With winter beginning to set in and the festive season just around the corner, it's easy to think that the year's fresh produce has all finished. But there are still loads of delicious, seasonal ingredients available! Take a look below to see what you can cook with seasonally in November.
Chicory
Containing minerals such as potassium, calcium and zinc, chicory is a slightly bitter tasting vegetable, the leaves of which can be used in salads or cooked, roasted or grilled. In homeopathy, chicory is also used to treat gallstones, gastrointestinal disorders and to aid in weight loss.
Parsnips
Closely related to carrots and parsley, parsnips have been cultivated since ancient times for their sweet-tasting roots. Much like carrots, most of the nutrients in parsnips (including potassium, B-group vitamins and vitamins C, E & K) will not be released until cooked. A versatile vegetable, they can be baked, pureed or roasted to release their sweet flavour.
Clementines
Small, seedless and easy to peel, clementines are the perfect healthy snack that are full of vitamin C - which is particularly important during winter to help fend off seasonal colds! These tiny, sweet fruits are a cross between oranges and mandarins, and were accidentally created by Clement Rodier in 1902, whom they were named after.
Walnuts
Early history indicates that English walnuts came from ancient Persia and were reserved only for Royalty to enjoy. Among the most nutritious of all nuts, walnuts are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 essential fatty acids as well as vitamins E and B-complexes. Why not try making this vegan carrot cake as a way to get some into your diet this winter.
Celery
Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, beta-carotene and manganese, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits, celery is one of the healthiest vegetables available. Often used in salads, or smeared with peanut butter for a crunchy snack, the health benefits of celery also include weight loss and the ability to lower blood pressure.
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