Veggies Sweeter After First Frost

We often think of the frost as killing plants -- this is true for many.

For others, the first frost means the become sweeter.

• It is not your imagination that fresh vegetables taste different at different times of the year -- heat can make plants more bitter and cold can make them sweeter.

• It is about what the plant does to cope with the heat or the cold that changes its flavors.

The fall is a great time of year to enjoy cold-loving plants like cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi. It also makes for sweeter root vegetables like carrots, beets, and parsnips.

Here are some pictures from our field after the first frost -- it is as if the cabbage is positively rosy with glee from its cold-weather friend.

Frost-Loving Veggies Post-Frost (Sweeter Than Before)

Post-Frost Cabbage in Field

Post Frost Kohlrabi in Field

Post Frost Kale in Field