Incorporating Winter Fruits into Your Holiday Menu

During the cold winter months, it can be challenging to get excited about fruits and vegetables the same way you do in the warmer seasons. In the summer, fresh produce is everywhere, but in winter, it’s harder to know what’s in season. Thankfully, plenty of delicious and nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables thrive in the winter months!

Buying seasonal produce not only ensures you’re enjoying food at its freshest and ripest but also helps you save money. You can find these winter gems at your local grocery store or even at a winter farmers market, yes, they still operate during this time of year!

Once you’ve stocked up on your winter produce, you might be wondering how to make the most of it. Fortunately, there are countless ways to elevate your holiday meals with fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables!

Fruits

1. Apples: One of the most popular fruits, and rightfully so! They can be very versatile, whether you are enjoying them in a dish or by themselves. They are an excellent source of fiber, with one medium apple providing 4 grams. Snacks that are high in fiber help you to feel fuller longer, and aids in promoting a healthy digestive tract. Add an apple with peanut butter as a mid-day snack that’ll leave you satisfied until your next meal!

1. Bananas: This potassium-packed fruit is the perfect snack for someone on the go. One medium sized banana provides 422mg of potassium, which is vital for heart health and muscular function. Spread peanut butter on whole-wheat toast and top with banana slices and cinnamon for a delicious breakfast that’ll also satisfy your sweet tooth!

1. Grapefruit: This sweet yet tart fruit is an excellent accompaniment to your morning cereal or oatmeal. A medium sized grapefruit contains about 88mg of vitamin C, which is crucial for optimal immune functioning. This makes it a great fruit to incorporate into your menus as we head into cold and flu season. Grapefruit goes great as a side to cereal (hot or cold) in the morning!

Vegetables

1. Beets: This colorful vegetable is great to brighten up any salad. Try pairing it with fresh spinach, quinoa, and goat cheese. It’s high in iron, magnesium, fiber, and potassium, which are crucial for protecting against cardiovascular disease and providing energy. Add beets to a spinach salad and top with goat cheese and walnuts for a delicious meal.

1. Brussel sprouts: One cup of Brussel sprouts provides 37mg of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones, muscle contractions, and cell metabolism. These can be served in so many ways! Roasted Brussel sprouts make a great side dish to pair with any of your lean protein favorites.

1. Potatoes: The cold months make us crave warm, hearty comfort foods. What better vegetable to add to your stew than potatoes? Potatoes contain thiamin, which helps the body to make energy, and copper, which helps the body to fight against free radicals and protects cells. Chop up red potatoes, sauté until crispy and have them with your eggs in the morning or favorite lean protein at dinner. Either way, it’ll be a delicious meal!

Adding Fruit to the Festivities

Here are some helpful tips to incorporate fresh fruit into your holiday menu and add a burst of flavor, color, and nutrition to your festive dishes:

• Fruit can make a great refreshing dessert! Mix fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries with orange juice in a bowl. Place the mixture into the refrigerator for a few hours so that the flavors can blend before serving.
• Top a mixed fruit salad with winter spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or cinnamon to add some pizzazz!
• Add dried fruits to any dish! Dried fruit adds a fun and interesting flavor and texture to many dessert recipes, but they can also be added to salads and starch dishes such as rice or couscous. Try dried cranberries, raisins, dates, or pineapples!
• Top your favorite pound cake or angel food cake with fresh or frozen berries. To add some variety, add a splash of your favorite holiday liqueur for a grand finale!
• Try a citrus fruit salad consisting of grapefruit, kumquats, tangerines and clementines that will emit a mouth-watering aroma and a fabulous display a color! You can even add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for added texture or some honey for sweetness.
• Top your traditional fruit salad with a variety of nuts to add an unexpected crunch that will instantly make this dish festive for the holidays!

Winter fruits add vibrant flavor and nutrients to your holiday meals. By using in-season produce, you can elevate your dishes while supporting your health and budget. Get creative and enjoy the delicious possibilities!

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