What’s in Season This December
When you think of December food, your mind may get busy with thoughts of delicious cookies and heartwarming hot chocolates. However, fruits and vegetables of December are also worthy of your attention.
Cruciferous and root vegetables, as well as leafy greens, are some of the best veggies to enjoy this month, while citrus takes the number one spot in the fruit category.
Let’s check them out!
1- Brussels sprouts:
Brussels sprouts are especially rich in vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and bone health, high in vitamin C, an antioxidant which is important for better iron absorption and is also involved in tissue repair and immune function.
What’s more?
Their high fiber content helps support regularity and gut health and multiple studies have linked an increased intake of cruciferous vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, to a decreased risk of diabetes.
Steam them, bake them, make salads with them or have them as a yummy side to any dish you fancy.
2- Cabbage:
Cabbage, a hearty vegetable rich in protein and vitamins, is among the healthiest vegetables, making it a great choice to enjoy in cold and darker days of December yet it’s often overlooked. Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage contain many different antioxidants that have been shown to reduce chronic inflammation.
Raw cabbage is the perfect base for fun salads (I'm currently hooked on raw red cabbage) while cooked cabbage gives an extra boost to soups, and roasted dishes.
3- Leeks:
A delightful winter vegetable that adds onion-like flavor to so many recipes and a major player of one of my favorite soups of all time, leek and potato soup, Leeks are nutrient-dense, meaning that they’re low in calories yet high in vitamins and minerals.They’re a particularly great source of kaempferol, a polyphenol antioxidant thought to protect against heart disease and some types of cancer.
When preparing leeks, use only the white and light green parts. Be sure to wash them thoroughly, as they tend to accumulate a lot of dirt.
4- Parsnip:
a delicious type of root vegetable that has been cultivated and enjoyed around the world for thousands of years, Parsnips are a great source of vitamin C (providing about 25% of your daily needs), vitamin K, and folate, as well as several other important micronutrients.
These pale yellow roots resemble carrots but have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. If you’re not familiar with preparing parsnips, roasting them is a good place to start.
5- Clementines:
Clementines are a mandarin and common sweet orange cross.These tiny fruits are bright orange, easy to peel, making them a great snack for kids, sweeter than most other citrus fruits, and typically seedless and are in full season in December.
Clementines are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which can help improve your skin’s health and appearance. They can also help boost your fiber intake and since they have a very low-acidity, they’re a good option for those with acid reflux.
Clementines are even more nutritious than mandarins, with almost double the vitamin C content and good amounts of vitamins B1, B6, B9 and potassium.
6- Spinach:
Spinach, which strengthens the muscles, heart, and bones, is among the delicious vegetables that keep you fit on cold days. High on many vitamins and minerals such as A, C, K1, Folic Acid, Iron and Calcium, spinach contains antioxidants, which fight oxidative stress and help reduce the damage it causes. In addition, thanks to its fibrous structure, it’s very digestive friendly. There are many ways to prepare spinach. You can eat it cooked or raw,It’s delicious either way.
7- Cauliflower:
An extremely healthy vegetable that’s a significant source of nutrients, Cauliflower contains unique plant compounds that may reduce the risk of several diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Cauliflower is high in fiber, which is beneficial for overall health (3 grams of fiber in one cup of cauliflower, which is 10% of your daily needs). Fiber is important because it feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut that help reduce inflammation and promote digestive health.
Cauliflower is incredibly versatile and can be used to replace grains and legumes in your diet. You can enjoy it raw, dip it in hummus or other veggie dips, you can steam it or roast it. It makes an excellent side dish or can be combined with dishes like soups, salads, stir-fries and casseroles.
8- Radish:
They may not be the most popular vegetable in your garden, but they’re one of the healthiest. Radishes have been used as a folk remedy for centuries. They’re used in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat many conditions such as fever, sore throat, bile disorders, and inflammation.
A natural antifungal, radishes contain the antifungal protein RsAFP2. Studies have shown that RsAFP2 contributes to cell death in Candida albicans, a common fungus normally found in humans. When Candida albicans overgrows, it may cause vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections (thrush), and invasive candidiasis. Radishes are a great addition to your salads, dips, tacos and they make delicious pickles.
9- Pear:
From Bartlett, Bosc, to D’Anjou, pears are among the most nutritious and delicious fruits. High on Vitamin C and D, Pears are also a rich source of important minerals, such as copper and potassium. Copper plays a role in immunity, cholesterol metabolism, and nerve function, whereas potassium aids muscle contractions and heart function.
And let’s not forget, they’re an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which are essential for your digestive health.
Eat them whole or add them to your favorite dishes, such as oatmeal, salads, and smoothies. However you choose to eat them, remember to include the skin to get the most nutrients.
10- Kiwi:
A small fruit that packs a lot of flavor and plenty of vitamins, minerals, and powerful plant compounds, Kiwi is sweet, easy to eat, and highly nutritious and offers a few impressive health benefits.
Kiwis are exceptionally high in vitamin C (3.5-ounce (100-gram) kiwi providing over 80% of the average daily vitamin C needs).
Studies show that eating kiwis, could help reduce heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure and the soluble fiber found in kiwis may benefit blood sugar regulation and heart health and help support healthy gut bacteria, while the insoluble fiber found in the fruit can help keep bowel movements regular.
You can just peel them and eat them whole, dice them in your favorite salsa recipe, top your smoothie bowls with sliced kiwi or add them to your smoothies and shakes.
If you’d like to learn more about seasonal eating, ask questions and receive guidance and coaching, CLICK HERE and join the waitlist to join our “Simply Connect Community”.
Enjoy these delightful, delicious and nutritious gifts of the earth and have a happy holiday season!
Much love,
Nousha
xx