Louisiana Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables in December
A Fresh Guide to Winter Produce
This Article is Part of our Louisiana Seasonal Fruit & Veg Calendar
Louisiana's rich soil and humid subtropical climate create a fertile haven for a variety of produce to thrive. Seasonal fruits and vegetables harvested in December are at their peak in flavor and nutritional value. During this month, locals and visitors alike have the opportunity to indulge in fresh, locally grown produce that is less available throughout the rest of the year.
December in Louisiana sees an assortment of fruits and vegetables that are perfect for the holiday season and beyond. This month's bounty includes collard greens (how long do collard greens last?), which continue to flourish since October, and sweet, juicy clementines that provide a refreshing burst of vitamin C during the colder days. Root vegetables like sweet potatoes also remain in season, offering a versatile ingredient for hearty winter dishes.
While some fruits such as figs and vegetables like cucumbers have ended their season earlier in the fall, December's cooler temperatures do not hinder the availability of robust produce. The chilled environment allows winter favorites such as turnips and mustard greens to thrive, giving consumers a chance to enjoy these greens fresh from the farm. Residents can take pride in the state's agricultural offerings, which support local economies and contribute to a sustainable food system.
Understanding Louisiana's Seasonal Produce
Louisiana's seasonal produce offers a bounty shaped by its unique climate and the month of December. The diversity of crops available is a direct result of the state's geographic conditions and the specific characteristics of the season.
Climate and Geography's Impact on Crops
Louisiana's climate is categorized as humid subtropical, which contributes to an extended growing season. The state receives ample rainfall and has rich, alluvial soil, particularly in the areas near the Mississippi River, which are highly favorable for agriculture. This environment allows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to flourish, although the types of produce available can vary significantly from one month to the next.
December's Seasonal Characteristics
In December, Louisiana's harvest includes cool-season crops that thrive in the mild winter temperatures. Produce in season typically includes:
Vegetables:
Collard Greens: Available from October through June, collard greens are hearty and can withstand cooler temperatures.
Fava Beans: (how long do fava beans last?) Harvested up until May, but often found in December due to Louisiana's milder early winters.
Fennel (how long does fennel last?): October through April, it is a crisp vegetable with a distinctive licorice (how long does licorice last?) flavor.
Fruits:
Citrus fruits such as clementines are abundant, generally harvested in December and enjoyed for their sweetness and juicy segments.
As the state of Louisiana enters December, the harvesting of crops is adjusted to those that can tolerate the cooler yet still relatively warm climate of the region. The array of seasonal produce available during this month is reflective of the state's resilient agricultural systems.
Seasonal Fruit Highlights in December
December in Louisiana brings a bounty of citrus fruits and winter berries to the table, offering a refreshing balance to the rich foods typically enjoyed during the holiday season.
Citrus Fruits
December marks a prime time for a variety of citrus fruits in Louisiana. This is when they reach peak sweetness and juiciness, making them not just a healthy choice but also a delicious one.
Oranges: They are at their prime, bursting with vitamin C and perfect for juicing or eating out of hand.
Clementines: Small and sweet, Clementines are a popular choice for festive snacks and can often be found in holiday stockings.
Tangerine: These are slightly tart and are well-regarded for their vibrant flavor and easy-to-peel skin.
Mandarin Oranges: With their mild and sweet taste, Mandarin oranges are great for both snacking and adding to various dishes.
Satsumas: A local favorite, Satsumas are seedless, easy to peel, and highly sought after for their sweet and tender segments.
Winter Berries
Although not as prominent as the summer berries, Louisiana still has some berries that maintain their luscious presence in December.
Pears: While not a berry, pears like the Bartlett variety are often at their finest in December, offering a juicy, and sweet flavor that complements the citrus selection.
Seasonal Vegetable Picks for December
As December ushers in cooler weather in Louisiana, a variety of vegetables reach their peak, offering an bounty of flavor and nutrition. This selection showcases the season's best.
Leafy Greens
Kale: (What wine goes well with kale?) A nutrient powerhouse, kale thrives in the cooler temperatures, presenting itself with robust, dark green leaves.
Cabbage: Versatile and hearty, cabbage is in its prime, perfect for stews and slaws.
Lettuce: Different varieties of lettuce, including romaine and butterhead, are crisp and fresh during this month.
Root Vegetables
Carrots: Sweet and crunchy, carrots harvested in December are ideal for both raw and cooked dishes.
Radishes: Offering a peppery bite, these root vegetables add a splash of color to salads and side dishes.
Turnips: With a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, turnips are excellent when roasted or mashed.
Garlic: While stored from earlier harvests, garlic remains an essential flavor enhancer in countless winter recipes.
Winter Squash Varieties
Winter Squash: Ranging from butternut to acorn, winter squash varieties are versatile in the kitchen, whether baked or turned into a warming soup.
Fennel: With a unique anise-like flavor, fennel adds a refreshing taste to winter meals.
Louisiana's December harvest offers robust flavors and ample opportunities for nutritious winter cooking.
Louisiana's December Harvest Calendar
In December, Louisiana offers a diverse range of fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits, ready for harvest. This month marks the transition from fall to winter crops, with cooler weather vegetables dominating the fields and some fruits still available before the year ends.
