The farmer’s markets are closed and your motivation to venture out to your local grocery store is as low as the temperatures outside. Winter tends to bring out the laziest in all of us as the cold weather tempts us to stay inside with the warm glow of the TV screen supporting our idle position on the couch. Although the cold may make your trip to the store difficult and uncomfortable, don’t give up on finding healthy produce during the most frigid season of the year.
The truth is that there remain plenty of in-season fruits and vegetables to choose from during the winter, offering the freshest and usually the greatest value to buyers. With fresh produce naturally tasting more flavorful at its peak, try out this list of winter produce below to add a boost in flavor and health while you anxiously wait for spring.
Cauliflower
A cousin to both cabbage and broccoli, cauliflower has been dubbed one of the more bland vegetables in the produce aisle. However, not many know that cauliflower is also available in a variety of colors such as orange, green, and purple. A fun way to bring some color to your plate, cauliflower is also packed with Vitamin C and Vitamin K and is known to act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent in your body. Try mashing cauliflower as an alternative to potatoes; it offers a healthy low-carb option for dinner and allows you to add more flavor to its mild taste with various ingredients such as garlic or cheese.
Kale
Recognized as one of the up-and-coming superfoods and packed with nutrients such as beta-carotene, calcium, and fiber, kale offers some of the best benefits out there. Kale is one of the most versatile vegetable options to use in a variety of recipes and acts as a great throw-in ingredient to almost any dish such as stir-fry or omelets. Kale also works as a great substitute for spinach, adding an even healthier boost to any meal. It is also known for making a fantastic addition to smoothies, so feel free to add a little green to your favorite fruit-filled blend.
Winter squash
Winter squash makes a great addition to any meal during the chilly season. A few of the more popular varieties include butternut and acorn squash, which are common bases for soups. This surprising fruit can be found in many grocery stores. Make sure to look for heavy squash with thick unblemished skin when picking out which ones to take home. Winter squash can also be used in place of pumpkins when preparing pie or bread, making a tasty and unique dessert option. The most popular preparation technique is to simply roast them with simple seasoning for a colorful and delicious side dish to your main course.
Clementines
Clementines make for the perfect healthy sweet treat. With their natural lack of seeds, clementines are a great option for kids as a lunch addition or anytime snack. In addition to their delicious and convenient portability, clementines can also double as a beautiful and edible centerpiece to any table. Not only will your pretty display draw attention from guests, but also you will be more likely to reach for a clementine rather than a less healthy option when they are readily available. Although an awesome on-the-go snack, try using clementines in both sweet and savory dishes as an addition to sauces for a creative twist on traditional meals.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is fresh in the winter at just the right time, working as a natural cold fighter with immune-boosting Vitamin C power. It contains enzymes that naturally burn fat as well as water that makes you feel fuller. The grapefruit can be your best friend when fighting the winter trend of putting on excess pounds. A great option for breakfast or a tangy addition to homemade salsa or salad, grapefruit also proves to pair delectably well with chocolate. For a fun and different dessert idea, try adding grapefruit or its juice into any standard cake or batch of cookies for an appealing and healthy flare on a standard chocolate course.
Just because winter brings the cold and gray doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from the healthy and fresh fruits and vegetables it produces. Embrace the cold by experimenting with these in-season options, or even combine them to create stews or casseroles for a fresh and hearty way to stay warm. By taking control of your health and your wallet with fresh produce, winter might not seem so bad after all.
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This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. Reliv products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources
http://www.roanoke.com/life/health/article_14bfb112-929b-11e3-8d60-001a4bcf6878.html
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/seasonal-winter-produce-to-buy-and-eat-in-january/
http://life.gaiam.com/article/how-survive-winter-produce-season
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