New York Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables in December
A Fresh Guide to Winter Produce
This Article is Part of our New York Seasonal Fruit & Veg Calendar
December in New York marks a time when the landscape is often cloaked in snow, and the fields lie dormant under a winter's chill. However, even in this frosty season, there is an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables that can be found for those interested in eating local and embracing seasonality. Local markets and stores are stocked with a variety of produce that not only supports the regional economy but also offers the freshness and flavor that come with consuming foods in their natural harvest season.
While many associate December with holiday feasts and imported delicacies, there is great value in turning to the fruits and vegetables that are traditionally harvested during this month in New York. Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes are available, often stored from their fall harvest to last through the winter months. Hardy greens grown in greenhouses, such as spinach and microgreens, are also common finds, ensuring that New Yorkers can still enjoy fresh, nutrient-rich greens despite the snowy landscape outside.
Eating locally in December also extends to the fruit selection in New York, which includes crisp apples and juicy pears from cold storage, continuing to grace tables well into the winter season. Not only does this practice of selecting seasonal and stored produce support sustainable agriculture, but it also aligns with a more environmentally conscious approach to consumption, as it reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of out-of-season fruits and vegetables.
The Importance of Seasonal Eating
Eating seasonal produce is beneficial for several reasons. Winter in the United States sees a shift in available crops, including the harvest of cool-weather crops that thrive in colder temperatures. These crops tend to require less energy for cultivation during their optimal growth season, which supports environmental sustainability.
Seasonal eating encourages a varied diet. Diverse intake of fruits and vegetables ensures a wider range of nutrients, which can enhance overall health. For instance, the cool-weather crops available in New York during December, such as brussels sprouts (how long do brussels sprouts last?) and root vegetables, are packed with vitamins and minerals necessary to support the immune system through the colder months.
Economically, purchasing seasonal food supports local farmers who grow produce suited to the region's climate. Cost efficiency is another factor; when fruits and vegetables are in season, the abundance of the produce typically lowers the price.
Month Fruit/Vegetable December Beets December Brussels Sprouts December Winter Squash December Root Vegetables
Consumers may find that seasonal fruits and vegetables offer a fresher and more flavorful experience. Fruits like cranberries and late harvest apples reaching their peak in December provide a flavorful punch to dishes that align with the holiday season.
In summary, seasonal eating is a practice that can contribute to one's health, the local economy, and the planet. It is a practical approach that enhances the dining experience while aligning with the natural agricultural cycles.
December's Seasonal Produce
In the heart of winter, New York's harvest offers a variety of fruits and vegetables that can withstand the colder temperatures. Knowledge of the seasonal produce can help consumers make informed choices, ensuring fresh and flavorful ingredients for their meals.
Fruits in Season:
Apples: With myriad varieties, apples remain crisp and abundant in December. They are versatile for both raw consumption and culinary uses.
Pears: Another winter fruit favorite, pears are perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. They are excellent when poached, baked, or roasted.
Vegetables in Season:
Kale: (What wine goes well with kale?) This hardy green thrives in cool weather, which often enhances its flavor. Kale adds a nutritious boost to winter dishes.
Winter Squash: Varieties like butternut and acorn squash are at their peak, offering a sweet and nutty taste that is ideal for soups and roasts.
Beets: Root vegetables like beets are sweet and earthy, excellent for roasting or pickling.
Turnips: Often underrated, turnips have a peppery flavor which complements hearty winter meals.
Brussels Sprouts: These grow sweeter with a frost, making them a delightful side dish when roasted until caramelized.
Consumers who choose to eat seasonally in December can enjoy these fruits and vegetables at their optimal freshness and flavor, often with the added benefit of supporting local agriculture. While weather and specific regional conditions may cause slight variations in availability, these items generally represent what one might expect to find in the markets during this time.
