The results follow:

Broccoli’s score is impressive. As for French fries? Well, at least they scored only 2% of the vote.

From Our Organic Blog

1. Sesame-Ginger Frittata with Broccoli and Shrimp
2. Spicy Nutmeg Carrots
3. Spinach and Baby Beet Salad with Balsamic Vinegar and Plum Vinaigrette, Hazelnuts and Goat Cheese
4. Creamy Curried Soup with Wilted Spinach
5. Corn, Tomato and Vidalia Onion Salad

If you’ve been thinking about starting an organic vegetable garden, choosing your plants initially may seem overwhelming. 

The experts at Bonnie Plants, a green-gardening plant wholesaler in Union Springs, AL, recommend these six fast-growing, cold-hardy crops for fall gardeners: 

Winterbor Kale

• A nutritious leafy green
• A vigorous producer that endures winter easily, even in very cold climates
• Cut the outer leaves so the center can continue growing; space transplants about 12 inches apart 

Georgia Collards

• Similar to kale, with a stronger, sweet-cabbage flavor
• Leaves taste best when young
• Space transplants 36 inches apart  

Romaine Lettuce

• Richer in vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients than other popular lettuces
• Heart-healthy
• Space transplants 18 inches apart 

Early Dividend Broccoli

• Popular, productive and easy to grow
• High in fiber and calcium
• Set transplants 18 inches apart 

Mustard Greens

• Nutritious, with spicy leaves that taste sweeter when nipped by frost
• Fast-growing
• Space plants 12 inches apart 

Arugula

• Fast-growing, peppery-tasting leafy green that’s great in salads
• Promotes bone health
• Especially high in vitamins A, C and K

Photo courtesy of ARA

You’ll make the most nutritious—and delicious—produce choices when you buy locally grown organic fruits and vegetables that are in season. It’s also the most economical way to shop the produce aisle.

Broccoli joins this month’s peak-season list, while cantaloupe, corn and peaches move off. As noted in Salads: 5 Must-Have Veggies:

Broccoli “contains phytochemicals, substances found in produce that can help prevent heart disease and certain types of cancer. Added nutrients include vitamins A, C and K, as well as calcium, folic acid and fiber.”

Here are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s top peak-season choices:

• Apples
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Eggplant
• Grapes
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Pears
• Sweet potatoes

Click here to find a farmer’s market near you.

Recipes to Inspire You

• Cheeky Cheese Turkey Pockets
• Sesame-Ginger Frittata with Broccoli and Shrimp