Great vegetables that are freshest in autumn

We see these vegetables year round, but forget that they naturally mature and are harvested in autumn. This is the time when they are freshest and sweetest. Take advantage of newly harvested crops at your farmer's markets. You often can find heirloom and unusual varieties that grow best in your region. Most of the vegetables listed below are most flavorful and most nutritional when steamed.

Belgian Endive is low in calories, a cup is less than 8 calories, and a good source of vitamins A and C.

Broccoli is one of the vegetables that benefits most from steaming, and contains plenty of cancer preventing properties. a single cup provides 245% of the daily requirement for vitamin C.

Brussel Sprouts are another member of the cabbage family that are best steamed. A great source of fiber and cancer prevention properties. They can often be found on the stalk at farmer's markets and better grocery stores. They will keep longer on the stalk, and will taste sweetest when freshly picked.

Cabbage is healthiest if cooked for a short time, as when steamed, or when eaten raw in a salad. Cabbage is not only good for cancer prevention, but has cholesterol lowering properties when steamed.

Cauliflower is another member of the cabbage family. It has anti-cancer properties, is sweetest when steamed.

Green beans are harvested until the end of autumn, are delicious as a side dish, in salads and soups. They taste freshest and sweetest when they are steamed.

Onions are best in autumn, they are rich in Chromium, which aids blood glucose levels. Sulfur provides benefits of reduced blood pressure and lower cholesterol,  anti-inflammatory agents help with arthritis and asthma, even with colds and the flu.