Vegetables to Enjoy in December
In December, New York's soils yield hearty root vegetables and nutritious greens well-suited for winter meals. This produce can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or boiled, and it frequently finds its way into comforting soups.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables thrive in the cold New York December weather. They store well, providing a fresh taste long after harvest. Here are some favorites available during this month:
Carrots: Sweet and crisp when raw, they also roast beautifully for a caramelized treat.
Potatoes: Versatile for any meal, whether roasted for a crispy edge or boiled for mashes.
Radishes: Offer a peppery bite, adding crunch to salads and slaws.
Parsnips: A sweet, nutty flavor perfect in soups or roasted alongside other vegetables.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens can withstand chilly temperatures. They're packed with vitamins and can be served in a variety of ways:
Spinach: Tender and full of iron, ideal for salads or a quick sauté.
Chard: With a slightly earthy taste, it can brighten up a warm dish or stand alone sautéed with garlic.
Collard Greens (how long do collard greens last?): Traditionally simmered, but also excellent for fresh wraps or added to soups.
Cruciferous Vegetables
These nutritious staples are in their prime in December and add both flavor and texture to winter meals:
Broccoli (how long does broccoli last?): Best served steamed or roasted, its florets absorb flavors and add crunch.
Cauliflower: Mild and versatile, it's delicious roasted whole or used in place of rice for a low-carb option.
Brussels Sprouts: When roasted, they turn crispy outside and tender inside, with a hint of nuttiness.
Fruits Available in December
As the winter season takes hold in New York, December offers a variety of fruits that can add freshness and flavor to the holiday tables. Citrus fruits begin to peak, while hardy apple varieties remain a staple, and other seasonal fruits like cranberries make festive appearances.
Citrus Fruits
In December, citrus fruits come into season, offering bright flavors and a boost of vitamin C. Oranges and tangerines, including clementines and mandarin oranges, are particularly popular. They can be used in salads, as a sweet snack, or to add a zesty flavor to dishes.
Oranges: Juicy and sweet, perfect for fresh eating or juicing.
Tangerines: Smaller and sweeter than oranges, with a looser skin for easy peeling.
Clementines: A type of mandarin, known for their seedless nature and sweet taste.
Mandarin Oranges: Smaller and sweeter with a thinner skin, often used in salads and desserts.
Apple Varieties
Apple harvests may have peaked in the fall, but many apple varieties are stored and remain crisp and delicious through December. Apples remain a versatile fruit for fresh eating, baking, and cooking.
Fuji: Sweet and crunchy, great for snacking and salads.
Granny Smith: Tart and firm, ideal for pies and baking.
Honeycrisp: A balance of sweet and tart, excellent for eating raw or in cider.
Other Seasonal Fruits
Apart from citrus and apples, December yields other fruits that are essential for seasonal recipes and holiday dishes.
Pears: They come in several varieties, soft and buttery, suitable for baking or poaching.
Cranberries: Tart and vibrant, often used in holiday sauces, baked goods, and as a dried fruit snack.
These fruits provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, rich foods typically enjoyed during the winter months.
Cooking with December Produce
December in New York heralds the availability of robust and hearty produce, ideal for warming and nutritious recipes. Utilizing seasonal vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, kale, and root vegetables like carrots and rutabagas, chefs can create dishes that are as flavorful as they are comforting during the winter months.
Roasted Vegetables: (What wine goes well with roasted vegetables?) A simple yet satisfying method to bring out the natural sugars and flavors in these vegetables is roasting. Tossed in olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and perhaps a dash of rosemary, they can be roasted until tender and caramelized. These are perfect as a side dish or even as the star of a vegetable roast.
Roasted Vegetables Ingredients Brussels Sprouts Olive oil, Salt, Balsamic vinegar Carrots Olive oil, Rosemary, Salt and pepper
Soups: For those seeking warmth from the wintry chill, soups made with December produce are particularly nourishing. Root vegetables lend themselves well to purees and chunky soup bases, combined with stock and herbs for a full-bodied meal.
