After months of sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and plump strawberries, customers are ready to make the seasonal shift to fall menus full of earthy, comforting fresh produce like squashes, pumpkins, carrots, potatoes, and yams.
Get inspired to create your seasonal menu with these ideas full of vibrant colors, bold textures, and cooking techniques that maximize flavor:
- Balance the bitter, peppery flavors of Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Wild Arugula with the sweetness of roasted Butternut squash, and the umami notes of shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Offer the simple, yet classic French side dish ratatouille: chop and roast Markon First Crop (MFC) Zucchini and Yellow Squash, MFC Eggplant, RSS Peeled Garlic, MFC Yellow Onions, MFC Red Bell Peppers, MFC Roma Tomatoes, and MFC Thyme.
- Gluten-free gnocchi? Substitute cleverly carved Butternut squash cubes for the potato pasta to pump up the vitamin and fiber content; season with MFC Sage, pomegranate seeds, and chopped pistachios.
- Offer a French fry substitute with oven-baked, panko-battered strips of MFC Zucchini—your dish will be lower in calories, higher in nutrients, and packed with flavor.
- The foodie favorite chicken and waffles has gone mainstream, spawning healthier vegetarian versions that replace the fried meat with ingredients like roasted Butternut squash, candied pecans, and fried sage leaves.
- Hand-held treats are very on-trend; instead of serving slices, update the traditional sweet potato pie by baking the subtly spicy filling in empanada dough.
- Streamline ingredients to bypass supply chain challenges: Save space, reduce labor and waste, and ensure orders are filled by cross utilizing pre-washed and cut Ready-Set-Serve products that can be used in every daypart.
- Sports Menus Fortify your game day menus with fun, interactive options that have a health halo (think healthy nachos, fresh salsas, bean and vegetable dips with cruciferous dippers).
- Back To School: Young people go crazy for rice and noodle bowls stacked with fresh fruit and vegetables—especially when they can customize.
- Focus on wellness Just because the summer is over and comfort food is coming back, doesn’t mean folks want to stray from healthy eating (with a few splurges). Incorporating more fresh produce across the menu is good for people, planet, and the bottom line.
