Healthiest Winter Vegetables

09 Dec,2023

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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.

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Kale

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.

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Brussels Sprouts

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.

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Carrots

Not only is Swiss chard tolerant to cold weather, but it is also very low in calories and high in nutrients. In fact, one cup (36 grams) provides just 7 calories, yet contains almost half of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A and fulfills the daily recommended intake of vitamin K.

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Swiss Chard

Similar in appearance to carrots, parsnips are another kind of root vegetable with a host of unique health benefits. Like carrots, parsnips grow sweeter as frigid temperatures set in, making them a delightful addition to winter dishes. They have a slightly earthy taste and are highly nutritious.

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Parsnips

Like kale and Brussels sprouts, collard greens belong to the Brassica family of vegetables. Not to mention, it is also one of the most cold-hardy plants of the group. This slightly bitter green can withstand prolonged freezing temperatures and tastes best after being exposed to frost.

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Collard Greens

Rutabagas are an underrated vegetable despite their impressive nutrient content. These root vegetables grow best in cold weather and develop a sweeter flavor as the temperatures turn colder in the fall and winter.

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Rutabagas

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that thrives in cool weather. While both green and red cabbage 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.

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Red Cabbage

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 (41).

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Radishes

While many herbs die out when the weather turns chilly, parsley can continue to grow through frigid temperatures and even snow. Aside from being exceptionally cold-hardy, this aromatic green is full of nutrition.

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Parsley