Your Guide to Winter Vegetables and Fruits in Texas
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Vegetation around Texas is starting to turn brown and die during the winter season making seasonal eating much harder. What most people don't realize is that we have an amazing growing season and we have a wide assortment of winter fruits (What wine goes well with fruits?) and vegetables.
Why is it Important to Eat Seasonally in Winter?
There are a number of reasons why it is important to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables in the winter. For one, these foods are fresher and more nutrient-dense, as they have not had to travel far from the farm to your table.
Additionally, eating seasonally can help you save money, as seasonal produce tends to be less expensive than those grown overseas and have to be trucked or flown across the country or the world.
A Quick Guide to What's in Season in Texas
Explore the vibrant seasons of Texas with this quick guide to what's in season, helping you create delicious and locally inspired meals year-round.
What winter fruits are there in Texas?
Some of the most popular winter fruits in Texas include citrus, apples, pears, cranberries, and grapes. Citrus fruits like oranges, blood oranges, and grapefruits are widely available during the winter months and are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Apples and pears are also popular during this time of year, as they are in season and also tend to be less expensive than other fruit varieties. Cranberries are also another great seasonal fruit that is available during the winter months and can often be paired with apples and pears for delicious recipes.
Texas Citrus
Texas is lucky to have a diverse citrus crop that includes many different varieties of oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines. Tart and tangy Texas citrus is a great way to add flavor to your winter meals and is a refreshing snack on a cold day.
And isn't nature just wonderful? Citrus are your go-to source for vitamin C to fight off those winter bugs during the cold weather.
Scientifically proven to help with overall health and immune function, the vitamins in citrus can be your best friend against the flu and colds that come with the winter season by strengthening your immune system.
Your Guide to Winter Vegetables and Fruits in Texas
Navigate the winter season with a comprehensive guide to the diverse array of vegetables and fruits that thrive in Texas, bringing freshness to your winter table.
What fruit is best in winter?
There is no one fruit that is best in winter, as there are many different fruits that can be enjoyed during this time of year. Some popular options include citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, which are rich in vitamin C and support immune function. Other winter favorites include berries like cranberries, which are packed with antioxidants.
What vegetables are in season in winter in Texas?
Some of the most popular vegetables that are in season during the winter months in Texas include root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes (What wine goes well with sweet potatoes?), as well as broccoli (how long does broccoli last?)and cauliflower (how long does cauliflower last?) which thrive in cold temperatures. This isnot counting the many veggies that most Texans grow in their winter garden.
Many of these vegetables are versatile and can be used in a variety of different recipes, making them a great choice for seasonal cooking. Other popular winter vegetables include greens like collard greens (how long do collard greens last?), swiss chard, kale and chard, which are often available year-round but are especially abundant during the winter months. Parsnips grow sweeter when temperatures drop so it's another root vegetable to look out for during the cold winter months.
A surprise vegetable that makes its reappearance in late fall and early winter is Bok Choi.
Texas Bok Choi
Bok Choi, a type of Chinese Cabbage, is a leafy green vegetable that is in season during the winter months and colder temperatures. A member of the brassica family, bok choi is related to broccoli and cauliflower and has a similar taste and texture.
Bok choi is a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as steaming, stir-frying, or boiling. Bok choi is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different recipes, and is a great addition to any winter meal.
What Produce to Use During the Winter
Unlock the secrets of using seasonal produce during the winter months in Texas, ensuring your winter recipes are filled with freshness and flavor.
Health Benefits of Winter Vegetables
Eating seasonal vegetables like root vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, and greens is not only a great way to enjoy fresh, local produce during the winter months, but also provides many health benefits. These vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help support overall health and keep your immune system strong.
Some of the key nutrients found in winter vegetables include vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps protect against oxidative stress. Vitamin A is also important for eye health, while dietary fiber plays an essential role in digestive health. Additionally, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are rich in antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and prevent chronic diseases.
So if you want to stay healthy and energized during the winter season, be sure to incorporate seasonal vegetables like bok choi, carrots, and broccoli into your diet. Not only will they help keep you feeling great, but they will also support overall wellness by nourishing your body with essential nutrients.
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Our Favorite Winter Dishes
There are so many delicious winter vegetable dishes to choose from, but our favorites are probably simple roasted vegetables (What wine goes well with roasted vegetables?) or a hearty vegetable soup. I love the way roasted vegetables taste when they're slightly caramelized and crispy, and they're such a perfect comfort food on a cold winter day. Vegetable soup is also a great choice for warming up on a winter evening – it's healthy, filling, and delicious.
Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup Recipe
Well, I did say I love roasted vegetables and a hearty vegetable soup, so what better way to enjoy them both during cold weather by combining them into one tasty recipe!
Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup Ingredients
1 butternut squash (how long does butternut squash last?), peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth (how long does vegetable broth last?)
1 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Place the vegetables (butternut squash, sweet potato) into a sheet pan and roast in the oven until browned and caramelized. You can drizzle some olive oil (or any oil) onto the sheet pan to keep them from sticking to the pan.
In a large bowl, combine butternut squash, sweet potato, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, milk, salt, and pepper.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 45 minutes.
Let cool slightly before transferring to a blender or food processor and blending until smooth.
Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired.
Texas is known for its delicious and nutritious produce, and the winter season is no exception. Whether you're looking for root vegetables to add flavor, nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetables to boost your health, or greens for a fresh salad, there are plenty of delicious options available in Texas during the winter season. So why not celebrate this bountiful season by cooking up some locally-grown fruits and vegetables and enjoying all that winter has to offer!
