Its easy for to incorporate yummy fruits and vegetables into daily meals in the spring and summer when everything is blooming and thriving. The fall season welcomes a delicious second crop of some of those foods again in addition to a few new ones.

Then winter comes along, and where did all the harvest disappear to? The plants and trees become lifeless and lose their foliage, as the brisk and chilly atmosphere sets in. The question is, are there any fruits or vegetables available at this time of year, and once we find them, what’s the best way to prepare them?

Fresh fruits that are available in the winter season include pears, bananas, cranberries, Clementine oranges, oranges, tangerines, grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, passion fruit, and pomegranate are also available. A list of winter vegetables include winter squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, watercress, rhubarb, snow peas, radishes, celery, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, avocado, artichokes, broccoli, and lettuce.

Finding fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter can take some searching. Your local grocery store may have an abundant supply, but only of some of these foods. You can check out in-door farmers markets or specialty food/whole food stores. Depending on your region, you may be able to grow your own winter garden (indoors or outdoors) and harvest some of these delicious foods yourself. Theres lots of information on growing your own indoor/outdoor winter garden found on the Internet or in gardening books at the public library or bookstore.

Cooking Ideas: The first thing that always comes to mind is to make some delicious hearty warm veg soup. Begin preparing early on, and let the soup simmer away undisturbed, producing that unmistakable aroma. How about making guacamole with avocado, or cabbage leaves stuffed with hot filling. Sweet potatoes with pecan nuts and natural brown sugar can give a tasty treat.

Winter fruit ideas: Lettuce is abundant in wintertime, so don’t let it go to waste ” add some orange pieces or grapes for a little lift to your salads. Perhaps you could forget about the veg, and just have a tasty fruit salad. Pears are enjoyable when served warm with a cinnamon strudel, perfect for an after meal treat. Passion fruit, kiwi and ice cream is a nice alternative. Mixing orange zest and natural juice to some fresh cranberry sauce and adding this to chicken or turkey dishes creates a sumptuous meal.

This goes to show that no matter where you are, fresh produce is usually in plentiful supply. Roll your sleeves up and get to work, thinking of other fabulous recipes you can invent, to ensure yourself and your family eat well in these winter months.