Wondering which fruits to enjoy during the colder months? You can probably find a selection of everything you love at your local supermarket, but don’t count on it being in season. Many big chains bring in produce from far away so you’re still likely to see berries glistening at you. However, they’ll be overpriced and will lack the sweetness they had in the summer.
Instead, try what’s in season. These 4 winter fruits are a must for snacks and recipes this winter!
- Oranges
Oranges are super-sweet in winter. You should look for plump ones that don’t have bruises. There are many varieties of them including blood oranges that are fantastic for holiday recipes. Plus, they’re a great source of vitamin C which will help boost your immunity during cold and flu season. Oranges are cheaper at this time of year because it’s their season to thrive. Should you find you get some that have a grainier texture inside, you can juice them instead.
- Pineapples
They might be prickly outside, but inside, that sweet flesh will take you to the tropics with every bite! Don’t buy green pineapples though. Smell the pineapple before you buy it. It should look golden at the base. The more yellow it is, the better that pineapple will taste. It’s another fruit filled with vitamin C, plus other nutrients like manganese which helps your bones stay strong. Another thing you should never do with pineapples is buy them cut up. You’ll only get a small portion that costs more than a whole pineapple costs! Learn to cut it yourself and you’ll soon find many uses for your juicy pineapple chunks from smoothies to pineapple upside-down cake!
- Pomegranates
The rich color of pomegranates inside can’t be determined by the outside. You should pick it up and see how it feels. If it feels heavy for its size, it’s a good one. Pomegranates have gained much attention thanks to their large antioxidant content. You can use the seeds to sprinkle onto dishes for an added pop of color, or get the most out of them by juicing them.
- Grapefruit
Buying grapefruit is similar to buying oranges. You’ll want to look for the outside to be free of bruising or blemishes of any kind. However, there’s one small caveat with grapefruit – you can’t tell if it will be sweet inside based on the color of its skin. Go with weight like you did with the pomegranate. If it feels heavy, it’s more likely to be juicy. As a citrus fruit, it’s great for vitamin C. It’s also a good choice for those trying to stabilize their weight. Perhaps starting your morning with a fresh grapefruit during the holiday season will help you achieve your fitness goals.
Add these winter fruits to your diet to enjoy the bounty of the season and to keep your health up while it’s cold outside.