Here's how these treats became holiday staples
Winter brings an array of seasonal produce packed with nutrients to keep you healthy and energized during the colder months. From vibrant root vegetables to sweet and tangy fruits, these winter favorites not only offer essential vitamins and minerals but also add rich flavors to your meals. Whether you're eating seasonally or seeking the freshest winter produce at the market, these choices ensure you enjoy peak flavors and maximum health benefits.
Click on for 30 of the healthiest options to try this season!
Rich in fiber, folate, and antioxidants, beetroot boosts heart health and stamina. Roast, steam, or enjoy raw in salads.
Resembling tiny heads of cabbage, Brussels sprouts are a delicious side to enjoy this winter. Plus, they're packed with vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants.
Butternut squash, rich in fiber and beta-carotene, converts to vitamin A, which is vital for eye health, immunity, and overall wellness. Roast, mash, or add to soups for warmth.
Carrots are rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and protective compounds that may support heart health by lowering cholesterol. Versatile and nutritious!
Cauliflower, available in white, green, or purple, is nutrient-dense, offering heart-healthy compounds and choline for memory. Roast, steam, or use as a low-carb rice substitute.
Celeriac, a root vegetable related to celery, is rich in fiber, supporting digestion and gut health. It’s also high in vitamin C, promoting immunity, skin health, and wound healing.
Celery is a powerhouse when it comes to antioxidants, containing over eight protective compounds per stalk, potentially improving heart health and reducing long-term disease risk.
Chestnuts have a sweet taste and low fat content, differing from other nuts. Rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and antioxidants like gallic acid, they support eye and heart health. Try roasting them!
Chicory contains polyphenols, plant compounds that offer protection and act as prebiotics, fueling beneficial gut bacteria. Enjoy it raw in salads or sautéed with olive oil.
Cranberries, rich in antioxidants, may help prevent urinary tract infections, support heart health, and aid gastric ulcers. Add fresh to smoothies or make a tangy sauce.
Known for its immune-boosting properties, horseradish provides a spicy kick. Grate fresh over meats or mix into sauces.
Jerusalem artichokes are rich in potassium and inulin, supporting metabolism and healthy blood pressure. Roast, sauté, or add to soups for a nutritious boost.
Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green, packed with heart-healthy compounds and potential anti-depressant benefits. Enjoy it raw, sautéed, or in salads.
Full of fiber and vitamin C, kohlrabi supports immune health. Eat raw in salads, or cook in soups and stir-fries.
Leeks are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain antioxidants like kaempferol, which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks and other health benefits.
Winter is mushroom season, offering a natural source of vitamin D, essential for bone health and immunity. Sauté, roast, or add to soups, stews, and salads.
Parsnips are rich in fiber, promoting digestive health and supporting gut conditions like reflux and diverticulitis. Roast, mash, or add to soups for a nutritious meal.
Pears are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, promoting heart and digestive health. Enjoy them fresh, baked, or in salads for a nutritious boost.
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, which may help protect cells from damage. Regular consumption can support heart health and reduce inflammation. Enjoy raw seeds in yogurt or salads.
Potatoes, a long-lasting winter food, are rich in fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium, supporting healthy blood pressure and nerve function. Enjoy baked, roasted, or mashed.
Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, red cabbage supports digestion and immunity. Enjoy raw in salads or cooked as a side.
Rutabagas, or swedes, are frost-tolerant, sweet-tasting vegetables high in vitamin C. They're perfect for stews and can be stored for months. Enjoy cooked or mashed.
Savoy cabbage is high in vitamin C, which, along with plant compounds, supports brain health and collagen formation, benefiting skin and joints. Sauté, steam, or add to stir-fries.
Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green, rich in vitamins C and E, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. It supports immunity and overall health. Enjoy raw in salads or cooked in dishes.
Sweet potatoes are rich in carotenoids, which convert to vitamin A, supporting immune, eye, and digestive health. Roast, mash, or add to soups for a nutritious boost.
Swiss chard is a nutrient-dense green leafy veggie, rich in vitamin K, magnesium, and vitamin C. It supports bone health and may reduce fracture risk. Sauté, steam, or add to soups.
This winter citrus is packed with vitamins A, C, and B6. Its plant compounds support brain health and may reduce diabetes and heart disease risk. Enjoy fresh or in salads.
Turnips are rich in glucosinolates and lutein, which supports eye health. Roast, mash, or add to stews for a nutritious boost.
Walnuts, rich in omega-3s and polyphenols, support brain health and mood. They also contain vitamin E, which may help reduce cognitive decline. Enjoy as a snack or in salads.
Watercress, rich in glucosinolates, polyphenols, and beta-carotene, supports blood vessel health, reduces inflammation, and boosts immunity. Add fresh to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies for a peppery kick.
Sources: (BBC Good Food) (Health)
See also: Sweeten up your life with these creative sweet potato recipes
30 of the healthiest winter vegetables and fruits to try
Savor these nutritious delights this season
FOOD Seasonal foods
Winter brings an array of seasonal produce packed with nutrients to keep you healthy and energized during the colder months. From vibrant root vegetables to sweet and tangy fruits, these winter favorites not only offer essential vitamins and minerals but also add rich flavors to your meals. Whether you're eating seasonally or seeking the freshest winter produce at the market, these choices ensure you enjoy peak flavors and maximum health benefits.
Click on for 30 of the healthiest options to try this season!