Wonderful Winter Produce

Winter may seem like the best time to pop open your frozen or canned goods. However, there’s a surprising bounty of seasonal foods that reach their flavorful, healthy peak in the middle of winter! Use this shopping guide to help you find fresh ingredients at your local market or grocery store for your winter comfort foods.

Winter squash

Have you ever wondered why butternut squash and pumpkin pie are staples of holiday dinner? Varieties of squash like corn, sugar pumpkin, spaghetti, and butternut are in season during winter. Notable for their creamy texture when roasted to perfection and slightly sweet, versatile flavor, all types of winter squash are essential for winter cooking.

If you’re unsure which type to buy, squashes with yellow to orange flesh are considered winter squash, while green and white-fleshed varieties are summer squash. These summer assortments may be in stock at your local grocery store, but they may also be artificially ripened and aren’t at their most flavorful in winter.

Mushrooms

You might be thinking, “Doesn’t fungus grow year-round?” Of course it does, but edible mushrooms are actually at their tastiest in the winter.

Though they’re not considered fruits or vegetables, mushrooms are so nutrient packed, they might as well be. Plus, your options range from small, delicate mushrooms that make great side dishes to dense and meaty mushrooms that make for a wholesome main course. However, keep in mind that you should never forage for mushrooms in the wild. It takes years of education and experience to differentiate a safe, edible mushroom from a poisonous one that can make you very ill.

Seasonal chanterelle mushrooms, which thrive in warmer regions of the US, are light and packed with flavor. Widely available wood ear mushrooms, meanwhile, have a subtle flavor that takes well to delicious sauces, dressings, and broths. This winter, make mushrooms part of your recipe rotation.

Root vegetables

Some of the tastiest, most aromatic vegetables are at their ripest and best in wintertime. These include pantry staples like carrots, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, and onions. Turnips, beets, and rutabaga also have the most flavor to offer in the winter.

Root vegetables are culinary favorites due to their versatility. Use them to add full flavor to a stew or baked turkey, or braise these vegetables to make them the star of a dish. There are virtually endless ways to cook with root vegetables, so foodies have quite the surplus to enjoy in winter.

Citrus fruits

Surprisingly, winter is the best time to enjoy citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and limes. Many people associate citrus with beaches and other sunny, summery locales—and they do certainly grow best in tropical climates. However, citrus is at its most delicious and nutritious during cool, short days in these climates.

It’s easy to see why citrus fruits are so popular for all ages. Varieties like tangerines are super sweet and, thanks to their ample nutrients, make for guilt-free snacks. However, citrus is also a staple of winter cocktails like an orangey mulled wine or a bright lemon spritz, and grapefruit adds a pop of sharp flavor to savory dishes and desserts. Plus, a squirt of lemon or lime is essential when preparing seafood recipes.

Leafy greens

They may not be your favorite vegetables to sit back and munch on, but leafy greens are some of the most nutritious foods on earth. Fight the winter blues with the vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber your body craves. Explore some tasty recipe ideas to make green vegetables like spinach, cabbage, bitter greens, and kale as enjoyable as they are beneficial. Why not try this arugula-based salad or this winter greens one? There are more ways than you might expect to make leafy greens delicious.

Cruciferous vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables may not be everyone’s favorites, but these fibrous, nutritious foods are ready for eating this season. Cruciferous vegetables are filling and can be incredibly tasty when prepared with finesse.

Skip the boring crudités plate, and cook broccoli and cauliflower into creamy soups or garlicky stir-frys. Or try some new recipe ideas like this one for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Miso Glaze and Cilantro. The secret to making cruciferous veggies tastier is to roast or sauté them for a crisp, satisfying texture.

There’s even more seasonal winter produce to try, like cranberries, apples, and dates, depending on where you live. For more information, visit the Farmer’s Almanac and select your region to get a detailed list of local produce to enjoy in your recipes all winter long!

Note: Seasonal produce will vary by region and date.