Winter brings with it many exciting things, like snow, celebratory holidays, and some great produce options to keep you nourished all season long. Eating seasonally during winter can lower your grocery bill and help fuel your body throughout the colder months. Read on to learn more about what’s in season.
You’ve likely already added some common root vegetables like potatoes and carrots to your dinner table. This winter, challenge yourself to buy lesser-known varieties to take advantage of even more benefits. Root vegetables like kohlrabi, turnips, sunchokes, and celery root are all versatile and just as flavorful as their more common counterparts. In addition to roasting, these vegetables are great when turned into purees and soups for a comforting family meal. Seek out these items at local farmers markets to get the best deals. Because they can often be kept for weeks with proper storage, buy in bulk, when possible, to save some money.
While Winter months can be dreary, citrus fruits are a bright way to perk up your table and your immune system. Fruits like oranges, lime, and lemons are packed with Vitamin C, which our immune systems need to ward off winter colds, flu, and other illnesses. Vitamin C also helps with iron absorption to aid us in combating winter fatigue. Instead of buying prepackaged snacks to keep on hand, opt for citrus fruits like clementines or tangerines, which are often on sale during the winter season.
You likely use alliums more often than you think while cooking. Onions, shallots, scallions, and leeks are all classified as alliums and can be the backbone of many dishes throughout the year. With health benefits like antioxidants and antimicrobial properties, alliums are a great way to boost your health while adding flavor to your recipes. Let these vegetables shine by making them the focus with meals like French onion soup or leek fritters. When buying alliums, consider how you can store these items. Onions and shallots that are kept in a cool, dry place will keep for a few weeks, allowing you to buy in bulk and save money.
Items like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli are all cold-hardy vegetables that can be enjoyed all season long. The benefit of most cruciferous vegetables is that they can be eaten both raw and cooked. Shred cabbage or Brussels sprouts and toss with a simple lemon dressing for a fresh side dish. Roast a tray of vegetables like Brussels sprouts and broccoli and add to a bowl of grains for a savory, filling dinner. Many cruciferous vegetables benefit from a squeeze of lemon juice (citrus) before eating, meaning you can use multiple winter-friendly options in one meal.
Even if your garden isn’t flourishing, you can still enjoy seasonal vegetables throughout winter. Search for selections at your local farmers market, as they’re often cheaper than the grocery store due to less packaging and shipping requirements and keep an eye on sales flyers from your grocer to avoid paying full price.
To sweeten the savings, use your Founder’s Rewards Card to get cash rewards. Earn 2%* or 1.5% on every purchase. Don’t have the card? Apply today for this versatile card with generous rewards and no annual fee.
*You can earn 1.5% cash rewards on purchases. You can earn 2% cash rewards on purchases if you maintain a PSECU checking account and qualifying monthly direct deposit(s) of at least $500. Some exclusions may apply. See the Visa® Founder's Card and Visa® Alumni Rewards Card Rewards Program Terms and Conditions for full details.