Winter veggies and ways to include more in your diet

The cold weather setting in means plenty of good things are just around the corner-like the holiday season, spending time with loved ones, and snuggling up in your favorite blanket!

Cold weather also marks the end of produce from the farmers market- or does it?  Many people don’t realize there are plenty of crops that prefer cool weather! Veggies that thrive in the cold may not always be the ones you are most familiar with, but learning to use what’s in season gives you the freshest, most nutrient-packed flavorful foods that money can buy!

Here are some ideas for how to love the veggies that love the cold:

Beets – Try them raw as a crunchy snack or as a fry!

Have you tried raw beets?! They are a healthy and delicious way to add more crunch and color to your salads or a perfect crunchy snack on their own. You can also cut fresh beets into french fry shapes and bake them in the oven with a little oil and seasonings until they’re soft. 

Carrots – Shred them into your baking!

Shredded carrots can give some extra sweet flavor to breads and muffins.  Try our Carrot Cake Cookies for a healthy and delicious treat!

Brussels sprouts – Small but mighty!

These miniature cabbages come loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. One quick way to prepare brussels sprouts is to steam them and add delicious toppings such as olive oil, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, nuts, or your favorite herbs and spices. You can also roast brussels sprouts alone or in casseroles, such as this Roasted Rosemary Chicken and Veggies.

Kale – The perfect substitute for potato chips!

Crunchy kale can be a healthy alternative to potato chips in a matter of minutes!  Simply wash and dry a bunch of kale, remove the tough ribs, cut or tear the leaves into chip size pieces, toss with a little oil and seasonings, spread on a baking sheet and roast in the oven until crispy!

Some other veggies in season are winter squash (learn more about winter squash here), sweet potatoes, radishes, cabbage, lettuce and collard greens.  A general rule of thumb for remembering which veggies do well in the cold is whether or not they are green!  It doesn’t apply in ALL cases but a good place to start when trying to remember what is in season is: leafy greens are winter greens!