Winter is in full swing and you are probably craving lots of rich and comforting foods. But everyone still needs their fresh fruits and vegetables. Find out what produce is in season in February to keep you healthy through the coldest days of the year.
We’ve reached February and fresh fruit and vegetable options may seem a little lacking. But there are still plenty of tasty things to be made with some of the hidden gems available. Focus on citrus, roots, and cruciferous vegetables at the markets to have the freshest options in your kitchen.
February is when the citrus options are really at their most plentiful. As well as the standard navel oranges, ruby grapefruits, and Eureka lemons, you can find unusual options like blood oranges, Meyer lemons, and even the giant pomelos. Get creative and experiment with adding these fragrant flavors to your sweet and savory dishes.
And it may surprise you, but citrus goes really well with both cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower or Brussel sprouts and root vegetables. Try pairing some of those blood oranges with roasted parsnips and celery root. Or make the ultimate fresh winter produce salad with oranges, finely sliced fennel, and kale. You could even add some roasted roots to it too!
Broccoli
Broccoli seems so common and boring, but don’t discount it. There are plenty of amazing ways to cook it up as part of your seasonal diet. Pair it with a citrus zest sauce to bring out all the best flavors without drowning it. Or add it to a cheesy pasta to add some nutrients to your winter comfort food.
YUMMY ADDICTION BROCCOLI RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME BROCCOLI RECIPES:
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli by Easy Family Recipes
- Healthy Broccoli Potato Soup by My Vegan Minimalist
- No Mayo Broccoli Salad by Creme de la Crumb
Brussels Sprouts
If you are a fan of Brussel sprouts you know how versatile this mini-cabbage look-a-like can be. Steam them, roast them, sauté them with balsamic, or even shave them raw into a salad with of citrus and roasted root vegetables for a healthy and hearty lunch or side dish.
YUMMY ADDICTION BRUSSELS SPROUTS RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME BRUSSELS SPROUTS RECIPES:
- Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts by Well Plated
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad by Two Peas & Their Pod
- Brussels Sprouts Gratin by The Chunky Chef
Cabbage
Cabbage is so full of vitamins and minerals that it is a shame not to add it to your winter diet. Use the large leaves to wrap around ground meat or a plant-based filling and stew in canned tomatoes or a hearty broth for a meal that will leave you full and satisfied without sacrificing any healthy habits.
YUMMY ADDICTION CABBAGE RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME CABBAGE RECIPES:
- Cabbage Soup by Carlsbad Cravings
- No Mayo Healthy Coleslaw by Ambitious Kitchen
- Garlic Butter Cabbage Noodles by Butter For All
Cauliflower
Did your new year’s resolutions include trying to eat less meat? Cauliflower can help bulk out a dish to make it more filling – especially with all the fiber it contains keeps you full longer. You can also roast or fry cauliflower steaks for a plant-based alternative to a main dish. Just season it well and you are all set.
Check out my spicy Thai coconut cauliflower soup which is really delicious, creamy, and healthy. It’s all made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes!
MORE AWESOME CAULIFLOWER RECIPES:
- Garlic Butter Mashed Cauliflower by Healthy Fitness Meals
- Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese by Spend with Pennies
- Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup by Cookie and Kate
Celery Root
If you find yourself making soups with lots of starchy potatoes or pasta this time of year, try trading some of that out for flavorful celery root. Also known as celeriac, it has all the flavor of celery but in a meatier form that is perfect for adding to soups and stews that will warm you up in the coldest part of winter.
Unfortunately, I still don’t have any celery root recipes on the blog but I am definitely fixing that in the nearest future. Other food bloggers are already enjoying this root vegetable, though, so check their recipes out!
MORE AWESOME CELERY ROOT RECIPES:
- Celery Root Puree by From a Chef’s Kitchen
- Celery Root Fries by The Spunky Coconut
- Creamy Celery Root and Potato Soup by Girl Heart Food
Fennel
While fennel is delicious raw in salads or as part of a vegetable spread, many people find the flavor more approachable cooked. Sauteed or roasted, the slight licorice flavor of fennel is less noticeable as the root gets a sweet, caramelized quality that is delicious with just about anything.
