Wyoming Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables in December
A Fresh Produce Guide
This Article is Part of our Wyoming Seasonal Fruit & Veg Calendar
In Wyoming, December's chill does not hinder the availability of seasonal produce; rather, it marks a period of transition in the agricultural calendar. The state's harvests adapt to the colder climate, and residents can still enjoy a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. The offerings are a mix of stored crops from the recent autumn harvest and hearty winter produce that withstands the freezing temperatures.
Among the vegetables, root crops like parsnips flourish in the cold and are readily available throughout the month. These, along with stored crops such as potatoes and carrots, provide a host of options for warm, nutritious meals. Local growers may also have indoor facilities where certain crops continue to thrive, ensuring a supply of fresh greens.
Fruits in December are more limited, but storage capabilities allow for the enjoyment of apples (how long do apples last?), which have been harvested in the fall and kept crisp in controlled environments. Though fresh fruit varieties are reduced during this time, preserved fruits and winter-hardy options such as cranberries are typically accessible, adding a burst of flavor to the winter palette.
Understanding Seasonal Eating
Seasonal eating is rooted in selecting and consuming produce that is naturally harvested at specific times of the year. This practice aligns with local growing seasons and tends to provide fresher and more flavorful produce to the consumer.
Benefits of Seasonal Produce
Health and Flavor: Seasonal fruits and vegetables harvested during their appropriate months are often fresher and packed with more nutrients compared to non-seasonal counterparts. This is because they have spent less time in transit from farm to table. Furthermore, produce that has been allowed to ripen naturally on the vine or tree and is consumed close to the time of harvest, usually has a superior flavor profile.
Economic and Environmental: Purchasing seasonal produce supports the local economy, especially in states like Wyoming where agriculture is a significant part of the regional identity. Seasonal eating can also reduce carbon footprint since foods grown locally or regionally require less transportation and storage, diminishing the environmental impact.
Winter Season Agriculture in Wyoming
Growing Techniques: In spite of Wyoming's harsh winter climate, farmers employ methods such as hoop houses to extend the growing season. This enables the production of fresh, local produce even when it's cold.
Available Produce: Wyoming winter offers a variety of seasonal produce. Root vegetables, such as carrots and turnips, thrive in cold weather and preserve their flavor and nutrients well into the winter months. These vegetables, along with others like rutabagas and potatoes, are commonly available at local markets during December.
Seasonal Fruits in December
In December, Wyoming's fruit selection emphasizes hearty varieties that can withstand colder transport conditions, including robust citrus and traditional winter fruits like apples and pears.
Hardy Citrus Varieties
Wyoming's December climate calls for citrus fruits that can endure the journey into the colder region. Tangerines, clementines, and mandarin oranges are especially popular during this time, offering a burst of sunny flavor against the chilly winter backdrop. These fruits are not only resilient but also provide a much-needed dose of vitamin C.
Mandarin Oranges: Small, sweet, and less acidic.
Clementines: Seedless and easy to peel.
Tangerines: Slightly tart, with a loose skin for easy peeling.
Apples and Pears: Winter Staples
Apples and pears are the staples of winter fruit in Wyoming with their long shelf life and versatility. Various types of apples, such as the Honeycrisp and Fuji varieties, remain crisp and flavorful throughout the winter. Pears, including the Bosc and Anjou varieties, ripen to a soft and juicy texture, perfect for both raw and cooked applications.
Apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala.
Pears: Bosc, Anjou.
Exotic Options for the Holidays
For those looking for something a bit different, December in Wyoming also sees exotic fruits. Pomegranates stand out with their jewel-like seeds, ideal for festive dishes. Kiwi fruit, with its bright green flesh, offers a tangy taste and a striking appearance. Persimmons can also be found, ranging from the firm Fuyu to the softer Hachiya, both of which contribute unique flavors and textures to holiday recipes.
Pomegranates: Rich in color, sweet and tart seeds.
