3 Must-eat winter fruits

Fresh fruit are too often associated only with the warm, sunny spring and summer seasons, but even the cold weather months have an abundance of in-season goodies to deliver an antioxidant-rich boost to our winter health. Here are three must-eat winter fruits to sink your teeth into while it’s cool.
Fresh fruit are too often associated only with the warm, sunny spring and summer seasons, but even the cold weather months have an abundance of in-season goodies to deliver an antioxidant-rich boost to our winter health. Here are three must-eat winter fruits to sink your teeth into while it’s cool.

3 Must-eat winter fruits

1. Kumquats

One of my favorite winter fruits, kumquats are diminutive citrus that you can eat peel and all. Unlike larger citrus varieties, the skin of this little fruit is sweet and the center is a bit tart. Kumquats can be enjoyed as a snack, sliced into salads, or simmered into a marmalade.

2. Winter squash

These hearty squash come into season in the fall but last through winter — and, yes, winter squash are botanically a fruit. Acorn, butternut, and spaghetti squash are most commonly found at the supermarket, but you may also find some unusual varieties at the farmers’ market. Bake acorn or butternut squash until tender and puree for silky soups, or add chunks of squash to stews or transform them into a side dish. Bake spaghetti squash until soft and shred the flesh to make a “pasta”.

3. Meyer lemons

Meyer lemons are a real treat if you can get your hands on them. This special citrus is a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, sporting a thin edible rind,  and much less tartness of a regular lemon. Boasting juicy flesh and a significantly less acidic bite, Meyer lemons will brighten up your usual lemon-based recipes. Chop them into muffin or quick bread batters, use them to top cheesecakes, or simmer them (and kumquats) into a marmalade or preserves.

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