The benefits of eating seasonally don’t have to end when you pull out winter clothes from storage. There are plenty of colorful, nutritious fruits and vegetables that thrive in the cooler months, or are harvested in the fall and maintain their flavor and health benefits throughout the winter. It just takes knowing where and what to look for. Read this, and you’ll be on the path to eating seasonally all year round.
Buying Local
One of the easiest ways to ensure you’re eating in season is to buy local produce, meaning purchasing directly from farms in your area. The fact that the only journey local produce has to take is from the field to your table has many associated benefits. It means that your fruit and vegetables are picked at peak ripeness—rather than picked early and allowed to ripen enroute—when both nutrient density and flavor are at their best. This super-fresh produce also lasts longer in your fridge or countertop before spoiling, has a lower environmental impact (minimal transport and packaging), and supports your local economy. Many local producers set up winter farm stands or cold-season community supported agriculture (CSA) subscription models. In urban areas, you often find winter farmers’ markets with a array of vibrant, diverse produce to stock your kitchen.
Seasonal Winter Produce
Even without access to local farms, you can find plenty of seasonal produce in the grocery store throughout the colder months. Depending on your market, you may even find locally grown wares. While seasonal produce depends largely on where you live (California, we are all jealous of your year-round bounty), there are plenty of fruits and veggies available across the country that are at their peak during winter. Winter squash are incredibly versatile, whether you choose to blend, roast, stuff, or bake them. Try out all the different types, as each squash is uniquely flavorful. (I mean, if you’ve never had crispy kabocha squash slices with maple syrup and sage, have you really lived?) RELATED: 23 Delicious Squash Recipes You Can Cook in Any Season Classics like grapefruit and clementines are always a hit but, for a variety of tart and sweet treats, keep your eyes peeled for blood oranges, kumquats, and persimmons. In addition to making great snacks, citrus is perfect in a bright, light Every citrus salad or Citrus scallops and cauliflower rice. RELATED: The Major Mistake You’re Making With Citrus Fruits—Plus How to Buy and Store Them RELATED: Cabbage Is the Most Underrated Vegetable: Learn How to Braise It, Roast It, and More And think outside of the winter salad bowl: This Winter lentil soup recipe featuring kale and sweet potatoes is just what we’re talking about. RELATED: 6 Winter Salads Featuring In-Season Produce
