During the spring and summer seasons, eating delicious fruit and vegetables with each daily meal is an easy task since every plant seems to be sprouting and blooming. Then, when Autumn arrives, yet another overwhelming choice arises as a second helping comes into season.
Then winter comes along, and where did all the harvest disappear to? The plants and trees become lifeless and lose their foliage, as the brisk and chilly atmosphere sets in. The question is, are there any fruits or vegetables available at this time of year, and once we find them, what's the best way to prepare them?
Fresh fruits that are available in the winter season include pears, bananas, cranberries, Clementine oranges, oranges, tangerines, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, passion fruit, and pomegranate are also available. A list of winter vegetables include winter squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, watercress, rhubarb, snow peas, radishes, celery, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, avocado, artichokes, broccoli, and lettuce.
Finding fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter can take some searching. Your local grocery store may have an abundant supply, but only of some of these foods. You can check out in-door farmers markets or specialty food/whole food stores. Depending on your region, you may be able to grow your own winter garden (indoors or outdoors) and harvest some of these delicious foods yourself. Theres lots of information on growing your own indoor/outdoor winter garden found on the Internet or in gardening books at the public library or bookstore.
So, once we've grown our own, or sourced the supply of winter fruit and veg, how do we go about cooking or preparing it? Simmering hot winter soup throughout the day can give you something to look forward to at dinnertime, with the delicious aroma filling the air as the vegetables bubble away. Cabbage leaves can make innovative wraps, by filling them with something hot. Avocados can make guacamole dip, and sweet potatoes can be boiled, then baked until tender, to make the most unusual (yet satisfying) baked spuds.
Here's some ideas for the preparation of winter fruits: Salad is a nice compliment with any meal. Add a little extra zing, by throwing in some orange segments or grapes with lettuce. Or maybe have yourself a winter fruit salad, removing any vegetables. For an exciting taste, add a little orange zest to freshly prepared cranberry sauce, and serve with poultry. Passion fruit mixes well with kiwi, mix and serve with plain vanilla ice cream for a dreamy taste, or serve pears gently warmed with a dash of cinnamon.
Fresh fruit and veg is still available in the cold months, wherever you reside. Do a little gardening, or remember to scour the stores, so you and your family enjoy a healthy diet during the winter season. - 15634
Then winter comes along, and where did all the harvest disappear to? The plants and trees become lifeless and lose their foliage, as the brisk and chilly atmosphere sets in. The question is, are there any fruits or vegetables available at this time of year, and once we find them, what's the best way to prepare them?
Fresh fruits that are available in the winter season include pears, bananas, cranberries, Clementine oranges, oranges, tangerines, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, passion fruit, and pomegranate are also available. A list of winter vegetables include winter squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, watercress, rhubarb, snow peas, radishes, celery, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, avocado, artichokes, broccoli, and lettuce.
Finding fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter can take some searching. Your local grocery store may have an abundant supply, but only of some of these foods. You can check out in-door farmers markets or specialty food/whole food stores. Depending on your region, you may be able to grow your own winter garden (indoors or outdoors) and harvest some of these delicious foods yourself. Theres lots of information on growing your own indoor/outdoor winter garden found on the Internet or in gardening books at the public library or bookstore.
So, once we've grown our own, or sourced the supply of winter fruit and veg, how do we go about cooking or preparing it? Simmering hot winter soup throughout the day can give you something to look forward to at dinnertime, with the delicious aroma filling the air as the vegetables bubble away. Cabbage leaves can make innovative wraps, by filling them with something hot. Avocados can make guacamole dip, and sweet potatoes can be boiled, then baked until tender, to make the most unusual (yet satisfying) baked spuds.
Here's some ideas for the preparation of winter fruits: Salad is a nice compliment with any meal. Add a little extra zing, by throwing in some orange segments or grapes with lettuce. Or maybe have yourself a winter fruit salad, removing any vegetables. For an exciting taste, add a little orange zest to freshly prepared cranberry sauce, and serve with poultry. Passion fruit mixes well with kiwi, mix and serve with plain vanilla ice cream for a dreamy taste, or serve pears gently warmed with a dash of cinnamon.
Fresh fruit and veg is still available in the cold months, wherever you reside. Do a little gardening, or remember to scour the stores, so you and your family enjoy a healthy diet during the winter season. - 15634
About the Author:
Anita Leverington is the resident editor of the shopping information section at Schmoozins - an online magazine for women that gives all women a voice. Join us as a contributor, schmoozer or just hang out a while.
