Oklahoma Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables in December
A Fresh Guide to Winter Produce
This Article is Part of our Oklahoma Seasonal Fruit & Veg Calendar
In December, Oklahoma's markets are vibrant with winter produce, despite the chill that grips the air. Seasonal fruits and vegetables reflect the state's agricultural diversity and resilience against the cooler temperatures. One will find that while summer and spring boast a bounty of berries and leafy greens, the winter months in Oklahoma are no less generous. The selection includes robust root vegetables and certain fruits that reach their peak in both flavor and nutrition during this time of year.
Root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes and turnips, are staples during December in Oklahoma, having been harvested in the fall and stored to last through the winter. These hearty vegetables are not only versatile in the kitchen but also packed with essential nutrients. Similarly, winter greens like kale and Brussels sprouts (how long do brussels sprouts last?)endure the cold well and can be found fresh in the produce aisles, often sweetened by the frost. They make nutritious additions to warm, comforting dishes that are typical of the season.
For those seeking freshness in their holiday dishes, December's cooler climate offers a select but flavorful variety of fruits. Cranberries, for example, while not grown widely across the state, are often available fresh during the early winter months, and they are perfect for adding a tart splash of color to any meal. While the options for local, in-season produce may seem more limited, the available fruits and vegetables in this month are hearty, wholesome, and prime for creating nourishing winter recipes.
Winter Produce Overview
In Oklahoma, December marks a time when a variety of produce is still available despite the cold. The state's winter harvest boasts hearty vegetables and fruits that have been nurtured through the fall and are now in season.
Fruits
Apples: Varieties like the Envyâ„¢ apple are at their peak, offering crisp textures and sweet flavors.
Pecans: A beloved regional specialty, these nuts are typically harvested in late fall and available through winter.
Vegetables
Root Vegetables: Carrots (how long do carrots last?), turnips, and beets (how long do beets last?) thrive in cold weather, retaining their earthiness and depth of flavor.
Winter Squash: Butternut, acorn, and other winter squashes are staples, offering versatility and richness to many dishes.
Leafy Greens: Hardy greens such as kale and collards endure through the winter months.
Seasonal Fruits in December
December in Oklahoma brings a variety of fruits that are both nutritious and flavorful. While some fruits are winding down their season, others are at their peak, offering freshness and quality.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits are a highlight of the winter season. Oranges and clementines are particularly abundant. These citrus offerings are well-known for their vitamin C content, which is essential for a healthy immune system during the colder months.
Oranges: Sweet and juicy, perfect for juicing or as a refreshing snack.
Clementines: Smaller and sweeter than oranges, these are often seedless and easy to peel.
Root Vegetables
Although not typically categorized with fruits, root vegetables like carrots and beets store well into the winter and are often included in seasonal produce lists due to their sweet, robust flavors that lend themselves to being used in desserts and sweet treats.
Carrots: With their natural sweetness, carrots can be used in cakes and muffins.
Beets: Earthy in flavor, beets can be roasted to increase their innate sweetness.
Pomegranate and Berries
The pomegranate is a seasonal favorite, sporting jewel-like seeds called arils. These seeds provide a burst of sweet and tart flavors along with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Cranberries: Native to North America, cranberries offer a tart taste and are commonly used in holiday recipes.
Pomegranates: They are versatile in both sweet and savory dishes and are praised for their high antioxidant content.
Seasonal Vegetables in December
December in Oklahoma brings a harvest that offers rich flavors and nutrients despite the chilly weather. Vegetables like kale, cabbage, and carrots are at their peak, providing a great opportunity for seasonal cooking.
Leafy Greens
In December, leafy greens flourish, providing a bounty of nutrition. Kale is particularly hearty and can withstand the cold, making it a staple in winter dishes. Options such as spinach also offer versatility for a variety of recipes.
Cruciferous Vegetables
This time of year is ideal for cruciferous vegetables. Vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts are readily available and can be roasted or steamed for a warming side dish. Cauliflower also shares the spotlight, being a great substitute for various grains and packed with vitamins.
Root Crops
Root crops thrive in December's cooler temperatures. Nutrient-dense sweet potatoes and carrots are abundant, perfect for mashes or stews. Additionally, onions and garlic provide foundational flavors for countless winter recipes. Other hearty choices include parsnips, turnips, and kohlrabi, each offering their unique textures and tastes to the season's palate.
Culinary Tips for Seasonal Produce
In December, Oklahoma's seasonal produce can be transformed into flavorful dishes with the right cooking techniques and flavor pairings. Incorporating these methods and combinations will help in elevating the natural tastes of the vegetables and fruits of the season.
Cooking Techniques
Roasting: The process of roasting brings out the sweetness in root vegetables and squash. Toss them with olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and roast in a preheated oven until they are caramelized and tender.
Sautéing: Quick and efficient, sautéing seasonal greens with butter or olive oil preserves their color and nutrients. Heat butter in a pan, add the greens and cook until just wilted.
Flavor Combinations
Root vegetables and sage: Earthy root vegetables like beets and carrots pair well with the fragrant notes of sage. A simple addition of this herb, especially when they are roasted, can create a harmonious balance.
Squash and citrus: Acorn and butternut squash's (how long does butternut squash last?) sweetness is complemented by the acidity of citrus fruits. Finish off roasted squash with a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange juice for a bright flavor boost.
Seasonal recipes: Incorporating these seasonal items into recipes can often mean pairing them with herbs and spices that are warm and earthy, such as thyme or rosemary, ensuring dishes are heartwarming and full of depth.
