By Taylor Smith

November is still a fantastic time to find fresh fruits and vegetables at area farmers markets. Here are just a few to look for:

• Cauliflower

This versatile vegetable is something of a blank canvas and can easily be steamed, roasted, or mashed and dressed with a variety of sauces. Cauliflower is also excellent eaten raw with a cold dip.

• Kohlrabi

Part bulb and part greens, this autumn and winter vegetable is actually a cross between broccoli, collard greens, and jicama. Like other cruciferous vegetables, kohlrabi can be roasted, sliced into raw matchsticks, baked into chips and/or simply dressed like a broccoli slaw in a salad.

• Persimmons

Persimmons are native to China and were later introduced to the U.S. and Japan. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried. Persimmons also make wonderful jams, pies, bread, muffins, cookies, and steamed puddings. In honor of Thanksgiving, why not try incorporating the rich flavors of persimmon into your stuffing recipe?

• Brussels Sprouts

The perfect side dish to any holiday meal, Brussels sprouts are fantastically satisfying when roasted and sprinkled with salt, pepper, and parmesan. The key is to maximize browning until the texture is somewhat crispy. Pancetta is a hearty addition to this dish.

• Sweet Potatoes

High in iron, calcium, selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin C, sweet potatoes are a welcome addition to any fall diet. A naturally sweet vegetable, these potatoes are typically recognized by their vibrant orange flesh (international varieties display a rainbow of hues).

• Fresh Cranberries

Just in time for the holiday season, try adding a few frozen cranberries to a celebratory glass of champagne. Other creative ways to consume them is cooked into stuffing, baked goods (like fruit crumbles, muffins, and breads), and jam or chutney. Oatmeal lovers can also try adding a few cranberries into their morning porridge, making sure that everything is cooked down together. From a nutritional standpoint, these berries are rich in antioxidants and known for their ability to treat and prevent urinary tract and bladder infections.