The apple, fennel, and walnut salad with orange dressing featured above is awesome. At the moment it’s the only fennel recipe I have on the blog but more coming soon!
MORE AWESOME FENNEL RECIPES:
- Citrus, Fennel and Chicken Bake by My Little Larder
- Roasted Fennel with Parmesan and Chives by Sprinkles and Sprouts
- Roasted Fennel and Potato Soup by The Simple Veganista
Grapefruits
Sweet ruby grapefruits are plentiful in February, but so are their close relative the pomelo. Larger and sweeter, pomelos can be eaten in segments like oranges, but their most distinctive feature is their incredibly thick rind. Get creative and add these and all kinds of grapefruit to salads for a sharp tang to balance out some roasted root vegetables.
At the moment, Grapefruit Kale Smoothie is the only recipe featuring this amazing fruit I have on the blog. This has to be fixed ASAP!
MORE AWESOME GRAPEFRUIT RECIPES:
- Grapefruit Greek Yogurt Cake by Sally’s Baking Addiction
- Avocado Grapefruit And Fennel Salad by Foodie Crush
- Healthy Baked Grapefruit 3 Ways by Ginger with Spice
Kale
It is easy to dismiss kale as overused in modern health food, but there is a reason for that. Kale is definitely a superfood – full of iron, vitamin K, antioxidants and so much more. Thinly slice kale as an alternative to lettuce for winter salads to get the full benefit of all the nutrients and flavor.
YUMMY ADDICTION KALE RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME KALE RECIPES:
- Greek Kale Salad with Lemon Olive Oil Dressing by Gimme Delicious
- Creamy White Bean & Kale Soup by Midwest Foodie
- Spicy Potato Kale Bowls with Mustard Tahini Dressing by This Savory Vegan
Kiwi
While citrus may be dominating the February fruit scene, kiwis are abundant too. And they have just as much vitamin C as most lemons! Blend kiwis into morning smoothies or eat them plain for a good vitamin C dose and tasty snack. And of course, you can top cakes, tarts, and desserts of all kinds with these little green gems.
Kiwi mango smoothie shown above is a HIT but that’s the only kiwi recipe I have on the blog right now. Can’t wait to play more with this tropical fruit in the kitchen!
MORE AWESOME KIWI RECIPES:
- Roasted Salmon with Kiwi Salsa by The View from Great Island
- Kiwi Cupcakes by The First Year Blog
- Winter Fruit Salad by Dinner at the Zoo
Leeks
As the mildest of the onion family, leeks are a great accompaniment to other winter flavors. Especially when you are craving warm soups and stews or rich braised dishes. Leeks are delicious when braised – try adding some mustard, white wine, and breadcrumbs for a side dish worthy of a fancy restaurant.
YUMMY ADDICTION LEEK RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME LEEK RECIPES:
- Healthy Potato Leek Soup by Well Plated
- Creamy Mushroom and Leek Chicken Breasts by Foodie Crush
- Parmesan Roasted Leeks by Spend with Pennies
Lemons
While options may seem scant in February, it does bring some hidden gems too. Meyer lemons are among the fabulous citrus flavors only available for a short while in winter. You might also find special fruits at the markets like Buddha’s hand citrus which are perfect for candied peel and zesting into desserts.
YUMMY ADDICTION LEMON RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME LEMON RECIPES:
- Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Bread by Garnish with Lemon
- Lemon Basil Orzo with Chicken by Chew Out Loud
- Healthy Lemon Poppyseed Muffins by Ambitious Kitchen
Oranges and Mandarins
Speaking of hidden gems, jewel tones are definitely present among the varieties of oranges available in February. Tangerines, mandarins, tangelos are plentiful, but so are blood oranges with their flesh ranging from pale pink to deep red. They are a beautiful alternative for all your recipes.
YUMMY ADDICTION ORANGE AND MANDARIN RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME ORANGE AND MANDARIN RECIPES:
- Healthy Orange Chicken by The Clean Eating Couple
- Fluffy Cranberry Orange Muffins by Cookie and Kate
- Healthy Orange Creamsicle Smoothie by The Fit Cookie
Parsnips
If you have been feeling like your meals are bland and boring in the depths of winter, try playing around with substituting parsnips for common ingredients like carrots or potatoes in dishes. The nutty flavor is sure to bring some sparkle back into your meals without any extra effort.
