Winter is often portrayed as a time of lack when it comes to food. However there are a lot of delicious fruits and vegetables on offer during the colder months. As much asit may become colder, many crops endure the cool nights to make some of your favourite vegetables and fruits out of the year.
Next time you go grocery shopping for a warm hearty meal, add Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower and Brussel sprouts on the list. Oriental vegetables perform better in cooler conditions as they don’t ‘bolt’ as fast as in summer.
Certain lettuce varieties are able to withstand the extreme cold conditions, for example butterlettuce. Celery is another winter favourite, with mature plants taking a heavyfrost. Peas are also a great plant for colder conditions, along with leeks.
Don’t forget coriander,this is a plant that can tolerate the cold and which stays compact-ideal for thosewinter curries.
Ripe fruits this season include: apples, avocados, bananas, lemon, naartjies, oranges, pawpaw, kiwi,grapefruit, granadillas and gooseberries. Citrus are the main fruit available in this period as they require a shorter day length, as well as cool temperatures to produce flowers and fruit.