Winter Produce

This past fall AFM brought you Fall produce, well Fall has come and gone and the produce section of your local grocery is changing a bit. Below are just a few of the produce items that are “in” this Winter season, try some of the great recipes too!

1) Pomegranates – Pomegranates are full of antioxidants and help to prevent “bad” cholesterol from oxidizing and forming clots. Research also shows that eating organic pomegranate seeds and drinking pomegranate juice can increase oxygen levels to the heart. Even beyond the health benefits, pomegranates are delicious, try this recipe: Warm Roasted Apples with Pomegranate-Caramel Sauce

2) Brussel Sprouts – High in protein, fiber and vitamin C, brussel sprouts are loaded with the good stuff. They may get a bad rep, but these mini cabbage-like veggies pack a punch when it comes to nutrition, and this recipe is sure to please even the anti-brussel-sprout crowd: Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Ham and Garlic

3) Clementines – These sweet, juicy, miniature oranges are a great treat in the winter and a nice source of vitamin C, calcium and potassium. At only 40 calories a piece, these citrus snacks are a perfect thing to keep around the house this season. Try this scrumptious salad for a twist on the clementine: Clementine Salad with Spiced Walnuts and Pickled Onions

4) Parsnips – Parsnips provide an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, pantothenic acid, copper, and manganese. The high amount of folic acid in parsnips is extra beneficial considering that it has been known to reduce heart disease and may help prevent osteoporosis and dementia. Here’s a delicious-sounding recipe including some other root veggies like sweet potatoes and carrots: Honey-Roasted Root Vegetables

5) Winter Squash – The winter squash group includes pumpkin, acorn, butternut, and spaghetti squash. Because winter squash are rich in carotenes, they have a protective effect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even cancer (particularly lung cancer). So what better way to warm up this winter than with a winter squash soup? Check it out Curried Squash-and-Pear Bisque