Just because the temperature drops doesn’t mean your options of fresh fruits do. It may seem like slim pickings in the produce section during the winter months but in reality, there are a bunch of winter fruits that flourish this time of year aside from the recognizable cranberries and apples.
Although you can enjoy any fruit year-round either frozen, canned, dried, or as juice, nothing beats eating refreshing, in-season fruits. Hit up your local farmers markets for the best flavor and greatest value.
1. Kiwi
Kiwi ripens in late fall and are widely available in November, December and January. When grown and imported from tropical areas, kiwi is often available in the summer months as well. One way to tell if it’s ripe is to gently press the outside of the fruit and it should give slightly to pressure.
This mighty tart fruit provides a variety of health benefits such as supporting heart health, digestive health, and immunity.
2. Grapefruit
Hailing from Florida and Texas, grapefruit are found between November and June, with the peak season starting around the holidays in December. Known for its sweet and sour taste, grapefruit is one of the healthiest citrus winter fruits you can eat.
Rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber, eating this fruit regularly can be beneficial for your immune system which is always a perk in the winter months.
3. Passion Fruit
This tropical fruit is more abundant in the winter months with its prime growing season being early summer through winter. Passion fruit can be prepared in a variety of ways but it’s most popularly added to smoothies, juices, yogurts, and salsas.
Passion fruit gives your body calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and folate, all of which help your kidneys and nerves.
4. Pear
It’s true that there is such a thing as a winter pear and a summer pear. Winter pear varieties require cold storage for at least three weeks before they start ripening. When fully ripe, a winter pear is juicy and even buttery, making it one of the finest winter fruits.
Pears contribute to keeping your gut happy and healthy by helping your digestive system and allowing your body to absorb nutrients and build immunity. One little fun fact I bet you didn’t know is that pears are members of the rose family.
5. Pomegranate
Earning a spot in the superfood category, this vibrant fruit is one of the best winter fruits. With the holidays in full swing, pomegranates make for fitting decor, especially their seeds which look nice in a festive cocktail. Squeeze one into juice or they can also be jellied or canned for further preservation.
As for health benefits, pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, low in fat, and are a great source of fiber and vitamins D and C.
6. Persimmons
This small powerhouse of a berry doesn’t ripen until the temperature drops, so harvest takes place in late October through December. Persimmons are overlooked easily but they’re super sweet and versatile. You can make steamed persimmon pudding, a pork dinner paired with baked persimmons, or caramelized persimmons with prosciutto. This fruit can do it all.
Persimmons are a good source of vitamins A and C and antioxidants that help reduce the risk of serious health conditions including cancer and stroke.
7. Citrus Fruits
Saving the best for last because citrus fruits provide a plethora of amazing benefits for our bodies. Popular for their cold and flu-fighting properties, they’re jam packed with nutrients and antioxidants that help us thrive. The best part is these winter fruits can be enjoyed in a handful of ways, from snacks to yummy desserts. They’re even used for beauty and personal care.
Take a lesson in winter citrus fruits to learn more about the look, taste, and texture of the delicious fruits.
Winter Fruit Salad Recipe
Add a little brightness to these cold winter months with a juicy fruit salad. Loaded with tasty winter fruits, this salad is a perfect way to fit all your fruits servings in for the day. The mouth-watering dressing includes honey, another key winter superfood that arms your body to fight off viruses.
Ingredients
1 pound clementine oranges, peeled and separated
2 pears, cored and sliced
2 apples, cored and sliced
1 large pomegranate, to get 1 to 1 ½ cups arils or seeds
4 kiwis, peeled and sliced
Lemon Lime Syrup
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, from 1 medium lime
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, from 1 medium lemon
Directions
Combine all the prepared fruits in a large mixing bowl. In a measuring cup, stir together the honey, lemon juice, and lime juice until the honey is dissolved.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve right away or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 6 hours. Enjoy!
