Winter Produce

Okay, it's winter and the exciting summer produce is gone. No need to fear, winter veggies and fruit is here!

Winter squash- Low cal, delicious and nutritious! Winter squash is a good source of complex carbohydrates and also fiber. It is also a source of niacin, potassium, iron and beta carotene. Look for favorites like acorn squash, butternut squash and spaghetti squash. Click here for some yummy recipes.

Leeks- This lovely vegetable can be used like onion but has a milder taste. Leeks supply plenty of potassium, some folic acid, beta-carotene (in the green stems) and vitamin C.  Raw, they can be used in salads and work especially well when they are the prime ingredient. When used in soups, stews or casseroles they take on a milder flavor. Here is a yummy Leek quiche recipe.

Kale- This vegetable wins top prize in the cruciferous arena! How many weekly servings of cruciferous vegetables do you need to lower your risk of cancer? Just 3 to 5 servings-less than one serving a day! I am in a kale craze right now as it is on it's prime season. I use it in salads for the most part but it is also a great substitute for chard or spinach in soups and stews.  Here is a recipe for a yummy kale side dish!

Blood Oranges- Yes, these fine little gems are in season right now. The season is short so get out and get some! These oranges are not only high in vitamin C but also potassium. The added bonus is the antioxidants the color provides. Studies show that they can diminish the risk of heart disease, some types of cancer and "bad" cholesterol build-up, yeah! Here is another recipe.

Click here for one more winter vegetable recipe!

Now get out there and get some winter produce! You'll be glad you did.