A holiday season with friends, family, and rich food, often leaves us ready to conquer the new year with the goal of a healthier diet.  Below, we have come up with a list of vegetables and fruits that are considered in season in early winter, so you do not have to sacrifice taste or freshness when trying to eat healthy.

Cauliflower is a late fall/early winter vegetable. In addition to tasting great roasted, try having cauliflower “mashed” one night instead of potatoes or “riced” next time you have stir fry.  You can even use it as an alternative to pizza crust. 

Cabbage is low in calories, rich in fiber, and inexpensive.  It is a very versatile vegetable and can be used as a salad, in soups, or steamed. 

Parsnips are a close relative to carrots and peak in the winter.  They are a good source of vitamin C, folate, and manganese.  They are wonderful roasted, pureed in soups, and mashed.   Parsnips are sweet like carrots but have a nuttier flavor. 

Beets are rich in a variety of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and potassium.  They work well with sharp, salty cheeses (check out our vast cheese selection at Midtown Market).  Beets taste great marinated or pickled and also pair well with citrus fruits.

Grapefruit is known to help maintain healthy blood pressure and heart health.  It has also been said to help boost weight loss.  You can eat it alone, but we encourage you to try it on a salad – especially partnered with bold winter greens. 

Pears , (particularly Bosc, Comice, and Anjou), are also in season during the winter.  They provide an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C.  Pears are good alone, poached, or paired with citrus on a green salad. 

Midtown Market is committed to providing the community with fresh, seasonal food varieties.  Let us know what you think of this list and feel free to share any other seasonal favorites or recipes.