Early December Harvest
In the early days of December, Louisiana's fields are abundant with robust vegetables such as:
Collard Greens: A staple green with a hearty taste.
Sweet Potatoes: Ready for digging, these are a versatile root vegetable.
The fruit selection is more limited but includes:
Satsumas: A type of seedless mandarin, peaking in sweetness.
Mid-December Bounties
As December progresses, farmers harvest an array of both green and root vegetables:
Turnips: These are pulled from the ground, with both roots and greens being edible.
Mustard Greens: Known for their peppery flavor, they are perfect for hearty dishes.
This period is also the last chance for some of the seasonal fruits like:
Persimmons: Sweet and rich, best harvested after the first frost.
Late December Picks
Approaching the year's end, the focus is mostly on vegetables, with options such as:
Broccoli: High in nutrients, this vegetable thrives in cooler temperatures.
Cauliflower: Similar to broccoli, it's versatile in winter recipes.
Though most fruit seasons are wrapping up, some resilient ones remain:
Citrus Fruits: Including grapefruits, offering a fresh burst of vitamin C.
Health Benefits of Seasonal Consumption
Eating fruits and vegetables that are in season in Louisiana during December provides numerous health benefits. They are often fresher, tastier, and more nutritionally dense.
Fresher: Seasonal produce is typically harvested at its peak and sold shortly thereafter, ensuring that fiber, essential for digestion, is abundant.
Nutrient-Rich: These foods are at their nutritional prime, providing a high content of antioxidants, which are crucial for repairing damage from free radicals and supporting overall health.
Fruits like clementines and grapefruit, available in December, are excellent sources of vitamin C. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant itself, contributing to immune defense and skin health.
Vegetables such as collard greens and kale emerge as important features of the seasonal diet. They offer not only fiber but also vitamins C and K, and calcium, supporting bone health and blood clotting functions.
By consuming these seasonal offerings, the body receives an optimal concentration of these nutrients, which can fortify the immune system during the colder months. Moreover, a diet rich in these nutrients may contribute to long-term well-being, including a reduced risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Incorporating Louisiana’s December produce into the diet ensures a high-quality intake of crucial nutrients that play a role in maintaining good health. Moreover, choosing seasonal items supports local agriculture and is often a more sustainable option.
Preparing Seasonal Produce
In December, Louisiana's seasonal produce offers a variety of flavors and textures ideal for both cooking and raw consumption. Proper preparation methods can enhance these characteristics, providing hearty and nutritious winter meals.
Cooking Techniques
Roasted: Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, available in December, are ideal for roasting. Roasting at high temperatures until tender can caramelize their natural sugars, intensifying their flavor.
Boiled: Collard greens have a prolonged season through June and can be boiled to create a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Boiling not only softens the greens but also allows for the addition of complementary flavors like ham hocks or garlic.
Soups: With cooler weather, soups become a comforting meal. Louisiana seasonal vegetables like butternut squash (how long does butternut squash last?) can be boiled and pureed into a smooth soup, enhanced with spices like nutmeg (how long does nutmeg last?) or cayenne pepper to create a warming dish.
Raw Consumption
Salads: Incorporate raw seasonal fruits such as clementines into salads for a fresh and zesty component. Their juicy sweetness pairs well with bitter greens and a tangy vinaigrette.
Raw: Many December vegetables can be enjoyed raw, offering crisp textures and full nutrient retention. For instance, thinly sliced fennel adds a crunchy, anise-flavored note to raw salads or slaw mixtures.
Festive Recipes and Holiday Uses
During the holiday season, Louisiana's seasonal produce brings vibrant flavors to traditional dishes. Citrus fruits such as clementines and satsumas offer a burst of freshness and can be used in holiday salads or as a bright garnish for various dishes. They shine particularly in salads mixed with local greens like collard and fresh fennel.
Salads become a centerpiece when they feature pomegranates and citrus segments, which pair beautifully with Louisiana pecans for crunch. For a simple yet festive side, they suggest combining leafy greens with these fruits and a light vinaigrette.
Soups play a major role in December, with the local produce providing hearty and warming options. A favorite is the Butternut Squash Soup, seasoned with Louisiana-grown herbs and enhanced by a dollop of crème fraîche. This dish not only captures the essence of the season but also highlights local ingredients at their peak.
Here is a table listing recipes and their key local ingredients:
Recipe Key Ingredients Winter Citrus Salad Clementines, Satsumas, Pomegranates, Pecans Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Collard Greens, Garlic Butternut Squash Soup Butternut Squash, Fresh Herbs Cranberry Relish Cranberries
For those with a sweet tooth, citrus fruits also lend themselves to festive desserts, with cranberries adding a traditional touch. Consider a citrus cranberry cake, where the tartness of the fruit balances the sweetness perfectly.
In conclusion, Louisiana's December produce can be used confidently across a variety of recipes, showcasing flexibility in holiday salads, enriching soups, and enhancing the local flavor in traditional dishes.
