – August. Whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny that it's a staple of autumn in America,” NPR’s “Morning Edition” reports.
The smell of pumpkin spice, which is usually a combination of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves, evokes feelings of nostalgia and warm fuzzies as daylight hours recede and cold nights return.
But two other foods are on the fall favorite list too, so let’s talk about them, starting with A.
Northern Ohio is home to many apple orchards, so it’s super easy to find this healthy fruit in a couple dozen varieties. Popular shopping and pick-your-own destinations include: Quarry Hill Orchards and Burnham Orchards in Berlin Heights, Miller Orchards and Hillcrest Orchards in Amherst and Grobe Fruit Farm in Elyria.
To find an Ohio orchard near you visit the Ohio Apples searchable map.
And not only are apples easy to eat but they’re also full of healthy nutrients. According to Healthline, apples are:
Rich in simple sugars with a low glycemic index (GI);
High in fiber, including soluble fiber that helps control blood sugar and cholesterol.
Good source of Vitamin C and potassium.
Have high fiber and low-calorie content that makes them a weight-loss friendly food.
And several studies have found that apples may help protect against diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Apple “fun facts?”
Washington grows more apples than any other state, followed by New York.
There are more than 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the U.S., but only 100 varieties are grown commercially.
The average American eats 16 pounds of fresh apples annually.
An average apple contains five to ten seeds.
While there are regional favorites, apple pie is the most popular pie purchased, according to a recent survey.
Many associate clambakes with New England, where seafood is ubiquitous. But Greater Cleveland is also a hotbed for clambakes, according to an article last year in Scene entitled “How Cleveland Became a Clambake Capital of America.”
“A traditional Cleveland clambake consists of a cup of chowder, a dozen clams, half a chicken, an ear of corn, one sweet or regular potato, coleslaw and rolls, but deviations abound. Some folks like to toss in links of kielbasa or andouille sausage, others opt to sub out the chicken for crab legs or whole lobster, and pretty much every single clam lover can easily devour an extra dozen or two of those briny bivalves.”
Euclid Fish Company and other seafood retailers offer easy clambake kits with all the food and equipment needed to throw a party. Even easier is heading to a restaurant. Cleveland Magazine came up with a list of 13 best clambakes in Northeast Ohio that includes Brennan’s Fish House in Grand River, Salty Mary’s Oyster Bar in Westlake, Winking Lizard Tavern, various locations, and Stancato’s in Parma.
Next week Kendal at Oberlin is getting into the clambake act too, offering residents and guests a clam studded menu starting with New England Clam Chowder.
We all have our favorite pumpkin drinks and foods: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix, Mitchell’s Pumpkin Spice ice cream, Oreo Pumpkin Spice Sandwich Cookies, Great Lakes Pumpkin Ale, Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, to name just a few.
For all things pumpkin, from pie and donuts to burgers and fudge, to huge pumpkins (last year’s biggest weighed 2,226 pounds), head to the annual Circleville Pumpkin Show Oct. 15-18.
And along with your pumpkin-scented soaps, candles and air fresheners, don’t forget to buy pumpkins and gourds to decorate your porch or deck as leaves fall and the air chills.