10 winter fruits and veggies not to overlook

It’s winter and that means lack of choice among produce, right?  Not true.  In fact, winter can be a wonderful time to try out a wide variety of fruits and veggies we may often overlook during other seasons.  This time of year, we see a lot of orange and red in the produce section, thanks to oranges, sweet potatoes, and apples predominately displayed, but take a closer look.  You’ll find some real treasures just waiting to be discovered.  Here are 10 winter fruits and veggies deserving a second look this cold, long winter helping you warm up to these nutritious finds:

1.  Artichokes

Never tried artichokes?  There’s always a first for everything.  This veggie has two times a year when it is best to buy – early spring and again in early winter.  Even though this naturally savory and delicious veggie can be conveniently bought in a can any time of year, fresh artichokes are always a great choice.  Loaded with folate, vitamin C, and fiber-rich, artichokes are a great addition to a winter palate.  Try them in a warm appetizer, as a side dish, or in a salad. 

     2.  Blood oranges

Here’s a tangy, citrusy fruit easily added to winter salads, desserts, and drinks for zest with a tantalizing pop of color.  Like other varieties of oranges, blood oranges are a valuable source of vitamin C and fiber.  Their deep red color will turn a holiday meal into an eye-pleasing sight.

3.  Cabbage

No matter how you fix it – steamed, sautéed, or raw – cabbage is a cruciferous veggie working hard for your health.  Packed with almost 100% of your daily requirements for vitamin K, vitamin C, and fiber, this health booster also contains phytonutrients that naturally lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, strengthens bones, and boost your immune system. 

4.  Chestnuts

Think of chestnuts and your thoughts may turn to the holiday song favorite, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”  Chestnuts are indeed a holiday preference as it is only in season a brief time each winter from October through December.  Bite into a chestnut and experience its full-bodied flavor along with its healthy dose of vitamin C. Try them roasted, in holiday stuffing, or in a hearty soup.

5.  Kale

 Touted as a superfood, kale really does live up to its reputation.  This leafy green with an earthy flavor, will supply you healthy amounts of vitamins A, C, and K and along with some calcium. 

6.  Parsnips

Looking for a way to switch up your repertoire of fruits and veggies – parsnips are your answer.  This taproot belongs to the carrot family of root vegetables.  Versatile and crunchy, parsnips are a sweet vegetable and a rich source of many health-benefitting nutrients – potassium, manganese, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, and fiber.  Try them roasted to bring out their natural goodness.

7.  Radishes

Rabbits love radishes and so should you. Their eye-catching bright red color makes these crunchy little veggies a real treat.  A good source of vitamin C, try sautéing them with other vegetables in a stir-fry or cook them by themselves with a little salt or sugar bringing out their best flavor for a perfect side dish.

8.  Rhubarb

Whether you love rhubarb or not, this stalk vegetable with a distinct tart and sour taste loves cold temperatures.  To reduce its tartness and to bring out its best flavor rhubarb is best sweetened with sugar, honey, or fruit juice.  This low-calorie veggie is also a good source of vitamins C, A, and some calcium. 

     9.  Snow peas

A favorite in stir-fries, slightly sweet snow peas are rich in vitamins C and K, low in calories and packed with a delicate crunchy texture pleasing to the palate.  They have a short lifespan in the refrigerator so be sure to use them within a few days of purchasing. 

10.  Winter squash

From acorn, butternut, or spaghetti, winter squash is in its prime during the winter. Consume a 1-cup serving of winter squash and you’ll get nearly half the recommended daily dose of antioxidant-rich vitamin C.  These gourds also pack a wallop of beta-carotene which may play a role in reducing lung inflammation and emphysema.