Fruits and vegetables flourish in different seasons of the year and give us the nutrients we need based on our specific climates. Here’s a look at what foods are thriving in Louisiana during December and how they benefit our health.
Every plant has its preferred environment. For example, watermelons grow best in warmer climates, while broccoli thrives in cooler climates, as noted by Harvest to Table. It only makes sense that certain foods can be grown in specific locations and at specific times of the year.
What to Eat
According to LSU AgCenter, the best vegetables to grow during Louisiana’s colder months include broccoli, cabbage, carrots, turnips, mustard greens, lettuce, and green onions, along with herbs such as parsley, cilantro, thyme, oregano, and chives.
What do these plants all have in common? They are hearty greens and root vegetables, which are nutrient-dense and well-adapted to cooler weather. The Louisiana Department of Health also highlights a variety of fruits and vegetables in season during December:
- Belgian endive, brussels sprouts, cactus pear, cherimoya, chestnuts, clementines, collard greens, dates, grapefruit, kale, kiwifruit, leeks, oranges, passion fruit, pear, persimmons, pummelo, red banana, red currants, sweet dumpling squash, sweet potatoes, tangerines, turnips, and winter squash.
The Benefits
These seasonal foods are not only full of enhancing flavors, but support plenty of health benefits. Many are rich in some combination of Vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, fibers, potassium, Vitamin A, magnesium, and Vitamin K, among other beneficial nutrients.
Stock Up Locally
To find the freshest selection, visit local farm stands and markets where produce is locally grown and harvested. Some great spots around New Orleans include Crescent City Farmers Market (with various locations and times), Freret Market, Barcelo Gardens Fresh Market, Ben Becnal’s The Farm, and Bounyful Green Market, to name a few.