Pennsylvania Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables in December
A Guide to Winter Produce
This Article is Part of our Pennsylvania Seasonal Fruit & Veg Calendar
In Pennsylvania, December marks the depth of winter, a time when the landscape settles under the quiet of the cold and the growing season slows considerably. Yet, even in the midst of winter's chill, there is a surprising variety of produce that remains in season. Farmers and home gardeners alike harvest what the frost has spared, providing fresh, local fruits (What wine goes well with fruit?) and vegetables despite the short days and long nights.
While most associate December with the end of the harvest, Pennsylvania's soil still offers seasonal fruits and vegetables, promising freshness and flavor. Root vegetables and hardy greens are staples during this month, with produce such as potatoes, carrots, and cabbages readily available. These resilient vegetables not only survive the cold but can also become sweeter after a frost, enhancing their natural flavors.
The state's commitment to agriculture extends to supporting local farmers through the winter months. Consumers looking for in-season produce can usually find these winter crops at local markets, ensuring that even during the festive season, there is an emphasis on farm-to-table dining. This not only bolsters the local economy but also ensures that Pennsylvanians have access to nutritious and flavorful food all year round.
Understanding Seasonality in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the season plays a pivotal role in determining what produce is available. December marks a transition between late fall and early winter, bringing about changes in climate that influence local agriculture.
The Role of Climate
Pennsylvania’s climate is classified as a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. This variation determines not only the length of the growing season but also the types of fruits and vegetables that can thrive. In December, the state often experiences chilly temperatures, which means that produce typical for the winter months begins to take precedence.
Winter Seasonal Produce
During the winter, consumers can expect to find produce that withstands the cold well. Root vegetables and hardy greens are commonly available due to their tolerance of lower temperatures. Here's a list of what one might expect in Pennsylvania during December:
Root Vegetables: Such as beets, which are available from June through December.
Greens: Including varieties like Brussels sprouts (how long do brussels sprouts last?), which tend to be available from September through November and can still be found into December.
Storage Crops: Pennsylvania farms often have cabbage, harvested from June through October, and available through winter due to its storage capability.
It's important for consumers to understand that these items, amongst others, are what they can typically find fresh in the state during the cold month of December.
Fruit Highlights of December
December in Pennsylvania offers a significantly narrower range of fresh fruit when compared to the summer months. Nonetheless, apples and pears stand out for their flavor and availability during this time of year.
Apples
Apples are a robust fruit for the cold season, maintaining their sweet and sometimes tart flavors. Varieties to look for in December include:
Stayman: A slightly tart apple, perfect for baking
Fuji: Known for its sweetness and crisp texture
Granny Smith: A classic choice for its tartness and firmness, ideal for pies
Pears
Pears, with their soft and buttery texture, provide a delicious sweet taste during December. Common varieties found at local markets include:
Bartlett: Recognized by its true pear shape and sweetness, it is excellent for eating fresh.
Anjou: A good all-purpose pear with a hint of citrus, suitable for both eating raw and cooking.
Vegetable Highlights of December
In Pennsylvania, December marks a time when robust root vegetables and hearty leafy greens are at their peak, offering flavors and nutrients that are ideal for winter meals.
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables thrive in the cold Pennsylvania soil, becoming sweeter and more flavorful after a frost. Potatoes are versatile staples, ranging from the starchy Russets perfect for baking to the waxy Reds that are excellent in soups and stews. Turnips, with their earthy taste, are another key vegetable of the season. They can be mashed or roasted for a warming side dish. Radishes, often enjoyed raw for their peppery bite, provide a crisp contrast in December salads or can be cooked for a milder flavor.
Potatoes: Ideal for baking, mashing, and roasting.
Turnips: Best mashed or roasted to complement hearty dishes.
Radishes: Enjoyed for their crisp texture and peppery kick.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are in abundance in December, with kale and spinach standing out for their nutritional benefits and culinary versatility. Kale retains its texture well in cooking, making it suitable for soups, sautés, and bakes. Its slightly bitter taste mellows with cooking and pairs well with rich ingredients like cheese or sausage. Spinach is more tender, wilting quickly when heated, which makes it perfect for quick sautés, adding to warm salads, or incorporating into pasta dishes.
Kale: Hardy and nutritious, excellent in cooked dishes.
Spinach: Tender and fast-cooking, ideal for sautés and warm salads.
Pennsylvania's December Markets
In December, Pennsylvania's markets transform to showcase the bounty of the winter season. Locally grown produce and festive atmospheres make these markets a staple for the community's fresh food needs.
Farmers Market Shopping
In Pennsylvania, farmers markets during December offer a unique shopping experience for those looking for fresh, locally grown crops. Visitors can find a variety of seasonal produce that braves the cold weather. Farmers markets not only provide a platform for purchasing December's freshest goods but also support local farmers and the regional economy.
Winter Availability
Despite the chill, Pennsylvania's fields yield a selection of crops that are robust enough for the winter month of December. Below is a list of available produce one might find at these markets:
Root Vegetables: A staple of winter, including beets and varieties of cabbage.
Leafy Greens: Hardy greens like kale can withstand the cold temperatures.
Brussels Sprouts: These remain on the stalks and can be harvested in December.
Apples: Stored from the fall harvest and available throughout the winter.
The availability of these crops ensures that even in the colder months, residents and visitors have access to fresh, nutritious food options.
Preparation and Storage Tips
When handling Pennsylvania's seasonal produce in December, proper preparation and storage are crucial for maintaining flavor and nutritional value. Methods such as canning and freezing ensure that one can enjoy these fruits and vegetables beyond their peak seasons.
Canning and Freezing
Canning is an excellent way to preserve the taste of December fruits and vegetables. Some items like apples can be canned as sauces or jams. For the best results, one should always use a pressure canner for low-acid vegetables like cabbages to prevent foodborne illnesses.
For jams or preserves: Use equal parts fruit and sugar, add pectin (how long does pectin last?), and boil until the mixture reaches gel stage before canning.
For pickles: Vegetables like beets can be pickled with a brine of vinegar, salt, and spices, processed in a water bath canner.
Freezing is another preservation technique for December produce. Vegetables should typically be blanched first to stop enzyme activity that can cause loss of flavor and color. Fruits fair well when frozen after being washed and cut into portions.
Blanching vegetables: Immersion in boiling water for a short time, followed by an ice bath.
Freezing fruits: Lay pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag.
Winter Recipes
Incorporating preserved produce into winter menus offers nutritional benefits and adds a fresh taste to meals. Here are some ways to use canned and frozen produce in recipes:
Soups and stews: Canned tomatoes or frozen carrots can be added to hearty winter soups.
Baked goods: Frozen berries and canned fruits work well in muffins, pies, and other desserts.
Side dishes: Thawed and roasted or sautéed vegetables make a flavorful accompaniment to main courses.
Utilizing these preparation and storage tips allows for the abundance of December produce in Pennsylvania to be savored all year round.
