In many parts of the country, in-season winter vegetables are limited. The trees are leafless, the ground is frozen and the fall harvest is long over. But winter still provides us with plenty of delicious, nutritious fruits and vegetables. All we have to do is open our minds and be creative! Below are some options for in-season winter vegetables and how to enjoy them.
In-Season Winter Vegetables
Beets
Maybe you’re more familiar with canned beets, but these fresh vegetables burst with sweetness after the first frost. Treat them like sweet potatoes by dicing and roasting them with olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, and garlic at 350F for about 40 minutes. Why don’t you try pairing them with goat cheese? It’s a great combination!
Carrots and celery
Many people drink less water in the winter compared to what they drink during the hot summer months. These hearty veggies are perfect additions to warm, broth-based soups. And they’ll increase your liquid intake. Try making your own chicken noodle soup at home with these two!
Brussels sprouts
You may relate this vegetable to its mushy, steamed form. But they take on a whole new dimension when cooked at high heat. After chopping off the hard bottom, slice it into thin ribbons. Then add it to a hot, preheated pan with olive oil. They’ll toast up quickly. Also, try adding your favorite basic seasoning, garlic or bacon.
Citrus
Oranges, mandarins, lemons, you name it! Citrus fruits shine in the winter. They give us a fresh brightness that we all need in the dark winter months. Mandarins make a great snack. And lemons can be mixed with Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper to form a zingy homemade salad dressing.
Leafy greens
Salads may seem like a summer food but with roasted vegetables and grilled chicken, they turn into a hearty meal with grounding, earthy flavors. Kale is best when hand-massaged in a large bowl for a few minutes with lemon juice and olive oil. It makes it softer and less bitter!
Broccoli and cauliflower
These vegetables really shine in the winter. Plus, they’re versatile when mixed with another in-season winter vegetable – potatoes. Try mixing finely chopped broccoli with shredded potatoes for homemade tots. Also, you can mix cooked cauliflower with potatoes for lower-carb mashed potatoes. They also both taste great on their own. Simply try roasting them in the oven.
Squashes
And of course, we can’t forget squash. You’ve probably seen colorful versions at the front of every supermarket. A fun approach is to halve an acorn squash, scoop out the seeds, and roast it face down with olive oil and parmesan cheese. They make perfect bowls to serve creamy tomato soup in… and don’t forget the grilled cheese!
We hope you enjoy some new ways to recipes this winter! If you're looking for tips for how to maximize your nutrition, schedule a visit with a First Stop Health registered dietitian. You can schedule a visit to talk about the importance of nutrition and how you can benefit.