Seasonal Products: Winter
As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, it's time to revisit your grocery list and substitute some out-of-season products for other local foods. Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes are always a popular choice, but there are many other equally delicious options for your winter recipes.
One of Quebec's star products is the winter squash. This versatile vegetable comes in many shapes, sizes and colours. They can be roasted, pureed or even made into a flavourful soup. Butternut squash, acorn squash and delicata squash are just a few of the many options to try and possibly adopt in your shopping routine.
Root vegetables are also a staple in comforting holiday recipes. This time of year is the season for beets, turnips and parsnips, all of which offer a great earthy flavour to your meals. Like squash, they can be prepared in many ways, whether in a salad, a side dish or even as a main meal if you let your creativity run wild.
On the other hand, Brussels sprouts are another great winter product choice. These little cabbage-like vegetables may not be everyone's favorite, but when roasted with a little olive oil and a little salt, they become a wonderful accompaniment to a variety of cuts of meat and other plant-based proteins.
Of course, no winter table would be complete without the addition of some greens. Kale, collard greens and Swiss chard are also seasonal items that provide a welcoming dose of vitamins and nutrients during the colder months. These can be sautéed, added to soups and stews, or even made into a pesto that diverges from the classic basil flavour.
In short, choosing locally grown produce is a great way to support your local community, and the environment at the same time. Look for small farmers' markets or farms in your area that carry these products to enjoy the flavours throughout the cold season. Brrr!
