Your summer garden season is passed, but don’t abandon fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies at this time. Despite the fact that today’s grocery stores stock most fruits and vegetables year-round, that doesn’t mean they may be in peak season or naturally harvested. If you’re purchasing produce that isn’t naturally in season your grocery bill shows they come at a high price. Health professionals also suggest out-of-season produce doesn’t pack the same punch in nutrients as fresh, in-season produce offers. To assist you to find what’s fresh-Nick, Cindy & Nicholas Davis with RE/MAX Premier Group have developed a list of winter produce purchases that add zest and variety to your winter meals.
Don’t Abandon Produce This Winter: Discover Your Seasonal Picks
Leafy Greens
As cool season vegetables, dark leafy greens will be grown through fall and into the winter in the northeast or northwest sections of the U.S. Leafy greens produced in those areas have a tendency to taste better once exposed to frost. These types of vitamin-packed varieties, including lettuce, arugula and spinach grow fast in the fall. Be quick to use harvested dark leafy greens since they possess a shorter {shelf life|shelf-life}.
Brussel Sprouts
Many winter dishes include brussel sprouts for good reason: their peak season picks up in the fall through early winter. These smaller versions of cabbage are perfect to use as a side dish and can be stored for a couple of weeks after buying. You might even see a few of the outer leaves begin to die, but removing them before cooking should leave a number of these nutrient-rich little gems.
Apples
This fall fruit grows all summer to be picked at the peak of freshness once fall arrives. Purchasing apples in the winter is practically a guarantee that you’ll be receiving the freshest apples available. Watch out for signs that state “new crop” to make sure that your apples were recently picked from the orchard and aren’t last year’s harvest. Choose firm apples that are shiny and bright to ensure that the freshest apples are included with your winter dishes.
Potatoes
Although these beauties are harvested in the late summer, their ability to remain fresh for an extended length of time means they are a pretty simple option for winter produce. Potatoes are known for their long shelf life and are used all over the world for that reason. Store them in a dark, dry and cool area of the kitchen to keep them from aging. Use them as a main or side dish in a number of winter recipes.
Onions
This tasty veggie may also be recognized for being able to keep throughout winter. Onions are a fantastic way to add flavor into a dish and sneak in a vegetable for picky eaters. They supply a lot of fiber and Vitamin C to winter diets and can help decrease cholesterol levels. Store onions in a cool and dry part of the kitchen to support their long-lasting qualities. Consider storing them individually, without touching other onions, to give them an even longer shelf life.
Squash
Gourds are a wonderful winter produce option that won’t spoil easily. Varieties like butternut and acorn squash are popular in several fall and winter soups and stews. Winter squash continues to ripen once they are picked so be sure to store them in a cool environment that is slightly humid. These vitamin-packed varieties are readily available from fall through late winter making them a major option for adding freshness to your winter dishes.
Citrus
Look for citrus to hit markets right around the end of the year. The southern climates of Florida, Texas, Arizona and California make oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit ample during this time.
Get picky regarding your seasonal produce-thanks to our southern growers you can still grab the freshest fruits and vegetables, like winter citrus, to increase flavor and nutrients to your cold-weather meals. You can sign up to receive updates from our blog and receive more tips on house and home this winter season.
Have a questions or concern? Nick, Cindy & Nicholas Davis with RE/MAX Premier Group are here to assist you with all your Real Estate Needs. We are always available at 813-300-7116 to answer your questions or you can simply click here and we will be in touch with you shortly.
Ways Our Family Can Help Your Family
