And just like that, January is underway. It’s time to start focusing on a new phase of nourishment: winter produce. Think—citrus, root vegetables, and a variety of cooked greens. Warming the body from the inside out. Amidst the chaos of the new year, January is an opportunity to slow down. Get back to the basics. Opt for foods that feed the soul (and most importantly, boost immunity!). No need for restrictive diets or juice cleanses. Just focus on real, whole foods. With that, let’s dive into what fruits and vegetables are in season in January. In turn, you’ll be inspired to dig into winter-themed recipes while adding variety to your fridge. Comfort, but with a healthy twist.
Creating Healthy meals with pantry staples
Although we’re still a few months out from spring cleaning, now is an opportunity to make healthy recipes with pantry staples. Dig through your pantry, and you’ll likely find a box of pasta or a bag of rice that is almost expired. Use any pasta as the base for a winter-inspired dinner. Whether you’re in a time crunch or feel overwhelmed by your soon-to-expire pantry items, simple recipes are the solution. Using pantry staples—like chickpeas, beans, and rice, along with frozen vegetables and meat—you can build an impressive dish with minimal ingredients. Plus, using your pantry items will save you a trip to the grocery store (thus keeping your budget in check).
Why you should eat with the seasons
First and foremost, it’s better for your health. When foods are grown out of season, they aren’t able to follow their natural growing and ripening rhythms. In order for certain fruits and vegetables to be available year-round, ripening agents are used. These include chemicals, gases, and heat processes. Some produce is also coated with an edible film to protect it. While this process ensures that farmers can meet consumer demand year-round, researchers have found that artificially ripened produce is often not as nutritious or tasty as naturally ripened produce.
Secondly, food in season tastes better. Citrus hits different in January. Broccoli tastes more alive. You get the gist. Mass-produced produce intended to meet global consumer demand tends to suffer from a lack of flavor. On the other hand, naturally ripened fruits and vegetables grown and picked in season are typically full of flavor and nutrients. Thirdly, it’s better for the environment. Most of us give little thought to the environmental impact, including fuel emissions, of traveling produce. However, more than half of the fruit and almost one-third of the vegetables bought in the U.S. are imported. Consider buying locally-grown produce. Last but not least, eating with the seasons is often cheaper. When a fruit or veggie is in season, it’s abundant. And not surprisingly, it’s available at a lower price.
What fruits and vegetables are in season in january
In the spirit of changing up your grocery basket, here are the ingredients to focus on in January:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Grapefruit
- Kale
- Leeks
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Parsnips
- Rutabagas
- Tangelos
- Tangerines
- Turnips
Winter Meal Prep
For ideas and inspiration, look no further than my White Bean and Pesto soup, Downshiftology‘s winter meal plan, and these easy dinner ideas from Love and Lemons. Happy cooking!
Images courtesy of Unsplash.
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