When it comes to enjoying some of the best food in the country, Massachusetts has a plethora of options to choose from that satisfy foodies and families alike. So whether you have a sweet tooth or a love of all things savory, Massachusetts delivers. Most notably known for staple menu items such as lobster rolls, clam chowder, or Boston cream pie, Massachusetts has a deep history in the food industry, with much of its roots stemming from its ideal proximity to the Atlantic coastline.
Fall may be the most wonderful time of year in the Bay State, from its gloriously rich foliage to its holiday-focused nostalgia, but what may be most appealing about Massachusetts in the fall is its delicious food.
Although enjoying a Fenway frank or freshly baked cannoli in the North End may sound like the ideal option any time of year, it is important to choose food that satisfies your taste buds while also caring for your body. Yes, we think celebrating with a cannoli once in a blue moon is a must. Still, we don’t condone choosing sugary sweets every day, especially when regulating your gut and caring for your overall health. Luckily, Massachusetts has healthy options galore.
Here are our top 5 favorite fall foods in Massachusetts:
1. Oysters
From clams and oysters to scallops and scrod, the list is quite endless when it comes to divine seafood in Massachusetts, especially in the eastern part of the state. Avoid fried options and choose baked or pan-seared fish seasoned with fresh, local seasonings, sans excess salt. One of our favorite options? Oysters right out of the shell with a squeeze of lemon juice on the top. Packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they’re satisfying, delicious, and nutritious, and, of course, a Massachusetts favorite. Enjoy an appetizer with a glass of red wine or as a main course alongside mignonette, horseradish, or a complex carbohydrate such as a baked sweet potato.
2. Freshly-squeezed Apple Cider
Nothing says fall in New England quite like the crisp smell of a delicious apple, except for maybe a glass of freshly squeezed apple cider. Packed with nutrients, apple cider is the perfect sweet treat to enjoy on a crisp fall afternoon. Often mistaken for plain apple juice, apple cider contains apple pulp and higher vitamins due to the polyphenols, which are compounds found in plants that act as antioxidants in the body. These antioxidants help eliminate free radicals and cell damage while lowering inflammation throughout your body, reducing your risk of certain cancers, diabetes, and heart disease. That simple glass of cider sure packs a big punch.
3. Boston Baked Beans
Have you ever heard Boston referred to as Beantown? For good reason. The perfect nickname for a city that loves its beans, Boston enjoys a solid and classic side dish. An ideal side dish to any dinner, including Thanksgiving, Boston baked beans are high in folate and contain a great deal of iron, both essential nutrients for overall health. With ingredients such as molasses, mustard, and onion, they are enticing to your tastebuds and a good option for your health, when consumed in moderation.
4. New England Clam Chowder
The perfect warm bowl of happiness to enjoy on a chilly fall evening, New England clam chowder, or chowdah, as the locals call it, is a staple and crowd-pleaser in Massachusetts. Although some varieties can be high in fat, there are lighter versions that are equally delicious. Clams are filled with nutrients while being low in calories and fats. Pairing them alongside potatoes and corn is the perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates.
5. Pumpkin Bread
Synonymous with fall, pumpkins are filled with nutrients to keep your body in tip-top shape. High in fiber and low in calories, they are the perfect fruit for a balanced gut. One of the best ways to add pumpkin to your diet is through a complex carbohydrate source like bread. Although many sweetbreads are looked at more as desserts and pack on the calories and sugar, there are healthy options that can be delicious and nutritious. Swapping white flour for the whole wheat counterpart and white sugar with local maple syrup are great ways to turn your bread into a healthy treat.
Eating healthy and nutrient-rich foods shouldn’t feel restrictive. Instead, enjoying the food you love in healthier versions can add essential nutrients and vitamins to your daily diet while satisfying your taste buds. So if you’re looking for ways to indulge in a taste of Massachusetts this year, we encourage you to try some of our fall favorites. Enjoy!