Winter Fruits and Vegetables
BEETROOT: This root veggie may be little, but she’s fierce. With one of the most impressive hues in the plant family, this scarlet lover reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure and detoxifies. Loaded with antioxidants and powerful phytonutrients called betalain, the little veg fights off free radicals, improves brain power and boosts energy.
Recipe : Beetroot + Goat Cheese Salad
BLOOD ORANGES. Spectacularly striking in their simplicity, these rose-colored beauties are quite the natural phenomenon. But don’t be fooled by their looks. These lovers of the Mediterranean climate contain polyphenol compounds giving them nine times the antioxidants and twice the amount of Vitamin A as navel oranges. Notorious for their raspberry infused flavor and deep crimson flesh, they’re beautifully paired with kale, fennel or rosemary.
Recipe : Avocado + Fennel + Citrus Salad
BUDDHA’S HAND: An unexpected departure from the norm, Buddha’s Hand is a fragrant citron that strikes a similar resemblance to ‘the’ Buddha’s hand. Best used as a substitute for lemon rind, it’s an exquisite addition to desserts, salad dressings and marinades. Keep in mind, this aromatic, finger-linked fruit has no pulp or juice so it’s relatively mess-free. Should we thank Buddha himself?
To use: break off a finger and zest the bright outer layer. On the off chance, you’re feeling adventurous, thinly slice the pithy fingers and toss with salad.
CLEMENTINE: Don’t be fooled by their size – these tiny citrus rounds pack a powerful punch. Rich in inflammation reducing antioxidants, this wonder fruit promotes healthy cell growth, increases iron absorption and fights against heart disease. Eat one and you’ll get 60% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. Now that’s impressive.
Recipe : Clementine + Honey Glazed Brie
COLLARD GREENS: This green is an absolute show-off. With its unique combination of glucosinolates it contains cancer-preventive properties. As if that weren’t enough, it has vitamins A, C and K, calcium, a good source of iron, vitamin B-6, and magnesium. It’s an anti-inflammatory, supports cardiovascular health and helps the digestive system. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet. Thank you collard greens. Thank you.
Recipe: Collard Green Hummus Wraps
GRAPEFRUIT: It’s true. Grapefruit have a tight, heavy peel with a thick layer of bitter pith causing you to wonder, “Will I ever get to the fruit?” Remember this: good things come to those who wait. Once you’ve peeled your way to the center of this semi sweet citrus, you’ll hit a goldmine of health benefits: a higher functioning immune system, brighter skin, good digestion, better blood pressure and a healthier heart. And should we mention this pomelo-orange hybrid is a weight control fanatic? Good things, indeed.
Recipe : Winter Citrus Salad
LEMONS: This bright yellow, mini football shaped fruit is a do gooder. High in vitamin C, fiber and various plant compounds, this bright wonder helps support heart health, weight control and digestive health. A pro at absorbing iron, these tabletop beauties help prevent anemia by absorbing iron from plant foods. Lemon with your water, ma’am? Don’t mind if I do.
POMELOS: You could use them as bowling balls. But don’t. These oversized citrus spheres are sweet tasting, multitasking gems that make killer cocktails (think Paloma), delicious marinades and punchy marmalades. Full of fiber and rich in antioxidants, these hard-to-find, teardropped shaped fruits pack a week’s worth of Vitamin C. Now that’s a lot of packing. Insider tip: check your local Asian market for the freshest pick.
SWEET POTATO: Ranked as a superfood, this nutrient dense root veg is a great source of fiber, calcium and contains a plethora of vitamins including B, C & D. But the true superstar is the concentrated carotenoid content. That means lots of Vitamin A which protects us from free radicals – those pesky molecules that trigger inflammation, chronic illness and the signs of aging.
WINTER CITRUS: With an excessive amount of vitamin c, low-calorie citrus fruits are the skin-saving stars of the season. Strengthening the immune system, smoothing skin, raising good cholesterol levels (HDL) and lowering the bad (LDL) these vibrant orbs of goodness boost digestive and heart health.
Recipe: Winter Citrus Salad