Sun-ripened berries, tomatoes picked off the vine and peas gobbled up right from the pod: You've enjoyed a summer full of fresh and juicy fruits and vegetables but as the season comes to a close, don't despair. There are still plenty of fall vegetables that pack flavourful punches and give you lots of nutritional benefits.

"In the fall, most people are more focused on meat because the summer produce is gone," says Gloria Tsang, a registered dietitian and founder of online nutrition network HealthCastle.com. But if you head to your local farmer's market and follow Tsang's tips, you'll discover why your taste buds don't have to go into hibernation as soon as summer's over.

Beyond eating vegetables raw and pouring salad dressing over them, there are several simple and delicious ways to cook your produce. Here are some of Tsang's suggestions for spicing up your autumn haul.

-Instead of cooking vegetables as sides as if they're unimportant, make a great vegetable recipe the star attraction of your meal.

 

Season vegetables the way you'd spice meat: Fresh herbs from the garden, honey, garlic, and even just good old salt and pepper can add flavour to a vegetable dish.

 

-"I personally always prefer cooked vegetables, even in the summer," says Tsang. Whether you're sautéeing, stir-frying or steaming, cooking your vegetables can help get rid of some bitter aftertastes, while retaining most of their nutritional value.

 

-Steam rather than boil your veggies to hang on to more water-soluble vitamins. Don't overcook your vegetables! 

 

-Sautee and stir-fry green produce such as broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts to prevent your meals from turning to mush.

Most farmers' markets do not close until October. Take advantage of local produce while you can, as nutrients are lost during transportation. Local vegetables are generally fresh off the vine, while transported produce has ripened in the box, and that weakens flavour and freshness. 

However in late autumn, when finding local vegetables is like searching for a needle in a haystack, Tsang recommends selecting imported produce. The most important thing is to incorporate enough fruits and vegetables into your diet -- even throughout winter.