Seasonal Fruit & Veggies

Fresh fruits and veggies often make us think of summer and fall. However, winter is an ideal time to enjoy some great underappreciated fruits and vegetables. Not only are they tasty, they can also become key staples in your winter cooking repertoire.

Parsnips

The parsnip is a root vegetable closely related to the carrot. Parsnips have a nutty, slightly herbal flavor and become creamy, smooth and sweet when cooked. They also pack some great nutritional benefits, including being high in antioxidants and potassium. Roasting parsnips brings out the parsnip’s sweetness by caramelizing the sugars – it’s like candy but a vegetable! We recommend you try this recipe for roasted parsnips accompanied by homemade horseradish. Parsnips make a terrific side dish, or a great main feature!

Fennel

Fennel is a slightly sweet, crunchy vegetable with an anise (licorice) flavor. It’s often featured in Italian dishes, and can be a surprisingly versatile addition to salads and pasta dishes. If you’d like to try fennel in its raw form, check out this apple fennel celery salad recipe. If you’d prefer a warm dish, try this recipe for roasted fennel and potatoes, which is said to bring out its anise flavor.

Clementines

Clementines are a seasonal highlight for many, with their sweet-tart flavor and vibrant colour brightening the dark winter months. The North American market for clementines boomed in 1997, when a harsh winter greatly lowered Florida orange production. Clementines are available from November to January and are a great healthy dessert option. If you’re looking for something slightly sweeter to end your meal, try Nigella Lawson’s Clementine cake recipe.