9 Seasonal Fruits & Veggies You Should Be Eating This December

The month of December has begun and regions across India are having their own versions of winter; with rains in the South and snowfall in the North. As the winter sets in, we thought we’d clue you in as to what fruits and veggies are in season right now.

Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables has a multitude of benefits; they’re fresher (and so contain more nutrients), they are less likely to have been exposed to preservatives and an extensive amount of pesticides and they will be helpful in combatting winter borne illnesses. For instance, December boasts of a good harvest of oranges, which contain vitamin C that helps fight colds. But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s start with vegetables –

Radishes

Radishes are root vegetables often eaten raw in salads, upping their nutritional value. They have a low amount of calories and contain vitamin C that is helpful in protecting and helping your immune system during the winter. Try this spinach dip recipe with radishes for a tasty starter.

Brinjal

Brinjals or eggplants are popular vegetables used in regional dishes all over India. Indeed, India produces approximately 13.4 tonnes of brinjal per year. Brinjals contain low amounts of fat, protein, dietary fibre and carbohydrates. Try this making this brinjal rice or enjoy some hot brinjal pakoras using this recipe; they’re perfect for the winter!

Beetroots

Beetroots are a good source of folate and manganese. Beetroots are often processed to make pickles or to add some color to salads. Here’s a whole list of beet recipes you could try out!

Tomatoes

The extremely versatile tomato is used in a variety of dishes to give them depths of flavour, texture and colour. Try this spaghetti in tomato sauce recipe or this tomato pulao recipe for main meals that feature tomatoes!

Yams

Yams are especially popular in South India where various preparations are served with fish curry. If you want to try a South Indian preparation try this delicious Chena Erissery recipe!

Oranges and Sweet Lime

As we mentioned earlier, oranges and sweet limes (or mosambi) are in abundance during winter months. Packed with vitamin C and fibres, they will help ward off colds and coughs and keep your immune system working smoothly.

Strawberries

We were so excited when we saw these delicious fruits gracing vendors’ stalls! We even put together a delicious dessert recipe list that you can use kilos of strawberries in!

Pineapples

This wonderfully sweet fruit tastes great when juiced, in desserts or simply served raw. It’s a good source of manganese and Vitamin C. Try out this baked pineapple recipe or, if you want to make it Indian style, this pineapple kesari recipe.

Custard Apples

Custard apples taste best when eaten plain, accompanied by a glass of milk. However, you could also try this custard apple milkshake recipe for a wholesome drink.