The winter season has been among us for just about a month now and there is no doubt that there is a shift in both the weather and our food choices during this time. The bad news for some is that spring will not begin until March in the Northern Hemisphere. This means we have two more months of cold weather (depending on where you live) and thus, lower energy. However, there are some plus sides to having the winter weather around for just a bit longer.
There are several vegetables that thrive in the winter months, and these are a great way to stay warm and healthy during this time.
1. Root Vegetables
Root vegetables, colloquially referred to in this particular article, do just as one would guess: they grow underground. They actually sort of thrive in colder conditions and become sweeter partially due to their ability to turn starch into sugar. Some vegetable crops may die after the first frost, but the entirety of the duration that they grow, root vegetables actually store up energy in the form of starches. It then converts when temperatures drop.
As far as root vegetables go, the sweetest ones in the winter are beets, turnips, and carrots, to name a few. This can be an interesting change and make for some varied meals during the winter!
Not only are they delicious, but root vegetables are known for being one of the most nutrient-based vegetables. Let’s see what creative meals you can come up with knowing this information!
2. Cole Crops
Another example of a vegetable that gets sweeter with the cold would be Cole crops, which covers most vegetables in the mustard family. This particular sweetness really impacts most leafy greens, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Again, they are known for being packed full with nutrients, so don’t overlook these veggies this winter, either.
There is no telling the delicious meals that can be created using seasonal vegetables to get so many great nutrients and flavors in one. Creating hearty soups to keep warm is just one suggestion out of potentially thousands of creations! GKM loves to utilize seasonal vegetables in our dishes to create meals for any occasion. Root vegetables and Cole crops are just two examples, but to find out more information, contact us now! Or, fill out a form below to inquire about our foodservice.
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