Now that we are deep into February, chances are you’re already thinking about spring and excited about the fruits and vegetables that will soon be in season. However, there are still plenty of flavorful fruits and vegetables available to enjoy. Here are a few vegetables and fruits enjoy as we make our way into spring:
Kale
This leafy and vitamin-rich vegetable has a mild flavor similar to cabbage and comes in many varieties, most of which are deep green with touches of shades of blue or purple. Although many vegetables are best during the summer, kale really shines during the winter months! Kale should be eaten within two to three days of storage in the refrigerator and can be prepared in the same way as other greens, such as spinach. It is excellent braised with a little wine & garlic. Kale is great in salads, soup, and can also be baked to make kale chips.
Collard Greens
This soul food staple is a variety of cabbage that instead of growing a head grows in a loose rosette at the top of a tall stem and tastes like a cross between cabbage and kale. Rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C, this vegetable stays fresh up to five days and in the well-known Southern style of cooking is boiled down with a chunk of bacon or salt pork. However, collard greens can be prepared in any of the healthier ways spinach and cabbage are prepared.
Kumquats
This teeny little citrus looks is orange with an edible, sweet rind and very tart, dry flesh and can keep refrigerated for up to a month. It may be small, but this fruit packs a serious punch and livens up dishes when served as a garnish, pairs very well with seafood, and can also be pickled or candied.
Grapefruit
I often stroll past the grapefruits in the citrus section of the market, paying no attention to the fruit, but once I try a dish with grapefruit, I emember why this is such a great addition. It’s tart yet sweet flesh is refreshing and vibrant and lends lightness to what it is paired with. The flesh of grapefruit can range from pale yellow-pink to deep ruby pink and keep best wrapped in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Grapefruit can be served numerous ways and simply eaten raw, but is also a lovely addition to salads and works well in drinks, sauces, and vinaigrettes.
ENJOY!
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