Buying Winter Vegetables

Shop for the season and know what to look for.

In the cold, dark winter months, when everyone around you seems to have a cold, it’s really important to eat well and that’s where winter vegetables come into their own. Seasonal winter vegetables, such as roots and winter greens, are at their best at this time of year – they are flavourful and contain vitamins and minerals. When you’re choosing them, look for the freshest and best vegetables you can find.

As a general rule of thumb, root vegetables should feel firm to the touch and look unblemished; if they look sad and wrinkled and feel soft, then avoid them. Leafy greens, such as kale, should be a lovely green colour; avoid those that are yellowing round the edges.

Below are some examples of winter vegetables you can add to hearty winter dishes such as slow-simmered soups or flavourful casseroles, stews and tagines.

Cavolo Nero

This Italian variety of cabbage should have thick, curly, dark green leaves.

Celeriac

Pick the smallest celeriac that you can find, as when they’re overgrown they can be woody inside.

Parsnips

Use large chunky parsnips to get more flavour. And don’t be afraid to put loads in, once they’re cooked they’ll shrink considerably.

Squash

Pick squash that feels heavy for its size. The skin should be thick, hard and flawless.

Swede

Choose swede with smooth, thick and tanned colour skin.

Turnips

Choose small to medium ones with smooth white and purple skin, which feel quite heavy.