Turnip – A Sweet, Versatile Treat
When autumn arrives, turnips come to mind. They are not only affordable and widely available, but also renowned for their crisp, sweet, and refreshing flavor. In the past, turnips were often referred to as the “ginseng of winter” due to their nourishing properties.
On chilly days, a bowl of turnip soup with bone marrow or dried shrimp will warm you up. Turnips can be quickly stir-fried with beef to retain their crunch, or sliced and cooked into a sweet and refreshing soup. Even simply pickling turnips can make your meals more flavorful and appetizing.

Yardlong Beans – A Hearty and Nutritious Delicacy
Yardlong beans are a popular choice for many families in the fall due to their crisp texture, mild sweetness, and minimal use of pesticides. The mucilage in yardlong beans is excellent for digestion and adds a unique, slippery texture to your meals.
A quick and tasty dish is blanched yardlong beans. Simply rinse them, blanch in boiling water with a touch of salt and oil, then dip them in a garlic chili fish sauce or sesame oil soy sauce. Yardlong beans can also be stir-fried with meat, used in sour soup, or even grilled over charcoal, each method bringing out their unique flavor.

Winter Melon – Nature’s Cooler
During the dry days of autumn, a bowl of winter melon soup is a refreshing treat. Winter melon is naturally high in water content and has a delicate sweetness. It is often cooked with shrimp, minced meat, or bone marrow. In addition to providing vitamins and minerals, winter melon helps cool the body, aids digestion, and reduces internal heat.
Winter melon is also easy to purchase and store. A single melon can be used to create a variety of dishes: from winter melon soup with pork, to winter melon and mushroom stew, or simply stir-fried with garlic. Especially, the combination of winter melon soup with oyster mushrooms and shredded fried eggs is not only refreshing but also nutritious, making it ideal for light dinners.

Lotus Root – A Unique Crunch
Among the autumn vegetables, lotus root is a favorite among homemakers. Lotus root is both crisp and sweet and can be consumed raw or cooked. When thinly sliced and mixed with herbs, sesame, and sweet and sour fish sauce, it makes a delicious salad. If simmered with bone marrow, lotus root becomes soft and chewy, and never boring.
Lotus root also pairs well with light ingredients like seaweed and tofu, creating delicate dishes for families looking for something different. With a little creativity, you can make a refreshing lotus root salad that’s both nutritious and helps combat overeating.

Why Choose Seasonal Vegetables?
Seasonal vegetables are not only delicious and affordable, but they also require fewer pesticides, making them safer for your health. They tend to be fresher and more flavorful than off-season produce. Moreover, buying seasonal vegetables helps you save money and support sustainable farming practices.
Autumn offers a wonderful array of natural choices. By selecting four types of vegetables with minimal pesticide use, such as turnips, yardlong beans, winter melon, and lotus root, you can easily diversify your family’s menu while ensuring safety.
In Conclusion
Amidst the myriad of food options in the market, finding ingredients that are both delicious and safe can be a challenge for homemakers. Fortunately, autumn brings a bounty of simple yet nutritious vegetables that are naturally low in pesticides. Whether it’s a turnip and shrimp soup, yardlong beans with fish sauce, a winter melon soup, or a lotus root salad, these autumnal dishes bring warmth and peace to your family table.