HEALTHY EATING
Warm Up >> WITH HEALTHY WINTEr rECIPES by Rebecca Elbaum
T
he winter months mean frozen ground, heavy snow, cozy fireplaces, and hot chocolate. Getting to the grocery store might seem like a hassle, but not when there is so much exciting seasonal winter produce to buy. Seasonal winter produce?! Yes, believe it or not, just because spring and summer are over doesn’t mean the fruit and vegetable varieties fall short. Due to greenhouse farming methods, farmers are able to grow cold-tolerant broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, winter squash, beets, pears, and kale to satisfy our produce cravings all winter long. At Fairway, we keep doing what we do best: bringing you the freshest and tastiest seasonal winter produce. Winter vegetables are unique. Take this as an opportunity to expand your gastronomic palate; be adventurous, and try something new. Don’t let the beautiful winter squashes intimidate you; their skin might be tough to crack open, but the flesh inside contains endless culinary possibilities. We get our acorn and butternut squash locally, from Martin Farms in upstate New York. Winter squash provides immense health benefits, packing in over 200% of your daily Vitamin A, plenty of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Ever try a red, purple, or yellow beet? They are sure to brighten up your winter salads with their gorgeous colors.
Beets are firm in texture, sweet and earthy in flavor. They are a natural body cleanser, great for detoxifying the liver and blood, and they are very high in essential vitamins and minerals. A bit more traditional are your broccoli and cauliflower. These amazing vegetables can survive freezing temperatures, and are loaded with antioxidants and fiber. They pack incredible crunch and texture, a perfect addition to salads and pastas, roasted as a side dish, or for getting creative with a healthy cauliflower mash. As for fruits, not to worry; winter still has many to offer. Support your immune system all winter long with Vitamin C-packed citrus fruits. Clementines, tangerines, and grapefruit make the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert. Kiwis are at the peak of their sweetness in the winter, and add a bright green pop to your winter fruit salad. Apple season may be a thing of the past, but the apple’s underrated relative, the pear, is sure to become your new favorite this season; incredibly versatile, pears can be eaten right off the core, baked into a crisp, or poached with a wine sauce (keep in mind that, in addition to being delicious, pears are loaded with fiber and may play a role in preventing the risk of stroke). Try some of these healthy recipes to warm up this winter.
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