Though the idea of biting into some fresh, juicy fruit is typically more enticing during the summer, the cold weather shouldn’t force you to take a vacation from these nutrient-packed foods! Fruits and vegetables are important sources of vitamins and minerals and are vital to many processes in the body. Having them as part of a regular diet is linked to lower risk of stroke, heart disease, type-2 diabetes, some cancers, and a decrease in blood pressure. They also serve as a good source of fiber, which is essential for digestive health and feeling satiated, or full, at meals.
Popular summer fruits like berries, watermelon, and pineapple are hard to come by in the winter months, but eating your daily servings of fruits in winter is still very possible and can be very delicious. The key is buying fruits that are in season, which is one of my favorite ways to have great-tasting produce year-round while also saving money on groceries! Want to know how to eat more fruit this winter? Here are 5 fruits that are in season during the winter and some delicious ways to eat them!
Pears: in season mid-fall to winter
While most pears are in season during the fall, some varieties are harvested late in the season and in the winter, making them a great option when other fruits are harder to find. Some varieties that are fresh during the winter months are Asian, Bosc, Comice, Concorde, Forelle, and Seckel.
Snack/Dessert: Pear Bread from the Magnolia Table Cookbook- an instant favorite of mine!
Meal: Pear, Honey, Cheese, and Caramelized Onion Sandwich from Manila Spoon
Frozen Berries: available year-round
Although summer is the peak season for berries, commercial fruit is frozen at its peak making them available any time of year. These energy balls are a great snack that you can enjoy even on cold days.
Snack: PB&J Energy Balls made with real fruit from @spoonful.of.jam on Instagram
Oranges: in season November to May
Oranges are great as a snack during the summer, but they are also very versatile making them perfect in both sweet and savory recipes. You can use both the zest and juice of any citrus fruit in these recipes to add more zing!
Meal: Savory Orange Salmon from Cafe Delite with citrus salad (below)
Meal: Healthy Orange Chicken from the Clean Eating Couple
Grapefruit: in season November to June
From my experience, many people associate grapefruit with those tiny little grapefruit spoons and a bit of white sugar. However, these winter citrus fruits have so much more potential! Try this recipe as a side dish during winter to add some flavor to your life.
Side Dish: Citrus and Avocado Salad from Bon Appétit
Kiwi: in season November to January
Who knew kiwis were a winter fruit? I’m personally excited to add these to my winter shopping list! Of course, a quick and easy use for any ripe fruit is in a smoothie. Try the recipe below or use it as inspiration to make your own.
Snack/Breakfast: Kiwi Strawberry Smoothie from A Couple Cooks Blog
I hope you’re more excited to eat fruit this winter. Now go grab your reusable grocery bag, pick up some of these winter fruits, and get cooking!