She Strengthens

Winter’s Bounty: 17 Fresh and Nutritious Vegetables to Brighten Up Your Season

As the winter chill sets in, it’s easy to assume that fresh produce is scarce. But fear not! While some veggies may be on vacation, many others are still ready to shine, packed with nutrients and flavor to keep you cozy and healthy until spring.

Cool Climates

These ultra-nutritious seasonal offerings form the staple of a hearty winter diet. Rich in antioxidants, vibrant colors, and cozy flavors, they’re perfect for a chilly day.

1. Cabbage: With its high levels of vitamins C and K, folate, fiber, and antioxidants, cabbage is a super-healthy addition to salads, stir-fries, and soups.
2. Brussels Sprouts: These trendy sprouts boast cancer-fighting antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a great side dish or addition to grain salads.
3. Winter Squash: Rich in carotenoids, vitamin A, and potassium, winter squash is a healthy, filling, and tasty option for soups, stews, and roasted vegetable dishes.
4. Potatoes: Spuds get a bad rap, but they’re a wholesome option, rich in potassium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C, and protein.
5. Onions: With their low calorie count and high levels of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, onions are a flavorful and healthy addition to any dish.
6. Beets: These sweet, earthy veggies contain antioxidants called betalains, which can help fight cancer and other degenerative diseases.
7. Celeriac: This ugly duckling of winter produce is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins C and K, making it a great substitute for hash browns.
8. Carrots: Filled with beta-carotene, vitamin C, and lutein, carrots are a crunchy and healthy snack or addition to soups and stews.
9. Turnips and Rutabagas: These cruciferous veggies are rich in vitamins C and K, folate, potassium, and fiber, making them a nutritious and versatile option.
10. Parsnips: With their sweet, earthy flavor and high levels of potassium, vitamin C, and folate, parsnips are a delicious and healthy addition to winter meals.
11. Sweet Potatoes: These vibrant, orange-hued spuds are packed with fiber, beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious and filling option.

Warm Climates

Don’t abandon your sunny disposition just because the leaves are falling off outside! You can still access some of summer’s most precious bounty to bring back memories of sangrias, sunshine, and bad decisions.

12. Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are ripe for picking between late October and March, providing a burst of vitamin C and flavonoids.
13. Pomegranates: These ancient fruits are packed with antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and heart-healthy benefits, making them a nutritious and delicious addition to winter meals.
14. Dark, Leafy Greens: Kale, collards, and escarole are all available during the winter months, providing a heap of vitamins A, C, K, and E, as well as iron, calcium, manganese, potassium, and plant compounds that act as powerful antioxidants.
15. Escarole: This dainty green adds a bright, fresh flavor to Italian soups and salads, while providing folic acid, fiber, and vitamins A and K.
16. Fennel: With its crunchy texture and licorice-like taste, fennel is a healthy and delicious addition to salads, soups, and roasted vegetable dishes, boasting vitamins C and K, potassium, magnesium, and copper.
17. Radish: This spicy, crunchy veggie is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins C and K, making it a great addition to salads, soups, and sandwiches.

Winter may be here, but that doesn’t mean your healthy habits need to hibernate. With these 17 fresh and nutritious vegetables, you can stay cozy, healthy, and deliciously satisfied until spring arrives.