Winter vegetables and fruits have a special attraction of the winter season. Seasonal fruits are basically dependent on various regions, seasons and crop availability. In the heartfelt areas, seasons start early and last for long as some items like greens, carrot, beets and radishes are harvested in the most temperature areas.
Modern food processing technique and open market in the world has made variety of vegetable and fruits available all the year round. But, if you follow the nature’s rule and look into traditional way of growing vegetable and fruits and as per expert opinion if you follow the traditional way and eat seasonal fruits and vegetables then it is better and the vegetables in winter are juicy and fresh, have a special taste and are difficult to resist to buy.
Nutritional fruits and vegetables of winter season:
In winter season vegetables and fruits produced is fresher and have better taste. When the fruits and vegetable are picked for consumption that have been naturally ripened on the vine and tree and harvested at the right time, it will have more flavors and nutrition value, some anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C will rapidly decline when stored for periods of time. In winter we are provided by nature all things citrus, these are particularly high in Vitamin C which is very important for preventing infections such as cold and flu’s, also winter vegetable offer comfort and are perfect for hot meals and soups.
Benefits of Major winter fruits and vegetables:
1) Orange
Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C and helps our body fight against germs. They are also a very good source of dietary fiber. In addition, oranges are a good source of potassium and calcium as a well as vitamin A and B.
2) Apple
As all know that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Well, you can have this fruit at affordable price during the winter. Apple are extremely rich in important antioxidants. The antioxidants in apple may help reduce the risk of developing cancer diabetes.
3) Radish
Radish is low calorie vegetable containing vitamin C and B-6, Copper, Calcium and iron. Radish, a root vegetable, is eaten raw in salads. we can also use tender radish leaves in salads and stews. In north India, radish is made into ‘mooli paratha’, a delicious dish. you can either cook it in your way or even eat raw.
4) Beet
Beets can be consumed throughout the year, but they are the best ones during winter season. It contains compound that help prevent heart diseases and also help enhance the blood flow to brain. In winter the body metabolism is low and so it is advisable to take fruits and vegetable that are low in calories and have dense nutrients. Drinking beet juice may help to lower blood pressure.
5) Pea
This vegetable is rich in vitamin K and contain essential B- Complex vitamins. It has all necessary minerals along with folic acid. It is not just eaten after being cooked with other vegetable, but you can have it raw in salads. It provides you with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
6) Spinach
Spinach is a commonly used green leafy vegetable. It is a great source of vitamins and omega-3 acids. Care should be taken not to overcook spinach as over cooking can reduce it’s natural value.
8) Carrot
Carrots contain very little fat and are cholesterol free. They contain dietary fiber, Vitamin C and A, bets-carotenes, anti-oxidants and minerals. They help in preventing tumors and cancer. You can eat them raw or cock them as you wish.
9) Broccoli
Broccoli looks similar to cauliflower but is green in color. Broccoli contains minerals, Vitamins- A, C and K, calories. Broccoli is good eaten raw or stir fried. Overcooking can destroy the nutrients. Those with thyroid problems should avoid broccoli. It also strengthens the immune system.
10) Kiwi
Kiwis are a nutrient dense fruits, meaning they are high in nutrients and low in calories. Kiwi helps to maintaining healthy skin tone and texture, reducing Blood pressure and preventing heart disease.
In winter, the body metabolism is low and so it is advisable to take vegetables and fruits that are low in calories and have dense nutrients. Eating winter vegetables and fruits is healthier because the nutrient content very high than the ones growing in off-season.