December marks a time of festivities, family celebrations, and chilly winter weather. Contrary to popular belief, this month is also rich in fresh, seasonal produce.
You might be wondering about all the fruits and vegetables in season in December, and that’s where this handy guide comes in.
Below, you’ll discover the best of December’s seasonal produce, including the top recipes to put this month’s bounty to good use.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the fruits and vegetables in season in December!
Fruits in Season in December
Winter is synonymous with citrus fruits, but December isn’t just about oranges, grapefruit, and lemons.
Many other fruits are in their prime during this month. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top fruits to enjoy in December:
- Apples: While these fruits are typically associated with fall, they store well and can be enjoyed throughout December.
- Blood Oranges: The deep red flesh of blood oranges offers a strong, sweet flavor with a hint of raspberry. They are perfect for making fresh juice or adding a colorful splash to your salads.
- Cara Cara Oranges: These oranges are a unique variety with strikingly pinkish-red flesh, a result of the natural presence of lycopene. They are sweeter and less acidic than regular navel oranges, with a complex flavor profile that hints at cherry and blackberry.
- Clementines: Known for their sweet, tangy taste and easy-to-peel skin, clementines are a winter favorite. While they make a great snack, you can also use them to spruce up salads and desserts.
- Cranberries: These small, tart berries are a holiday staple. You can use them to make sauces, jams, desserts, and even festive cocktails.
- Grapefruit: This large citrus fruit offers a perfect balance of sweet and sour, perfect for waking up your taste buds in the morning.
- Kiwi: Despite being associated with summer, the kiwi is a winter fruit. Enjoy this sweet, tangy fruit fresh, in salads, or blended into smoothies.
- Kumquats: These tiny citrus fruits can be eaten whole, skin and all. They’re a wonderful combination of sweet and tart flavors, making them a great addition to many dishes.
- Meyer Lemons: A sweeter, less acidic cousin of the common lemon, Meyer lemons have a distinct floral aroma and a more rounded flavor. Their rind is thinner and deep yellow with a slight orange tint.
- Pears: Similar to apples, pears keep well into winter, but December is typically the last month to enjoy this fresh fruit.
- Pomegranates: Known for their jewel-like seeds, pomegranates offer a sweet, slightly tart flavor. They’re great for snacking, topping salads, or making juice.
Vegetables in Season in December
December doesn’t boast the same veggie output as the summer months. Still, you’ll find some comforting winter staples like root vegetables and squash. Here’s what’s growing in December:
- Butternut Squash: This winter squash has a sweet, nutty flavor that is perfect for soups, roasts, and casseroles.
- Broccoli: This green cruciferous veggie is packed with nutrients. Use it in soups, stir-fries, or roast with spices for a tasty side dish.
- Brussels Sprouts: These small, cabbage-like veggies are deliciously roasted or sautéed with a bit of garlic and olive oil.
- Cauliflower: Whether used to make soup, rice, or even pizza crust, cauliflower boasts incredible versatility.
- Celeriac: Also called celery root, this oddly-shaped veggie has a subtle nutty flavor with hints of celery.
- Celery: This green stalky veggie boasts a mild, salty flavor with hydrating properties.
- Kale: This hardy green is still going strong in December. You can offset the slightly bitter flavor by adding it to smoothies, casseroles, or stir-fries.
- Parsnips: This root veggie looks like white carrots but has a mild, spicy flavor that’s completely distinct
- Spinach: A nutrient-dense green with a mild, earthy flavor, perfect for smoothies, soups, or salads.
- Sweet Potatoes: These starchy orange spuds are sweeter than regular potatoes and are great for roasting, mashing, or making fries.
December Recipes
Now that you know the fruits and vegetables in season in December, check out these amazing recipes to put your bounty to good use.
- Homemade Pear Liqueur – A festive spirit, perfect for whipping up some holiday-themed cocktails.
- Warming Carrot, Ginger, and Turmeric Soup – A soothing soup to combat the winter chill of December.
- Blood Orange Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Dressing – This flavorful blood orange salad has bright, juicy flavors that help offset the snowy winter weather.
- Winter Vegetable Minestrone Soup – A warm, hearty soup featuring soft butternut squash, carrots, and a rich tomato broth.
- Kale Stir-Fry with Crispy Curried Tofu – This antioxidant-rich meal is easy to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights.
- Roasted Cauliflower Detox Bowl with Tahini Sauce – A nutrient-dense bowl, perfect for detoxing after the holidays.
- Cranberry Gin Cocktail – This simple drink would make waves at any December party.
- Grapefruit Ginger Spritzer – A fizzy, spiced mocktail bursting with sweet refreshment.
- Raw Brussel Sprout Salad with Dried Fruit – This healthy, flavor-packed salad makes a delicious side dish for holiday dinners.
- Roasted Cauliflower with Spicy Lentils – A vegan holiday main dish bursting with spicy, savory flavors.
- Lentil Apple Salad – A hearty black lentil salad with pops of crisp apple sweetness.
- Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls – These fluffy cinnamon rolls are a better-for-you, vegan treat, thanks to the sweet potato base.
- Wheat Berry Risotto and Winter Roasted Vegetables – A tasty combination of sweet roasted vegetables, savory wheat berries, and juicy pomegranate seeds.
- Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Quinoa Tabbouleh – A healthy, vegan take on the classic comfort food, complete with juicy cherry tomatoes, soft black beans, and fresh herbs.
- Baked Sweet Potato Falafel – Perfectly-spiced falafel that’s crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Chargrilled Cauliflower Salad with Lentils and Pomegranate – This wholesome salad combines chargrilled cauliflower, hearty lentils, and a lemon olive oil sauce to create a nourishing meal or side dish.
- Fresh Orange and Mint Tea – A bright, zesty infusion that will warm you up on a frigid December night.
- Roasted Butternut Squash with a Balsamic Reduction – Soft, sweet, and perfectly charred, this roasted butternut squash tastes like pure heaven.
- Blood Orange Gin and Tonic – A sweet twist on the classic cocktail, perfect for holiday parties.
- Blood Orange, Papaya, and Dark Cherry Smoothie – A nutrient-dense smoothie that tastes sweet, tart, and tropical.
- Baked Kale Chips – A simple snack that’s crave-worthy and good for you.
- Cinnamon Sugar Kale Chips – The same tasty snack with a sweet twist.
- Candied Orange Peel – A sweet treat perfect for the holidays, featuring candied orange peel dipped in chocolate.