Kiwi: Vibrant green, tangy and sweet.
Persimmons: Fuyu (crisp); Hachiya (soft).
Seasonal Vegetables in December
In Wyoming, December's cooler temperatures are perfect for a variety of seasonal vegetables that peak in flavor and nutrition. Shoppers can find a bounty of cruciferous vegetables, root vegetables, and winter squashes at local markets.
Cruciferous Vegetables and Leafy Greens
Wyoming's winter climate provides excellent conditions for cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens. These vegetables are not only hardy, making them well-suited for the cold, but they are also packed with nutrients.
Broccoli: It's available fresh in December, offering high levels of vitamins C and K.
Brussels Sprouts (how long do brussels sprouts last?): A winter favorite that grows on a stalk, known for its small, cabbage-like heads.
Cabbage: This versatile vegetable can be found in green, red, and savoy varieties, all rich in vitamins.
Kale: It's a nutrient-dense green, often sweeter after a frost.
Root Vegetables: A Winter Favorite
The chilly soil of December is the harvesting ground for a variety of root vegetables. These underground gems are a staple in winter cuisine due to their storage longevity and their ability to retain high amounts of minerals and vitamins.
Carrots: Crunchy and sweet, carrots are high in beta-carotene.
Beets: Earthy and rich, accessible in both red and golden varieties.
Parsnips: Resembling carrots, they have a sweet nutty flavor.
Turnips and Rutabagas: Starchy vegetables, perfect for mashing or roasting.
Unique Winter Squashes
Winter squashes come into their own in December, offering a comforting texture and flavor that's ideal for heartwarming dishes. They store well and can feature in a multitude of recipes.
Squash: Varieties like butternut or acorn squash are excellent for soups and purees.
Cauliflower: Known for its versatility and rich nutrients, including choline and dietary fiber.
Celery: Often an unsung winter vegetable, providing a crisp texture and fibrous content.
Winter Harvest Recipes
Wyoming's winter bounty offers ample ingredients for warm comforting dishes. December's chill calls for recipes that utilize the state's seasonal produce to create nourishing meals.
Hearty Soups and Stews
Soups and stews are staples in Wyoming's winter cuisine, featuring root vegetables and earthy flavors. A classic beef stew (What wine goes well with beef stew?) showcases turnips and carrots, simmered until tender. Alternatively, a butternut squash soup, with its sweet, nutty profile, provides comfort on cold nights. Enhancing these dishes with herbs like rosemary and thyme brings out the natural richness of the seasonal vegetables.
Recipe Ideas:
Roasted parsnip and carrot soup with ginger
Beef and rutabaga stew in a red wine reduction
Holiday Side Dishes
Holiday tables gleam with side dishes that complement the main course. Root vegetable medleys, tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized, offer a delightful mix of sweet and earthy flavours. For a brighter, tangy accompaniment, a Brussels sprouts salad with pomegranate seeds (how long do pomegranate seeds last?) serves as a festive, colorful option.
Recipe Ideas:
Roasted root vegetables with thyme and olive oil
Shaved Brussels sprouts salad with cranberries and a citrus vinaigrette
Sweet Treats and Beverages
Winter desserts and drinks provide a sweet ending to any meal. Embrace the season with a tart pomegranate sorbet or a ginger-spiced apple crisp, making use of local fruits. Beverages like mulled cider infused with cinnamon and cloves warm from the inside out, celebrating Wyoming's December harvest.
Recipe Ideas:
Pomegranate sorbet with a hint of lemon zest
Hot mulled cider with a touch of caramel and a cinnamon stick
By incorporating the winter harvest into these recipes, residents and visitors alike can enjoy the best of Wyoming's seasonal produce.
Food Preservation and Storage
Proper preservation and storage of food are essential to enjoy Wyoming's seasonal fruits and vegetables longer, particularly in December. Different methods such as canning, pickling, and utilizing appropriate storage techniques can significantly extend the shelf life of these produce items.
