The Best Fresh Winter Produce

The winter might seem like an odd time for fresh produce but don’t let the cold temperatures fool you; there are a lot of amazing fruits and veggies that come into season in the winter time! Eating in-season produce is the best way to load up on vitamins and minerals because the freshest produce generally has the most nutritional value. This winter, don’t fall for the temptation of eating carb-heavy comfort foods. Instead, give your health a boost by eating these delicious and nutritious in-season fruits and veggies.

Beets

Beets are taproot plants that are most often a deep purple in color. These gorgeous roots have a sweet, mild taste that make them perfect for salads but they are so versatile that they can be roasted, boiled, pickled, or eaten raw. In any form, beets are delicious and, on top of their taste and attractive color, they’re packed with nutrition. Beets contain magnesium and iron as well as potassium and Vitamins C and B6.  They even contain some calcium and iron for an extra health boost. Beets may help to control blood pressure and are a great addition to any healthy diet.

Cabbage

Cabbage is another food that we have to talk about when it comes to winter produce. Coming in red, white, or green varieties, cabbage is often eaten steamed or blanched but can be roasted or eaten raw, as well. Recently, cabbage has become a low-carb recipe replacement for noodles in lasagna or rolled-pasta dishes. This versatility makes it an awesome addition to your kitchen. Cabbage’s nutrition also makes it a great addition to your diet; cabbage is ultra-low in calories but has a great Vitamin-C content. Eating lots of cabbage in the winter could help your immune system fight off those infamous cold and flu bugs.

Pomegranate

One of the best fruits to reach for in winter is the pomegranate. Pomegranates are thick-skinned containing hundreds of edible seeds that are sweet and juicy. The fruit and seeds are a deep red that make them a favorite in the trendy-food world but they are worth the hype. Pomegranates and their juice are high in Vitamin C and B6 but they also contain a large amount of antioxidants, one of the highest-antioxidant foods there is. Antioxidants have benefits for heart health, avoiding infections, and even perhaps counteracting some major diseases. This winter, add pomegranate to your smoothies or breakfast bowls for a major health fix.

Butternut Squash

We can’t talk about winter produce without talking about some form of winter squash. Acorn squash, butternut squash, pumpkins, and spaghetti squash are all in season during the winter, but butternut squash is a favorite. Low in calories, butternut squash contains a staggering amount of Vitamin A which can boost your immune system, support your eye health, and protect against some diseases. Butternut squash also contains Vitamin C and B6, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Basically, squash is a bit of a superfood. This variety of squash is delicious roasted or added to soups and stews. Feel free to experiment with both sweet and savory flavor combinations!