Seasonal Salads: Despite the cold, salads are still an option, with ingredients like escarole and kale offering crisp textures and bold flavors. Pomegranate seeds (how long do pomegranate seeds last?) or slices of pear add a sweet contrast, while nuts bring in a pleasant crunch to salads.
Salad Ingredients Description Escarole Bitter green, balances with sweet dressings Kale Hardy green, pairs well with robust dressings
Recipe Ideas: Innovative recipes may include a rutabaga gratin, a kale and white bean stew, or a carrot and ginger soup. Each recipe takes advantage of the full-bodied profiles of seasonal produce, ensuring every meal is both hearty and fresh.
Where to Find December Produce
In New York State, individuals can locate December produce through various outlets. The primary source for fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits during this month are Farmers Markets, which are abundant across the state. These markets offer produce directly from the growers, ensuring freshness and support for the local economy.
One can also find seasonal produce at Local grocery stores which often source fruits and vegetables from local farms. These establishments highlight seasonal items and may also display information about the origin of produce to ensure consumers are informed.
State agricultural programs also facilitate the availability of December produce. The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets provides resources to identify what's in season, potentially influencing the stock at various retailers, both big and small.
Below is a brief list of common December produce available in New York and where to likely find them:
Produce Location Apples Farmers Markets, local grocers Broccoli Raab Farmers Markets Kale Farmers Markets, local grocers Carrots Farmers Markets, local stores Parsnips Local grocers Potatoes Farmers Markets, local grocers Winter Squash Farmers Markets, local grocers
These venues are essential for consumers seeking seasonal flavors and aiming to support local agriculture. Patrons are encouraged to visit the markets and stores in their region to discover the breadth of December produce available.
Benefits of Eating Seasonal and Local
Eating locally-sourced, seasonal fruits and vegetables in New York during December offers multiple benefits that extend to health, the environment, and the local economy. By choosing seasonal produce, individuals may enjoy fruits and vegetables at their peak flavor and nutrient content. For example, hearty winter squash and crisp apples are abundant in New York during the holiday season.
Environmental Advantages: Local produce requires less transportation and, therefore, reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It also tends to involve less packaging and processing, diminishing overall environmental impact.
Economic Impact: When consumers purchase from local farmers and markets, they support the local economy. Money spent on local produce circulates within the community, strengthening local business and potentially creating jobs.
Dietary Variety: Including seasonal fruits and vegetables in one's diet introduces a diverse array of nutrients. This dietary variance is important for maintaining overall health and may offer protective benefits against certain conditions.
Seasonal Highlights:
December Fruits: Apples, Pears
December Vegetables: Winter Squash, Beets, Brussel Sprouts
By opting for local sources, individuals contribute to the sustainability and resilience of food systems. This practice also highlights the connection between food, culture, and the season, enriching the experience of holiday meals (What wine goes well with holiday meals?) and celebrations.
Conclusion
In December, New York's markets are replete with a variety of fruits and vegetables that are in their prime during the chilly month. Apples and pears stand out as the season's sweet offerings, continuing to be available from local orchards. Root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes, come from cold storage and are excellent for hearty winter recipes.
Individuals focused on seasonal eating can benefit from the abundance of kale, rutabagas, and broccoli rabe. These vegetables not only offer rich nutrients perfect for cold-weather health, but they also bring depth to the winter palate.
For those who cook, December in New York presents an opportunity to create dishes that are warm, comforting, and nutritionally dense. Incorporating seasonal produce like escarole in soups and root vegetables in stews helps to take advantage of their peak flavors and textures.
December Produce Recipe Suggestions Apples Baked apples, apple pies Pears Pear tarts, poached pears Carrots Roasted carrots, carrot soup Potatoes Mashed potatoes, potato gratin Kale Sautéed kale, kale chips Rutabagas Mashed rutabagas, rutabaga fries
The residents of New York and its visitors are encouraged to explore these seasonal foods at farmers' markets and grocery stores. By doing so, they support sustainable agriculture and local farmers, while nourishing themselves and their families with the best produce the season has to offer.
