❄️ Winter Produce Guide: What’s In Season & How to Use It

Winter doesn’t always feel like the season for vibrant food…
But nature actually gives us a beautiful lineup of nourishing produce that supports immunity, warmth, digestion, and overall health during the colder months.

Eating seasonally:

• Saves money

• Maximizes nutrition

• Improves flavor

• Supports local farmers

• Makes meal planning easier

Here’s your Winter Produce Guide — complete with simple ways to use each fruit and vegetable in family-friendly meals your kids will actually eat.

🥕 Winter Vegetables in Season

1. Carrots

Sweet, crunchy, versatile.

Use them in:

• Roasted carrot fries

• Soups

• Smoothies

• Steamed with butter + cinnamon

2. Sweet Potatoes

A winter essential.

Use them in:

• Breakfast hash

• Mashed as a side

• Roasted cubes for bowls

• Slow-cooker stews

3. Winter Squash

(Butternut, acorn, delicata, kabocha)

Use them in:

• Roasted squash slices

• Creamy squash soup

• Stuffed squash boats

• Purées for babies

4. Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, flavorful, kid-approved when roasted.

Use them in:

• Sheet-pan dinners

• Shaved salad with apple

• Crispy Parmesan sprouts

• Stir-fries

5. Kale

Packed with minerals.

Use it in:

• Smoothies

• Soups

• Sautéed with garlic

• Added to pasta or bowls

6. Cauliflower

Mild, neutral, and incredibly versatile.

Use it in:

• Cauliflower rice

• Cauliflower mac & cheese

• Roasted florets

• Soups

7. Cabbage

Cheap, filling, nutrient-dense.

Use it in:

• Stir-fries

• Cabbage soup

• Coleslaw

• Slow-cooker meals

8. Beets

Sweet, earthy, antioxidant-rich.

Use them in:

• Roasted beet chunks

• Smoothies

• Salads

• Beet hummus

🍎 Winter Fruits in Season

1. Apples

Always a family favorite.

Use them in:

• Applesauce

• Baked apples

• Lunchbox slices

• Breakfast bowls

2. Pears

Soft, hydrating, naturally sweet.

Use them in:

• Baked pears

• Smoothies

• Sliced with nut butter

• Fruit salads

3. Citrus (Oranges, Mandarins, Grapefruit, Lemons)

Immune-supporting and refreshing.

Use them in:

• Citrus salads

• Smoothies

• Marinades

• Hydration drinks

4. Pomegranates

Fun for kids and rich in antioxidants.

Use them in:

• Salads

• Yogurt bowls

• Snack plates

5. Cranberries

Tart and full of antioxidants.

Use them in:

• Homemade cranberry sauce

• Smoothies

• Baked goods

• Trail mix

✨ Simple Winter Meals Using Seasonal Produce

Try these family-friendly combos:

• Sweet potato + turkey skillet

• Roasted squash + chicken thighs

• Cauliflower rice stir-fry

• Apple + carrot soup

• Citrus salad with pomegranate

• Kale + potato breakfast hash

• Cabbage + beef skillet

Winter food doesn’t have to be heavy — it can be bright, warming, and nourishing.

❄️ Final Thought

Seasonal eating is a simple way to support your family’s health… especially during winter when the immune system needs extra support.

Whole-food rhythms + seasonal produce = calmer dinners, stronger bodies, and happier kids.

Want weekly seasonal meal plans done for you?
That’s exactly what we do inside Thrive Family Kitchen.