Check out my Honey Roasted Parsnips and Carrots – a perfect side dish to literally anything. More parsnip recipes coming soon!
MORE AWESOME PARSNIP RECIPES:
- Mashed Carrots and Parsnips by Healthy Seasonal Recipes
- Roasted Honey & Parsnip Soup by Cooking with Bry
- Parsnip Gratin with Gruyere and Thyme by Feasting at Home
Potatoes
The coldest months of winter absolutely mean that comfort food is needed. Potatoes definitely fit this description. Stuff baked potatoes with lots of tasty flavors or make a gluten-free version of macaroni and cheese by substituting potatoes for pasta. And of course, they can be added to all kinds of soups.
YUMMY ADDICTION POTATO RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME POTATO RECIPES:
- Crispy Garlic Butter Potatoes by Sprinkles & Sprouts
- Classic French-Style Potato Salad by Pardon Your French
- Skinny Crockpot Potato Soup by Carlsbad Cravings
Romanesco
If you find broccoli to be a bit too intense, try this fun-looking cauliflower variant. Romanesco has a subtle flavor that is at times almost nutty – making it perfect for roasting, steaming, or sauteing. You can even pickle and marinate the conical florets for a tasty addition to a charcuterie plate.
YUMMY ADDICTION ROMANESCO RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME ROMANESCO RECIPES:
- Roasted Romanesco and Radicchio Salad by Breaking Bread with Ashley
- Whole Roasted Romanesco by This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
- Nutty Roasted Romanesco Curry by Searching for Spice
Rutabaga
Even more buttery than turnips, especially when roasted, rutabagas are a perfect choice for winter soups and stews. Warm yourself up with a rich and creamy soup or a pile of roasted root vegetables. Rutabagas add flavor and body to any dish and are a great alternative to potatoes.
I’ve become acquainted with rutabaga not such a long time ago when I spotted it at my local farmer’s market. That’s how this gorgeous Creamy Roasted Rutabaga Soup was born. Definitely plan to cook more with it in the future!
MORE AWESOME RUTABAGA RECIPES:
- Greek-Style Oven Roasted Rutabaga by The Healthy Foodie
- Cheesy Rutabaga and Carrot Casserole by Sprinkles and Sprouts
- Creamy Buttery Mashed Rutabaga by Delicious Little Bites
Sunchokes
These unusual root vegetables are sure to keep your winter menu interesting. While not in any way related to an artichoke, sunchokes have a similarly complex flavor that is perfect for roasting. Spice them up with some rosemary or other fresh herbs for a perfect winter side dish.
I absolutely loved sunchokes in this creamy salmon and wild rice casserole. It’s a nice change from potatoes!
MORE AWESOME SUNCHOKE RECIPES:
- Roasted Sunchokes by A Beautiful Plate
- Brussels Sprout & Sunchoke Salad by Love & Lemons
- Creamy Ginger Scalloped Sunchokes by Boulder Locavore
Turnips
Besides soups and stews, turnips are wonderful in so many dishes. They can be roasted or even mashed for a potato alternative. Plus the greens are delicious and healthy. Make a turnips green spread or sauté them with some onions and the turnip roots for an easy side dish.
Check out my Creamy Carrot and Turnip Soup which is really awesome. More recipes with this beautiful root veggie coming soon!
MORE AWESOME TURNIP RECIPES:
- Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips by From a Chefs Kitchen
- Turnips au Gratin by That Low Carb Life
- Roasted Turnips by Delicious Little Bites
Winter Squash
One of the fabulous things about winter squash is how well they store. Even though the harvest is long since done, it is still easy to find various varieties throughout February. Try roasting up some butternut squash with butter and fresh herbs or serve a rich curry soup in a whole kabocha for a cozy meal.
YUMMY ADDICTION WINTER SQUASH RECIPES:
MORE AWESOME WINTER SQUASH RECIPES:
- Vegan Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese by The Simple Veganista
- Spaghetti Squash Lasagna by Savory Experiments
- Roasted Kabocha Squash Soup by Omnivore’s Cookbook
