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The Winter is one of my favorite times to explore the best of what’s in season. Because this season brings its own unique flavor to the table.
I have a balcony garden, indoor herbs, and a small microgreens garden in my apartment.
While my balcony garden usually hibernates during the winter, my indoor herb and microgreen gardens keep things fresh and green.
Composting my kitchen scraps reminds me of nature’s cyclical nature. So, here I want to share how you can make the most of seasonal produce during the winter.
Why Eating Seasonal Produce in Winter Matters
Eating in-season produce benefits your health, wallet, and the planet. Here’s why:
- Health Benefits: As we know Seasonal foods are fresher and have good nutrients. For instance, kale, which is best to grow in winter has high levels of vitamins C and K. These vitamins support immunity.
- Better Flavor: Take any fruit or vegetable, if they are harvested at their peak they taste much better – than those stored for months.
- Environmental Impact: If you use seasonal produce it cuts down on transportation emissions. Because seasonal foods don’t have to be imported
Eating what’s in season is a sustainable food practice and by doing so we can align our diet with nature’s rhythm.
Top Vegetables in Season During Winter 🥕
Here are my favorite what’s in season vegetables for the winter season.
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets, Parsnips, Rutabagas, and Turnips thrive in winter. I usually roast them with olive oil and rosemary for a simple, flavorful side dish.
- Leafy Greens: Kale, spinach, Collard Greens, and Swiss chard are like winter essentials. My indoor herb garden pairs perfectly with these greens for fresh salads or sautés.
- Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, Cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are favorites during the winter. You must know that roasted Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully.
- Winter Squash: Butternut Squash, acorn Squash, and spaghetti Squash are versatile ones for winter. These are also rich in vitamin A. I love using them in soups or roasting them with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Other Veggies: Celery Root (Celeriac), Leeks, Winter Radishes (Daikon)
Top Fruits in Season During Winter 🍊
Now these are my favorite what’s in season fruits for the winter.
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- Citrus Fruits: Oranges (Navel, Blood Oranges), Grapefruits, Lemons, and Tangerines are great choices. I often use fresh lemon from the market to brighten my soups or teas.
- Apples and Pears: Apples (Fuji, Granny Smith), Pears (Bosc, Comice, Anjou)
These are winter’s go-to snacks, and they also make fantastic desserts. Sometimes I make apple-pear crumble after dinner – as a treat. - Pomegranates and Persimmons: Pomegranates, Persimmons, Cranberries
These add a splash of color and sweetness to salads and desserts.
Herbs and Spices 🌿
- Parsley, Thyme, Sage, Rosemary
Nuts and Seeds 🌰 (Harvested in Fall, Enjoyed in Winter)
- Walnuts, Pecans, Chestnuts
Delicious Winter Recipes to Try
Here are five seasonal recipes to inspire your winter cooking:
- Roasted Root Vegetable Medley: Carrots, parsnips, and turnips tossed with olive oil and rosemary, then roasted until caramelized. Full Recipe.
- Citrus and Kale Winter Salad: A mix of kale, orange slices, and toasted almonds with a bright citrus vinaigrette. Full Recipe.
- Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy, spiced with ginger and cinnamon, and perfect for chilly nights. Full Recipe.
- Pomegranate and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry: Sweet and tangy, with balsamic glaze and a crunch from fresh pomegranate seeds. Full Recipe.
- Apple-Pear Crumble: Warm, cinnamon-spiced fruit topped with an oat crumble, served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Full Recipe.
Where to Find Winter Produce
In New Jersey, I can find fresh winter produce at local farmers’ markets. Here many markets stay open year-round and they offer fresh, locally-grown ones.
Also, we can get seasonal produce from Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.
Here many grocery stores often stock seasonal fruits and veggies too—But we need to check labels to make sure they are grown locally.
Winter may be cold, but its seasonal produce offers warmth and comfort. Using seasonal produce reminds us of the beauty in nature’s cycles.
Also, you can enjoy fresh fruit and seasonal eating is an easy way to embrace sustainability. Ready to start? Head to your local farmers’ market and get some winter produce.
