BLOEM - JULY 2024

FOCUS ON CHECKERS WINTER FOOD
Winter’s harvest:
Nutrient-rich colourful vegetables
Winter brings a vibrant array of vegetables that are not only visually appealing but
also packed with nutrients. Here are some colourful winter vegetables to brighten your
meals and boost your health during the colder months.
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Carrots
Carrots are a winter staple and Food Revolution
Network says they contain beta-carotene, a
powerful antioxidant that the body converts to
vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for maintaining
good eyesight, a strong immune system, and
healthy skin. Carrots can be enjoyed raw, roasted,
or in soups and stews, adding a sweet and earthy
flavour to dishes.
Beets
Gardening Zeal states that beets are rich in folate,
manganese, and potassium, and they support
heart health, reduce inflammation, and enhance
athletic performance. Their natural sweetness
intensifies when roasted, making them a perfect
addition to salads, sides, or as a main ingredient in
hearty winter borscht (beetroot soup).
Kale
Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, offering high
levels of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium
and fibre, according to Mashed. This leafy green
helps boost immunity, improves bone health, and
aids digestion. Kale can be used in a variety of
dishes, from smoothies and salads to soups and
casseroles. Its slightly bitter taste becomes milder
and sweeter after exposure to heat.
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Red cabbage
Red cabbage contain vitamins C and K, as well
as antioxidants like anthocyanins, which have
anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties,
according to Food Revolution Network. Red
cabbage is versatile and can be eaten raw in
salads and slaws or cooked in stir-fries and
braises, offering a crunchy texture and slightly
peppery taste.
Sweet potato
Sweet potato is packed with fibre, vitamins A
and C, and manganese. Healthline says that
these nutrients are vital for good eyesight,
immune function, and skin health. Sweet
potatoes can be roasted, mashed, or baked
into pies and casseroles, providing a naturally
sweet and creamy texture that complements
savoury and sweet dishes.
Incorporating these colourful winter
vegetables into your diet can enhance
your meals with their vivid colours, diverse
flavours, and impressive health benefits,
ensuring you stay nourished and healthy
throughout this chilly season.
Source: Healthline, Mashed, Gardening Zeal and Food Revolution Network.
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