Northeast Regional Fruits and Vegetables

The USDA FOOD PYRAMID places fruits and vegetables on its third tier, and recommends consumming 3-5 servings of vegetables and 2-4 servings of fruit each day. Some examples of servings from these two groups would include a cup of raw leafy vegetables, 1/2 cup of other vegetables (cooked or raw), 3/4 cup of fruit or vegetable juice, a whole piece of fresh fruit (like an apple or pear), or 1/2 cup of chopped, cooked, or canned fruit.

Fruits and vegetables are important sources of vitamins A and C. Both are naturally low in fat, and vegetables provide us with the folate, iron and magnesuim that we need. They are also high in fiber. Fruits are high in potassium, and they are a great alternative to the refined sugars, fats and oils that make up so many of our "sweet treats!" Fruits and vegetables are also rich in a newly discovered class of compounds known as phytochemicals thought to have important healthful properties.

The Northeast Regional Food Guide lists an abundance of foods from these two groups, and each season is distinguished by a unique cornocopia of produce. For more information about the variety and availability of seasonal produce, check out the SEASONAL PRODUCE LISTS.

A survey of consumers in the Northeast revealed that most people are unfamiliar with many vegetables that are available in the winter from stored sources, "winter vegetables." Consumers were least likely to consume that following winter vegetables, even in the wintertime: beets, calabaza, Jerusalem artichoke, kale, parsnips, rutabagas, shallots, turnips, winter squash, and kohlrabi. Enjoying these wonderful and tasty root vegetables in the winter means adding more variety to the diet for many of us.

Sprouted beans (aka bean sprouts) are highly nutritious and are available through indoor production all year round.

fats, oils, sweets | milk, yogurt, cheese | dry beans, nuts, eggs, poultry, fish, meats
fruits and vegetables | breads, cereal, pasta, tortillas, whole grains

Food Pyramid | Seasonal Produce Lists | Poster
Fact Sheets | Ordering Information | Related Sites | Home