At The Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles, we think nothing in the world tastes better than fresh-picked fruits and veggies, especially those that have matured right here under the California sun.

If, like us, you prefer to buy your fruits and veggies when they are the freshest off the farm, here's an insiders guide to the best fruits and veggies available in November.

Not sure what you want? Our produce providers, Farm Fresh Produce and Farm Boy Produce have specialists that can help you pick out the tastiest, freshest, locally grown products.

Farmers Market Favorites

Winter Squash Varieties

As we enter November, and holiday decorations start to pop up around Los Angeles, our thoughts inevitably turn to what well be eating on Thanksgiving. Serving a variety of winter squash, which can be baked, roasted, steamed and boiled, is a colorful way to round out your holiday offerings and is an excellent and healthy substitute to any potato dish.

It is low in salt, fat and calories, and it is a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber and antioxidants. Squash is also packed with Vitamin A, which is said to help with vision and prevent against lung cancer.

Special Treat: Magee's Kitchen, which longtime fans know was the first restaurant at Farmers Market, circa 1934, serves a variety of sandwiches and roasted meats, any of which can be accompanied by a tasty side of roasted banana squash.

Broccoli

Another excellent addition to any holiday meal is broccoli and with nearly 90 percent of all broccoli grown right here in California, you can rest assured that the veggie you're buying is local.

Although broccoli has waned in popularity in recent years, due to the meteoric rise in fame of such alternatives as kale, spinach and Brussels sprouts, the veggie remains an excellent source of nutrients. It is high in Vitamin A and C, and one cup of broccoli has as much vitamin C as an orange. Broccoli is also high in soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which are required by your body. It is also said to help prevent the onset of adult diabetes.

Among the earliest recorded appearances of broccoli in North America is a notation in the journals of Thomas Jefferson, who imported the seeds from Italy to plant in his garden. While Thomas Jefferson was a fan of broccoli, another president, George W. Bush was not. Bush senior was once notably quoted as saying, I do not like broccoli. And I haven't liked it since I was a little kid and my mother made me eat it. And I'm President of the United States and I'm not going to eat any more broccoli.

Special Treat: Try the creamy broccoli salad with shredded carrots, raisins and sunflower seeds also from Magee's Kitchen...the perfect crunch to pair with any sandwich.

Limes

As the weather finally begins to cool down, it can be harder to find fresh, in season, local fruit. But California's lime trees, especially those located in Riverside County, are just starting to produce their fruit. The main variety of lime grown in California is the Mexican lime, which is also called the key lime in other parts of the country. (If you're planning on baking a key lime pie, however, only the key limes grown in the Florida Keys will do.)

The lime has a long history as a healing fruit. In 1857, the United Kingdom passed the Merchant Shipping Act, which required all vessels carry lime juice in order to help prevent scurvy (a lack of vitamin C) in sailors. This carrying of lime is the tradition that would eventually lead to the British receiving the nickname limeys.

In addition to being an excellent source of Vitamin C, lime juice is also said to kill germs, prevent nausea and help treat dysentery. Of course no Muppet fan can think of the limes healing qualities, without envisioning Kermit the Frog in his hospital bed while his Muppet friends sing You Put the Lime in the Coconut.

Special treat: Kick your main course into high gear with the flavorful, house-branded Chipotle Lime Grilling Sauce from Huntington Meats. When used with grilled or oven roasted meats, the sauce brings a zesty complement to any meal. Or, quench your thirst with a refreshing limeade from Singapore's Banana Leaf.

Seasonal Veggies Harvested in November

Artichokes, Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chile Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Snap Beans, Spinach, Tomatoes

Seasonal Fruits Harvested in November

Cantaloupe, Dates, Grapes, Honeydew, Oranges, Tangerines