Many people think that winter means there isn’t a lot of fresh fruits or veggies. This is the time that we eat the most unhealthy–holidays, candy, canned and processed food. But, don’t let the weather fool you! There is still plenty of healthy, fresh, seasonal produce during December and all winter long!
I’ve gathered a list of the most prominent winter produce, but it is by no means an all-inclusive list. This list has a lot more, including some I’ve never even heard of. And this list gives you what is fresh and available during the winter in each state!
Beets
Beets are fresh in the winter and they have a vibrant color. This is the perfect food for winter because not only does it have a lot of antioxidants, it also has a lot of Vitamins that are typically lacking in the winter. Make a pie with beets, or use it in a salad. Making a vinaigrette or shake out of it is also very popular.
Broccoli
Super green, super healthy. Any plant-like vegetable helps decrease the risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. It also helps fight cancer and helps you look younger! Eat it fresh, or steam it and butter it. It’s the perfect side for the that delicious steak you are craving!
Brussels Sprouts
These mini-cabbage-like vegetables help with antioxidants and fighting cancer! Grill or saute them and drizzle with balsamic vinegar and salt for a delicious taste!
Cabbage
Cabbage is better for you than lettuce is! And, it’s perfectly in season in winter. It has a ton of Vitamin C and fiber. Use cabbage in Oriental salads, stir fries, and other Oriental dishes like lettuce wraps or spring rolls. It will add a tasty crunch to your dish!
Carrots
These root vegetables are perfect for winter and can be used in so many different ways! Carrots have a ton of Vitamin A and C, which help your immune system, as well as the strength of your eyes. They also have a ton of antioxidants and help reduce your risk of cancer. Eat them fresh with hummus, boil them, candy them, shave them on top of salads…there are endless ways for you to eat carrots!
Citrus Fruits
Is it any wonder that it is tradition to put oranges in stockings for Christmas or decorate your house with clove-infused oranges? Citrus fruits are still in season during the winter. We all know the wonders of citrus fruits, especially oranges: Vitamin C, boost to immune system, reduce risk of cancer and many other ailments and diseases. Eat them plain, make orange juice, use them in a dish on top of chicken or pork….again, the ways to enjoy oranges in the winter are endless!
Kale
Kale, and other dark, leafy greens are perfect for winter. Kale is full of Vitamins A, C, K, and E, iron, calcium, and other nutrients. It helps lower cholesterol, helps your digestion, and fights against cancer. Use kale in salads or in green smoothies–there are so many options with green smoothies!
Parsnips
These root vegetables look like white carrots, but they don’t taste like carrots…they are actually more earthy-flavored than carrots. They have plenty of fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C. You can use them in stews, winter vegetable roasts, casseroles, and even pair nicely with Granny Smith apples!
Pomegranate
These winter-fresh fruits are stock full of nutrients and are known as a super food. They are packed full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. They help fight against high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. Eat them fresh, squeeze them into juice, or use the seeds in a winter salad.
Potatoes
Although potatoes aren’t necessarily the most healthy produce, they are highly available in the winter. All varieties are available in the winter: white russets, sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, etc. As long as you don’t fry potatoes and slather them with butter, they do have redeeming qualities, such as antioxidants, protein, and Vitamin C. And, the best part about potatoes, you can basically eat them any way your imagination thinks of!
Radishes
These “spicy” root vegetables are perfect for the winter because of their health benefits. They have fiber, potassium, calcium, and Vitamin B! Use radishes in fruit and veggie smoothies for a kick. Or, julienne them and throw them in salads or on top of tacos.
Turnips
Although turnips are root vegetables, they are actually closer related to cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. They help fight cancer, have Vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and fiber. Pair turnips and cheese together–make a gratin! Actually, you can use turnips just about any way you would use a potato!
Winter Squash
Gourds, like yellow squash, spaghetti squash, and pumpkins are super popular in the fall. But, there are also fresh winter squashes too! Acorn, butternut, golden, kabocha, and delicata squash are fresh, as is zucchini. They have Vitamin A and potassium. Use them in pastas, stews, or stuff them with beef and cheese.