Canning and Pickling
One can preserve fruits and vegetables through canning and pickling, which not only extends the shelf life but also allows for enjoyment of these foods out of season. Canning involves sealing foods in jars at high temperatures to destroy microorganisms and inactivate enzymes. Here are key points regarding canning:
Use a boiling water canner for high-acid foods (fruits, fruit spreads, pickles, and tomatoes).
Employ a pressure canner for low-acid foods (vegetables, meats, beans, and combination foods).
Ensure dial gauge accuracy for pressure canners is checked annually.
Pickling is another preservation option where one submerges produce in a solution of vinegar or brine. This acidic environment preserves the food, providing a tangy flavor addition to your pantry.
Cold Storage Tips
Storing seasonal fruits and vegetables in cold storage can prolong their freshness. Here are specific tips tailored for cold storage:
Identify a cool, dry, and dark area such as a cellar, basement, or a dedicated storage space.
Ensure consistent temperatures, ideally just above freezing, to prevent spoilage.
Keep fruits and vegetables in breathable containers like mesh bags or perforated plastic bags.
By following these methods, individuals can confidently preserve the bounty of December produce and ensure a lasting supply through the colder months.
Supporting Local Growers
In Wyoming, December offers a unique opportunity to support local agriculture through farmers markets and CSA programs which extend the availability of fresh produce and bolster the local economy.
Farmers Markets and Direct Purchases
Farmers markets in Wyoming provide a direct channel for consumers to purchase fresh, seasonal produce, even in the early winter months. These markets often feature hoop houses and extended growing practices, allowing them to offer robust selections well into December. Purchasing from these markets not only supplies residents with fresh fruits and vegetables but also supports the state's agricultural community. Locally grown winter produce such as hearty root vegetables can often be found.
Where to Find Local Markets:
City/Town Centers: Many Wyoming towns hold weekly farmers markets.
Online Directories: Resources like "Pick your own" provide updates on available produce and locations of farmers markets in Wyoming.
By choosing to buy at these markets, individuals directly contribute to the sustainability and growth of local farms.
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) is another vital way to support local growers during December and beyond. CSA members buy a share of the harvest in advance, providing farmers with a predictable income stream. In return, they receive a regular supply of fresh, local produce.
Benefits of Joining a CSA:
Economic Support: Stable financial support for farmers to plan and maintain their crops.
Seasonal Variety: Shareholders typically receive a diverse array of produce throughout the growing season.
By participating in a CSA program, community members forge a deeper connection with their local food system and gain access to fresh produce even during the colder months.
Sustainability and Environment
In Wyoming, December's approach to sustainable agriculture becomes crucial for both the environment and the local economy. The focus is on strategies that reduce food miles and incorporate organic and eco-friendly practices to bolster agricultural sustainability.
Reducing Food Miles
In December, Wyoming's fruit and vegetable offerings are limited due to the harsh winter conditions. However, consumers still have access to seasonal produce such as winter squashes and root vegetables. By purchasing these local seasonal items, consumers significantly reduce food miles—the distance food travels from farm to table—thereby minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. This practice supports an environmentally-conscious food system that favors locally grown produce.
Organic and Eco-Friendly Practices
Organic farming is another pillar of Wyoming's sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the use of natural processes and materials that are not harmful to the environment. Within this, farmers may deploy crop rotation and composting to enrich the soil. Eco-friendly practices also involve reducing chemical inputs and conserving water. Producers who employ these methods support biodiversity and help maintain the health of the local ecosystem.
Lists of sustainable practices and their benefits include:
Crop Rotation:
Enhances soil fertility.
Breaks pest and disease cycles.
Composting:
Returns nutrients to the soil.
Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Water Conservation:
Decreases water waste.
Ensures water availability for future crops.
It, therefore, becomes evident that these efforts in sustainability are essential for the well-being of Wyoming's environment and its inhabitants.
