December marks the official beginning of winter and with it comes an abundance of juicy fruits and veggies perfect for strengthening our bodies during this chillier time of year. Eating seasonal foods should not be seen as just another trend but as something you do for your own good, your environment and wallet – consuming seasonally will reap many rewards in return!
Seasonal December Fruits
December brings with it an abundance of vitamin-packed fruits: apples, citrus fruit and grapes are just some of the choices to enjoy this holiday season.
Oranges & Mandarins: Packed with vitamin C to support immune function, oranges & mandarins make an excellent afternoon snack option.
Lemons: Lemons have long been considered essential elements to winter diets, from teas and soups to aiding detoxification and overall bodily functioning.
Apples: An apple is always an ideal year-round food option, loaded with antioxidants and providing energy throughout your day.
Pears: Sweet, succulent fruits that provide nutritious compounds are especially delicious in wintertime.
Pomegranates: Pomegranates have long been considered an icon of health. Packed full of polyphenols and antioxidants, pomegranates make a delicious addition to salads, yogurt desserts and snack food alike.
Quinces: Quinces are an exquisite winter fruit, delicious when prepared as part of a dish and beneficial in aiding digestive processes.
Seasonal December Vegetables
Nature provides exactly what we need during winter: nutritious vegetables that provide hearty meals:
Cabbage: Crisp, refreshing and highly nutritious cabbage makes an excellent ingredient to add crunch, refreshment and nutrition to salads or other recipes. It works beautifully as part of salads or filling dishes!
Broccoli: Broccoli is widely recognized for being rich in antioxidants and makes an ideal addition to meat dishes, rice dishes or soup.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower can be used in multiple ways – boiling, roasting, purees and light “rice” dishes among them.
Carrots: Packed full of beta-carotene for eye and immunity health benefits; perfect in soups and stews!
Beets: An excellent way to increase circulation and energy. Perfect in salads!
Leeks: Leeks are an essential winter ingredient with both flavorful and health benefits for heart wellbeing.
Celery: Ideal for adding additional depth of flavor to soups, stews and other cooked dishes.
Why choose seasonal produce?
Seasonal fruits and vegetables provide numerous advantages:
Produce that has naturally ripened can often contain higher concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants.
Better Taste: Fruits and vegetables reach their optimal flavor without artificial ripening or long transportation processes, giving consumers freshest products possible.
Seasonally Abundant Products Can Be More Cost Effective: Seasonally abundant produce often brings lower prices and greater quality, which results in more economical purchases.
Environmentally Sustainable: Reducing mileage traveled and energy usage as well as pesticide reliance are three measures of environmental-friendliness that make our vehicle choices eco-friendlier.
Support Local Farmers: Supporting seasonal sales helps sustain both agriculture and local economies in our local areas.
December is packed full of fruits and vegetables tailored perfectly for winter consumption, making their consumption both more nutritious and sustainable. Take advantage of all nature has to offer this month and give yourself an energy boost!
