Vegetables that are in season often have the highest nutrient value, are more cost-effective, and taste better. In the winter months, families often tell me they have difficulties incorporating vegetables that are in season. However, just because it's not the season for tomatoes and berries doesn't mean that there are not a great variety of winter vegetables! Here are some of my favorite ideas to incorporate fresh vegetables in the winter.
Many root vegetables such as carrot, onion, parsnip, turnip, and beets can be found fresh in the winter. These vegetables can be roasted with a small amount of olive oil, salt, and pepper and they make a simple and tasty side dish to a protein. A soup based in root vegetables is a great way to introduce unfamiliar vegetables to your kids.
Kale and collard greens are in season during the winter as well. Cooked or as a salad, these leafy greens will provide your kids with not only vitamins A and C, but also minerals such as calcium and iron, which are less commonly found in vegetables.
While actually harvested in the summer, winter squash keeps well and therefore is still found fresh in the winter months. Winter is a great time to make a butternut squash soup or roasted squash dish. Spaghetti squash can make an excellent alternative to pasta in casseroles or other dishes. Try spaghetti squash with meatballs for a low carb and nutrient rich dinner!
Potatoes are in season during winter months as well. Potatoes are often mistakenly thought to have little to no nutritional value. While they are a starchy vegetable, they are also an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Roasting some potatoes with the skin left on alongside non-starchy vegetables can be a great way to increase nutrients at dinner.
Other winter vegetables to keep in your family's rotation are cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and Brussel sprouts. By rotating the variety and colors of vegetables on your family's table, you can be confident that your kids are getting a good variety of vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy and strong this winter.
Many root vegetables such as carrot, onion, parsnip, turnip, and beets can be found fresh in the winter. These vegetables can be roasted with a small amount of olive oil, salt, and pepper and they make a simple and tasty side dish to a protein. A soup based in root vegetables is a great way to introduce unfamiliar vegetables to your kids.
Kale and collard greens are in season during the winter as well. Cooked or as a salad, these leafy greens will provide your kids with not only vitamins A and C, but also minerals such as calcium and iron, which are less commonly found in vegetables.
While actually harvested in the summer, winter squash keeps well and therefore is still found fresh in the winter months. Winter is a great time to make a butternut squash soup or roasted squash dish. Spaghetti squash can make an excellent alternative to pasta in casseroles or other dishes. Try spaghetti squash with meatballs for a low carb and nutrient rich dinner!
Potatoes are in season during winter months as well. Potatoes are often mistakenly thought to have little to no nutritional value. While they are a starchy vegetable, they are also an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. Roasting some potatoes with the skin left on alongside non-starchy vegetables can be a great way to increase nutrients at dinner.
Other winter vegetables to keep in your family's rotation are cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and Brussel sprouts. By rotating the variety and colors of vegetables on your family's table, you can be confident that your kids are getting a good variety of vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy and strong this winter.
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