Health Benefits of Winter Produce
Winter produce in Oklahoma offers a robust array of health benefits due to its high concentration of nutrients that are essential for maintaining good health during the colder months.
Nutrient-Rich Greens
Winter greens, such as kale and spinach, come packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as dietary fiber which is important for healthy digestion. These leafy vegetables are particularly beneficial because of their high iron content, essential for blood health, and folate, vital for DNA repair and synthesis.
Kale: A dark green powerhouse, rich in calcium and iron
Spinach: Offers magnesium and folate, supporting bone health and cellular function
Antioxidant Fruits
Fruits such as Comice pears, harvested in December, are exceptional sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants play a critical role in the body, helping to fight off free radicals that can lead to chronic diseases.
Comice Pears: High in vitamin C and dietary fiber, contributing to a strong immune system and healthy gut
Shopping for Produce in Winter
During the winter months, Oklahoma shoppers can still enjoy a variety of fresh, local produce. By visiting local farmers markets and employing proper storage techniques, consumers can ensure they have access to fresh vegetables and fruits even in the colder season.
Local Farmers Markets
Farmers markets in Oklahoma offer an array of fresh, local produce even in December. Shoppers looking for winter staples such as kale, Brussels sprouts, and root vegetables will find them fresh at these community markets. These markets are pivotal for supporting local farmers and obtaining produce that has been harvested closer to its consumption time, thereby promising better flavor and nutrition.
Kale: A winter-hardy vegetable that is typically available at local markets.
Brussels sprouts: Often found in the same stalls as kale, these are a common winter crop.
Root Vegetables: Including varieties like turnips and parsnips, root vegetables thrive in colder weather and are a staple at winter markets.
List of Produce Commonly Found at Oklahoma Farmers Markets in December:
Kale
Brussels sprouts
Root vegetables (e.g., parsnips, turnips)
Squash
Storing Fresh Produce
Proper storage extends the life of fresh produce. Root vegetables, for example, should be kept in a cool, dark place, ideally in a root cellar if available. Other vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts last longer when stored in the crisper drawer of a refrigerator. Shoppers should be aware that most winter produce has a naturally longer shelf life, making it ideal for storage and use throughout the season.
Key Storage Tips for Winter Produce:
Root Vegetables: Store in cool, dark places; a root cellar is perfect.
Leafy Greens: Keep in the refrigerator's crisper drawer; use within a week.
Winter Squash: Store in a cool, dry place; can last for several months.
By learning where to purchase and how to store winter produce, shoppers in Oklahoma can maximize the quality and lifespan of their fruits and vegetables.
Growing Your Own Winter Produce
Oklahoma residents can extend their gardening season by using greenhouses and indoor cultivation techniques. These methods are particularly effective for growing winter produce and contribute to sustainable living through homegrown foods.
Greenhouse Gardening
Greenhouses in Oklahoma allow gardeners to control the environment in which their vegetables are grown. They trap heat from the sunlight, creating a warmer microclimate that can sustain plant growth even during colder months. Sustainable gardening in a greenhouse can be achieved with proper insulation and by monitoring the temperature to maintain a consistent climate. Here are some specifics for successful greenhouse gardening:
Temperature Control: Maintain a temperature between 45°F and 70°F.
Light: Ensure that plants receive enough light, possibly supplementing with grow lights.
Ventilation: Implement proper ventilation to avoid excessive humidity that can lead to plant diseases.
Produce: Vegetables commonly planted in greenhouses during winter in Oklahoma include lettuce, spinach, kale, and other cold-hardy greens.
Indoor Cultivation Techniques
For those who may not have space for a greenhouse, indoor cultivation is a viable alternative for homegrown produce. Using techniques like hydroponics or container gardening, one can grow vegetables inside their home. Here's how indoor gardening can be both sustainable and productive:
Hydroponics: Utilizes a water-based solution to deliver nutrients directly to the plants' roots.
Containers: Use containers with proper drainage.
Soil: Select high-quality potting mix suited for vegetables.
Location: Place containers in areas with sufficient sunlight or under grow lights.
Produce: Suitable plants for indoor cultivation include herbs, microgreens, and dwarf varieties of certain vegetables.
By employing these methods, they can effectively have fresh, homegrown produce throughout the winter months.
Conclusion
In the heart of the American Midwest, Oklahoma boasts a rich tapestry of agricultural offerings, even as the year winds down into the cooler months of December. Shoppers can still find an abundance of hearty vegetables and late-season fruits at local markets. Squash and root vegetables become staples, offering robust flavors and comfort during the winter season. Hearty greens like kale and potentially broccoli raabe provide essential nutrients.
Brussels sprouts, which may still be found on the stalk, present a longer shelf-life and add a crisp, flavorful option for winter meals. Oklahoma's seasonal produce ensures that residents have access to fresh and healthy choices year-round.
Looking towards the festive period, selections typically include:
Squash Varieties
Root Vegetables (e.g., Beets, Carrots)
Hardy Greens (e.g., Kale, Collard Greens (how long do collard greens last?))
Brussels Sprouts
One can anticipate that these items, grown in accordance with the state's seasonal conditions, may fluctuate based on that year's specific climate patterns. Consumers are encouraged to engage with local farmers and markets, which may offer the freshest seasonal produce and keep Oklahoma's agricultural economy thriving.
By embracing the seasonality of produce, Oklahomans can enjoy a winter diet that's both delicious and nutritious, supporting local farmers and sustainability within the state's diverse agricultural industry.
