Winter and the words fruits and vegetables might seem like an odd pair. But, depending on where you’re at, there is a variety of produce in season during these chilly months. Southeast Kansas has the benefit of being located near some more southern states. This means easier access to cheaper, winter produce.
The winter produce
Available almost everywhere, in all seasons, are mushrooms. But they’re usually thought of during the winter months because of the shortage of other seasonal produce. It’s a great opportunity to vary your diet with a plethora of mushroom types. From Crimini to Portabello, if one type doesn’t excite your taste buds another might.
Mushrooms are great low calorie sources of protein and fiber. They are also loaded with vitamins and minerals; B, C, and D vitamins and minerals selenium, potassium, copper, iron, and phosphorus. The combination of these may help protect against cancer, diabetes, and obesity as well as boosting immunity and heart health.
Other winter produce for Southeast Kansas
Mushrooms aren’t the only thing you can find fresh during the winter. Some greens and many root vegetables are in season. Carrots and beets are two common roots you can find in the area. Greens include spinach and lettuce. Seed sprouts are also common in Winter, usually bean or alfalfa.
There are other vegetables you might not have heard of. Based on the average monthly peak harvest times, Southeast Kansas produces things like salsify, sunchokes, and rapini during the winter months. Click on the images for more information.
Sunchokes
Sunchokes, the vegetable formerly known as “Jerusalem artichokes,” are the tuberous roots of a native North American plant in the sunflower family.
Salsify
Salsify is a slender woody root, with light brown or black skin and white flesh. White salsify is said to resemble oysters in flavor.
Rapini
You’d think that rapini would be closely related to broccoli, right? In fact, its closet relative is the turnip.
Fruits are a little harder to find, but oranges and grapefruits are usually at a reasonable price. Thankfully, many citrus fruits are still being produced in the South and Southwest during winter. It’s a little easier than importing them from another hemisphere.
Recipes and a plan
If you’re stumped for winter recipes try sites like myfridgefood.com and supercook.com to get started. You can also check out another blog post we’ve written on squeezing whole foods out of a tight budget to learn more about shopping in-season. If you’d like to see more recipes or have nay questions please leave a comment or reach out to us! We’d love to hear from you.
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.
