With the arrival of autumn, farmers across the UK are beginning to harvest their crops before winter sets in. Usually, they’ll harvest tender crops before the first frosts, as they can lose them to this, wasting all their hard work. With this in mind, here are three of the most popular crops being harvested right now:
1. Apples
Apples are a delicious fruit and a staple of any autumnal harvest. Ring-shaped apples are the most commonly eaten in the UK, with around 147,698 tonnes of apples harvested here every year. Apples grow on trees and can be harvested from late September to October. They’re a great source of many nutrients including vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants, which help to protect against illness and disease. October is usually the last month apples can be harvested, so it’s best to make the most of their ripeness now.
2. Carrots
Carrots are root vegetables high in vitamins A, C, E and K, making them a good source of nutrients. They’re a popular vegetable to harvest in October due to their versatility when it comes to cooking, but they have a long harvesting period running from May to December.
Carrots are known for helping balance cholesterol and maintaining heart health. They can also help reduce the risk of cancer and due to their high fibre content, also support gut health. 700,000 tonnes of carrots are harvested each year, with carrots being the UK’s main root vegetable.
3. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are great crops to harvest in October. They are easy to grow and while they’re commonly seen on doorsteps in the lead-up to Halloween, they’re very versatile when used in cooking. Pumpkin soup is very popular around this time, and they’re also a great choice when making bird feeders. A few signs of pumpkins being ripe enough to harvest includes firm rinds, a golden-orange colour, a hollow sound and brown stems. An incredible 15 million pumpkins are harvested every year in the UK!
Pumpkins also have many great health benefits, with vitamins C and E helping to keep the skin firm while also protecting against sun damage. The nutrients and vitamins in pumpkins are also known for supporting the immune system and eye health, protecting against cancer and reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome.
As you can see, October is a great time of year to harvest a number of crops. For further advice on the best crops to harvest in autumn, speak to a member of our team at Verdesian Life Sciences today.