Where to Find Louisiana's Seasonal Produce
December in Louisiana offers a unique variety of fresh produce. For those interested in adding local flavor to their holiday tables, various venues throughout the state provide access to seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Local Farmers' Markets
Farmers' markets in Louisiana cities such as Baton Rouge and New Orleans become bustling hubs for seasonal produce in December. These markets typically offer a range of items from crisp radishes to citrus fruits like oranges and satsumas. Shoppers can download market schedules and vendor lists from city websites, ensuring they find the freshest local offerings.
Examples of Farmers' Markets:
Baton Rouge: Red Stick Farmers Market
New Orleans: Crescent City Farmers Market
Louisiana Produce Stands
Produce stands scattered along Louisiana's roadways present a more intimate shopping experience. Local farmers often sell their harvest directly, with items like kale, sweet potatoes, and pecans being December staples. Locations and availability can vary, so it is advisable to check local listings or seasonal guides to plan visits.
Common Produce Stand Items:
Vegetables: Kale, Sweet potatoes
Nuts: Pecans
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs
CSA programs are a great way to invest in local agriculture while receiving a regular supply of fresh produce. Participants receive boxes of seasonal produce, which in December in Louisiana might include beets, carrots, and winter squash. Many CSAs allow members to download subscription details and pick-up schedules, making it a convenient option for routine access to local fare.
Typical CSA Box in December:
Root Vegetables: Beets, Carrots
Squash: Winter varieties
Sustainability and Supporting Local Agriculture
In Louisiana, the focus on sustainability within agriculture is tied closely to the promotion of local farming. By supporting local agriculture, residents not only contribute to reducing food miles and carbon footprint but also foster community resilience and economic growth.
Local markets play a pivotal role in this, providing farmers with avenues to sell seasonal produce directly to consumers. In December, for instance, markets highlight winter crops like sweet potatoes and various leafy greens, which thrive in Louisiana's cooler temperatures. Buying these locally not only ensures freshness but also encourages sustainable farming practices.
The emphasis on seasonal vegetables and fruits ensures that the supply chain is shorter and more efficient. By purchasing produce that is in season, consumers inadvertently support crop rotations and soil health, cornerstones of sustainable agriculture.
Organizations like Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance (BREADA) specifically aim to bolster this connection between the community and local farmers. They assist in providing fresh, local food to areas like Baton Rouge, reinforcing the importance of local consumption.
Here is an example of what might be locally available in Louisiana in December:
Citrus fruits: Satsumas, Oranges, Grapefruits
Greens: Collards, Mustard, Spinach
Root Vegetables: Turnips, Radishes
By prioritizing local produce, one can partake in a cycle of sustainability that benefits all stakeholders—farmers maintain their livelihood, consumers receive high-quality food, and the environment is less burdened by the agrarian demand.
Seasonal Eating Tips and Considerations
In December, consumers in Louisiana can enjoy a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables. For the freshest taste and nutritional value, one should focus on selecting prime produce and storing it properly, while also incorporating a diverse array of these foods into their diet.
Selection and Storage
Freshness is key when picking seasonal produce. In December, Louisiana offers a range of fresh options such as:
Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit
Leafy greens such as kale and collard greens
Root vegetables including sweet potatoes and turnips
When selecting these items, one should look for vibrant colors and firm textures, indicating that the produce is at its peak. Avoid fruits and vegetables with bruises or blemishes, as these may spoil more quickly.
For storage, each type of produce has its ideal conditions:
Citrus fruits: cool and well-ventilated spaces
Leafy greens: refrigerated, in airtight bags with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture
Root vegetables: cool, dark, and dry areas like a root cellar or pantry
Proper storage not only maintains freshness but also extends the shelf-life of the produce.
Integrating Variety into Your Diet
Dietary variety plays a crucial role in nutrition. Embracing all subgroups of vegetables ensures a wide intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These subgroups include:
Dark green vegetables like kale
Red and orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes
Starchy vegetables including winter squash
One can integrate these subgroups into their diet by:
Adding citrus segments to salads for a burst of flavor and Vitamin C.
Including roasted root vegetables as a hearty side dish.
Incorporating greens into soups and stews to enhance nutrient intake.
By focusing on variety, not only does one experience a broader spectrum of flavors, but they also capitalize on the health benefits each subgroup offers.
Conclusion
In Louisiana, December marks a period where consumers can enjoy a variety of fresh produce that thrives in the cooler weather. Clementines and collard greens are particularly noteworthy selections available during this month. Citrus fruits like clementines offer a sweet, tangy flavor and are an excellent source of vitamin C. Collard greens, robust and nutritious, are a staple green in Southern cuisine and a source of vitamins A, C, and K.
One can also take advantage of root vegetables such as turnips and sweet potatoes, which are at their peak during this season. They are versatile in the kitchen, able to be roasted, mashed, or added to hearty winter stews.
Here is a brief listing of Louisiana's December produce:
Citrus fruits: Clementines, satsumas
Greens: Collard, mustard, turnip greens
Root vegetables: Turnips, sweet potatoes
These fresh, local options are not only flavorful but also support the regional agriculture and economies. Shoppers are encouraged to visit local farmers' markets to find the freshest selections and perhaps discover new favorite ingredients for their winter recipes.
