Winter is a time when many people struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables. However, choosing seasonal produce can help ensure that you are getting the most flavor and nutrients from your food. In the middle of winter, it can be challenging to find fresh, locally grown produce. That’s where winter vegetables come in.
Winter veggies not only provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant benefits, but they can also help break the monotony of your typical winter meals. Whether you enjoy them raw, steamed, roasted, or braised, here are eight winter vegetables to add to your meal plan this season.
1. Beets
Beets have a unique earthy taste that may not be for everyone, but they are packed with fiber, potassium, iron, and folate. You can add sliced or grated beets to salads, or roast them in the oven for a sweeter and more tender flavor.
2. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a member of the cruciferous vegetable family and provide vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. You can shave raw sprouts for a delicious winter slaw, or roast them in the oven for a mellow flavor. Try topping roasted sprouts with bacon, Parmesan, balsamic vinegar, mustard, or Gruyère cheese.
3. Cabbage
Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. You can throw chopped cabbage into stir-fries, stuff whole leaves with ground beef, or roast the head whole. Cabbage is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and anthocyanins.
4. Chard
Chard is a leafy green that is milder than kale but heartier than spinach. It contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as betalains, a type of plant pigment with antioxidant-like properties. Add chard to salads, soups, stews, or sauté it with olive oil for a tasty side dish.
5. Kale
Kale is a nutritional powerhouse that provides more than your daily recommended intake of vitamins A, C, and K in just a 4-ounce serving. You can sauté kale with onions and garlic, blend it into smoothies, or massage it for a delicious winter salad.
6. Leeks
Leeks are milder and more tender than scallions and provide vitamin A, vitamin K, and iron. Sauté them in olive oil and add them to grain bowls, soups, or serve them as a side dish for chicken or potatoes.
7. Parsnips
Parsnips are a root vegetable with an earthy, nutty flavor. They provide vitamin C, folate, and six grams of fiber per cup. Roast them in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or puree them for soups or stews.
8. Winter Squash
Winter squash varieties like butternut, acorn, spaghetti, and delicata are rich in flavor and provide vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. Bake, steam, or roast squash to enjoy in a variety of cozy winter recipes.
Adding these winter vegetables to your meals can help you stay healthy and nourished during the colder months. Try out some delicious winter vegetable recipes to keep your diet nutrient-dense and your tummy full all winter long.