Winter Vegetables Aren’t the Enemy: Why You Should Give These Underrated Heroes a Second Chance

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Ugh, yes, it is still winter which means less time outside and less sun. It is not the time of year yet when we can get excited about fresh fruit and vegetables at our local farmers market. But this does not mean we should hate on what winter veggies are available to us. They are underrated heroes. Typically, during these winter months, we see many root vegetables since they thrive during this time. Root vegetables contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are perfect for warm nutrient dense winter meals. When roasted carrots, fennel, parsnips, and potatoes can show off their natural flavors and sweetness. The brassica group aka cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, radish, turnip, and brussel sprouts flourish during this time too. The dark leafy greens of the winter include things like bok choy, spinach, parsley, and collards. Vitamin C is very popular in maintaining a good immune system in the winter. Did you know that cauliflower contains 39 milligrams of Vitamin C per 100 grams, and broccoli contains 99 milligrams of it per 100 grams as well? Kale contains 93 milligrams, and Italian parsley contains 180 milligrams of Vitamin C per 100 grams. The average adult needs between 75-90 milligrams of Vitamin C per day.


Try out this Roasted Winter Salad recipe by the Ohio Farm Bureau that contains things like parsnips, carrots, and beets (all root vegetables). Better yet root vegetables can be enjoyed all year long but do not forget about them in the winter! There are many other recipes out there that incorporate our friends- the winter veggies that you should be on the lookout for!  

  • - Parsnips contain Vitamin K, pantothenic acid, and zinc 

  • - Beets contain potassium, folate, riboflavin, and manganese 

Comments

  1. Grace MaragosFebruary 17, 2025 at 3:23 PM

    This was very informative, especially in regards to just how many different vegetables are included in the groups that thrive in the winter! Definitely giving the roasted winter salad a try soon. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lillian GroffFebruary 18, 2025 at 9:04 PM

    This blog post was very enjoyable to read! During the winter months it can be so hard to find the best fresh produce, but I never thought to choose those veggies that are in season during winter. I also really enjoyed your inclusion of the winter salad!

    ReplyDelete

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