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SALT LAKE CITY — Long and dreary winter months can sometimes get us down, both in spirits and in eating the daily recommended amount of fruits and vegetables.
In 2017, the CDC reported that only 1 in every 10 American adults eats enough fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. The winter can make consuming fruits and vegetables even harder. Unlike the spring, summer and early fall months when home gardens and farmers markets are abounding with fresh produce, wintertime paints quite the opposite picture. Gardens are frozen over, markets are closed and cooking a recipe full of fresh fruits and vegetables can be a challenge.
While options for fresh produce may be slightly limited during the winter, it doesn’t mean they're eliminated. From bright, sweet citrus to earthy root vegetables, winter produce offers a wide range of flavors.
Vegetables in season during the winter months include Belgian endives, Brussels sprouts, winter squash varieties, (buttercup, delicata, acorn, butternut, spaghetti and sweet dumpling), collard greens, kale, parsnips, leeks, sweet potatoes and turnips.
Winter fruits include citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, clementines, mandarin oranges, kumquats, tangerines and grapefruit, cranberries, kiwifruit, pomegranate, dates, papaya, persimmon, passion fruit, pears, pummelo and red currants.
Buying fresh fruits and vegetables in season not only saves you money; it also gives you the best flavor and nutrition. This winter, go out of your comfort zone and purchase a seasonal fruit or vegetable you haven’t tried before — you just might find a new favorite.
From breakfast to dinner and dessert, there are so many ways to add seasonal produce to your diet this winter. Here are 15 recipes to help you with that:
1. Cranberry Orange Salsa
Make your salsa seasonal with this unique recipe. This cranberry orange salsa is a great way to get in more fresh fruit this winter.
2. Thyme Roasted Sweet Potato Fries
Take your fries up a notch with this gluten-free, thyme-roasted sweet potato fries recipe. They're simple to make and so tasty.
3. Portobello Mushroom Leek Pizza
Give this twist on "pizza" a try! Using portbello mushrooms and seasonal leeks is a great way to make your favorite treat a lot more nutritious.
4. Pomegranate Pistachio Chia Breakfast Pudding
Craving something sweet? Give this pomegranate pistachio chia breakfast pudding a try. It's packed with protein to keep you feeling full all morning long.
5. Vegan-stuffed Acorn Squash
Bursting with seasonal veggies and whole grains, this vegan-stuffed acorn squash could serve as a nutritious comfort food to warm you up on a chilly winter day.
6. Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts
If you hate Brussels sprouts it might be because you haven't tried these tasty honey mustard Brussels sprouts. You just might be surprised what your taste buds will think about this easy-to-make side dish.
7. Broad Beans with Sautéed Greens
Full of flavor and nutrition, these broad beans with sautéed greens make a satisfying winter meal.
8. Maple Pecan Pears
Fruit for dessert is a great way to add more produce to your diet. These maple pecan baked pears are stuffed with oats and pecans, making this a healthy dessert you can feel good about eating.
9. Cranberry Pomegranate Baked Oatmeal
This flavorful baked oatmeal is a simple breakfast meal prep option.
10. Sweet Potato & Pinto Bean Burrito
This sweet potato and pinto bean burrito is a nutritious dish that is simple to make and bursting with flavor.
11. Butternut Squash and Cauliflower Mash
Consider serving up this butternut squash and cauliflower mash as an alternative to regular mashed potatoes for your next meal. It’s a fun and unique way to get your veggies in.
12. Cranberry Orange Dutch Baby
This recipe features fresh cranberries for a delicious seasonal treat during the winter.
13. Crispy Garlic Turmeric Parsnip Fries
These crispy, garlic turmeric parsnip fries are a must-have winter side dish. They're topped with parmesan cheese and will have you licking your fingers clean after you're done.
14. Pomegranate Citrus Salad
This colorful pomegranate citrus salad is a medley of bright winter fruits. With a bit of mint, this juicy side dish would be great with any meal.
15. Sweet Potato & Kale Hash with Eggs
Start the day off right this recipe. It's a delicious way to get in some winter veggies in the morning and also a one-pan meal, which makes clean-up a breeze.
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