Dania Hussain - 10 Healthy Winter Vegetables Eating in season is a breeze in the spring and summer, but it can prove to be challenging when cold weather sets in. However, some vegetables can survive the cold, even under a blanket of snow. These are known as winter vegetables, due to their ability to withstand cold, harsh weather. These cold-hardy varieties can withstand frosty temperatures due to the higher amount of sugar that they contain. The sugar found in the water of winter vegetables causes them to freeze at a lower point, which allows them to survive in cold weather. I am Dania Hussain, and in this article am sharing my views for healthiest winter vegetables and why you should include them in your diet.
1. Kale: This leafy green is not only one of the healthiest vegetables, but it also happens to thrive in cooler weather. It is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes cold-tolerant plants like Brussels sprouts, cabbage and turnips. Although kale can be harvested year-round, it prefers colder weather and can even withstand snowy conditions. Kale is also an exceptionally nutritious and versatile green.
Dania Hussain - 10 Healthy Winter Vegetables 2. Brussels Sprouts: Like kale, Brussels sprouts are a member of the nutrient-rich cruciferous vegetable family. The mini, cabbage-like heads of the Brussels sprout plant develop during the cold weather months. They can hold up in freezing temperatures, making them a must for seasonal winter dishes. Though small, Brussels sprouts contain an impressive amount of nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin K. One cup (156 grams) of cooked Brussels sprouts contains 137% of your daily recommended intake.
Carrots: This popular root vegetable can be harvested in the summer months but reaches peak sweetness in fall and winter. Chilly conditions cause carrots to convert stored starches into sugars to keep the water in their cells from freezing. This makes carrots taste extra sweet in cooler weather. In fact, carrots harvested after a frost are often called “candy carrots.” This crisp vegetable also happens to be highly nutritious. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which can be converted to vitamin A in the body.
Dania Hussain - 10 Healthy Winter Vegetables Red Cabbage: Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that thrives in cool weather. While both green and red cabbages are extremely healthy, the red variety has a greater nutrient profile. One cup of raw, red cabbage (89 grams) contains 85% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C and high amounts of vitamins A and K. It is also a good source of B vitamins, manganese and potassium. However, where red cabbage really shines is in its antioxidant content. The bright color of this vegetable comes from pigments called anthocyanins.
Radishes: These jewel-toned vegetables are known for their spicy flavor and crunchy texture. What’s more, some varieties are very cold-hardy and can survive in freezing temperatures. Radishes are rich in vitamins B and C, as well as potassium. Their peppery taste is attributed to a special group of sulfur-containing compounds called isothiocyanates, which have been linked to many health benefits.