Winter Vegetables Make Healthy Snacks
Dec 17, 2021
Did you know the average weight gain between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is 3.5 pounds? This may seem like a lot, but it’s not hard to believe. After all, it sure is hard to stay committed to your diet with so many cookies, pies, puddings, and candies on the table!
We’re not suggesting that you completely pass on all the holiday goodies this year, but what if we told you there are healthy dishes you can prepare with vegetables that come from your winter garden? These four vegetables provide the opportunity to continue eating healthy without comprising on delicious flavors.
Carrots
In addition to their sweet flavor and satisfying crunch, carrots have numerous health benefits. They are known for being a high source of vitamin A, which makes them great for your eyes. Just a half-cup serving can give you up to 73 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement. Carrots actually reach their peak sweetness in fall and winter, with those harvested after a frost being called “candy carrots.” There are so many delicious ways to cook carrots, including ginger glazed, garlic butter roasted, honey maple roasted, orange glazed, and brown sugar-glazed carrots.
Kale
Kale is a popular superfood, which is not surprising considering its many health benefits. In fact, kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It has an incredibly low caloric content, is loaded with powerful antioxidants, helps lower cholesterol, and has a good source of minerals that most people don’t get enough of. Kale can be an acquired taste, but all it takes is one good recipe to fall in love. Consider making kale chips to serve as a crispy, salty, and delicious snack this Christmas.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a staple of winter diets. Although not as nutrient-dense as kale, they are still a healthy addition to any meal. They are high in fiber and provide 81 percent of your daily vitamin C needs in each half-cup serving. Brussels sprouts are an incredibly versatile vegetable in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of dishes. The flavor combinations you can try are endless, but some of the most popular flavors include parmesan garlic, balsamic vinegar and honey, bacon and walnut, lemon parmesan, and garlic rosemary.
Cauliflower
Much like brussels sprouts and kale, cauliflower is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C. However, cauliflower is often thought of as one of those vegetables that you either love or hate. While steaming veggies is always the healthiest way to prepare them, there are ways to zest up your cauliflower and achieve a rich variety of flavors. Roasted garlic cauliflower is a safe bet to serve, and the herbs and spices are sure to have your family going back for seconds.
Just because the temperatures have dropped and the days have become shorter doesn’t mean that everything has stopped growing. All of these vegetables can be easily grown and maintained through winter in your own backyard garden and can be turned into delicious recipes for your Christmas meal. For winter gardening supplies and advice, visit the garden experts at your local Co-op!
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of the Cooperator.
We’re not suggesting that you completely pass on all the holiday goodies this year, but what if we told you there are healthy dishes you can prepare with vegetables that come from your winter garden? These four vegetables provide the opportunity to continue eating healthy without comprising on delicious flavors.
Carrots
In addition to their sweet flavor and satisfying crunch, carrots have numerous health benefits. They are known for being a high source of vitamin A, which makes them great for your eyes. Just a half-cup serving can give you up to 73 percent of your daily vitamin A requirement. Carrots actually reach their peak sweetness in fall and winter, with those harvested after a frost being called “candy carrots.” There are so many delicious ways to cook carrots, including ginger glazed, garlic butter roasted, honey maple roasted, orange glazed, and brown sugar-glazed carrots.
Kale
Kale is a popular superfood, which is not surprising considering its many health benefits. In fact, kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It has an incredibly low caloric content, is loaded with powerful antioxidants, helps lower cholesterol, and has a good source of minerals that most people don’t get enough of. Kale can be an acquired taste, but all it takes is one good recipe to fall in love. Consider making kale chips to serve as a crispy, salty, and delicious snack this Christmas.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a staple of winter diets. Although not as nutrient-dense as kale, they are still a healthy addition to any meal. They are high in fiber and provide 81 percent of your daily vitamin C needs in each half-cup serving. Brussels sprouts are an incredibly versatile vegetable in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of dishes. The flavor combinations you can try are endless, but some of the most popular flavors include parmesan garlic, balsamic vinegar and honey, bacon and walnut, lemon parmesan, and garlic rosemary.
Cauliflower
Much like brussels sprouts and kale, cauliflower is loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C. However, cauliflower is often thought of as one of those vegetables that you either love or hate. While steaming veggies is always the healthiest way to prepare them, there are ways to zest up your cauliflower and achieve a rich variety of flavors. Roasted garlic cauliflower is a safe bet to serve, and the herbs and spices are sure to have your family going back for seconds.
Just because the temperatures have dropped and the days have become shorter doesn’t mean that everything has stopped growing. All of these vegetables can be easily grown and maintained through winter in your own backyard garden and can be turned into delicious recipes for your Christmas meal. For winter gardening supplies and advice, visit the garden experts at your local Co-op!
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of the Cooperator.