December Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables: Nature on Your Plate

December brings with it the winter air and a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in nutrients and ideal for healthy recipes. Let's look at the most popular seasonal products of the month and how you can incorporate them into your diet.

December fruits

1. Avocado rich in good fats and vitamins, is a treasure trove of health. It is an ideal base for spreads, salads or smoothies. Try it to make a delicious guacamole or to give a creamy texture to a vegetable soup.
2. Grapefruit stands out for its rich content of vitamin C and its antioxidant properties. Enjoy it alone or in combination with salads for a cool, sour-sweet note.
3. Tangerines these small fruits are an ideal choice for snacks, full of flavor and vitamin C. You can also add them to sweets, such as cakes, or their juice in marinades.
4. Lemons are irreplaceable in the kitchen. They offer a natural intensity to sauces, soups and salads, while their juice can boost your immune system.
5. Persimmons are sweet fruit with an exotic taste. You can taste it plain, in fruit salads or try its baked version in the oven with cinnamon for a healthy dessert.
6. Oranges are among the most favorite fruits of winter. The juice gives them energy, and you can add them to sweets, such as tarts and jams.

December vegetables

1. Cauliflower is extremely nutritious and versatile. You can taste it steamed by roasting it with spices or try it as a different pizza base. 
2. Cabbage (White & Red)  is an ideal choice for salads, pickles or even hot recipes, such as cabbage rolls. Red cabbage is especially rich in antioxidants.
3. Parsley adds freshness and flavor to any dish. Use it in soups, sauces, salads or smoothies for extra vitamin C.
4. Celery is a key ingredient in soups and stews, and you can add it to salads for a crunchy texture.
5. Broccoli is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Enjoy it roasted, steamed or in hot soups for a healthy winter combination.
6. Leek gives a soft sweetness to soups and pies. Try it in velvet soup or spinach pie.
7. Spinach is an excellent source of iron and vitamins. Use it in salads, pies, smoothies or cook it with a little olive oil and garlic.