This winter, Napa’s harvest continues to offer a bountiful selection of flavorful fruits and veggies. Whether you’re searching for healthy snacks or ingredients for your favorite winter recipes, our selection of fresh, local produce is waiting to be explored. In this blog, we list what fruits and vegetables are in season in Napa supermarkets this winter and offer suggestions for making the most of them.
Lot’s of Fall Produce is Still In-Season Too!
Many of your favorite fall veggies are still in-season too, like broccoli rabe (rapini), Brussels sprouts, and winter squash!
Read our Fall Produce Guide >>>
Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables You’ll Find at the Grocery Store this Winter
Eating seasonally allows you to enjoy the freshest, most flavorful fruits and veggies available. Local produce harvested in-season not only boasts higher nutritional value and better flavor but also supports the hard work of farmers and businesses within your community. This means when you shop locally, you’re directly contributing to the vitality of your local economy! So, what’s in season this winter?
Citrus
The bright and sunny flavors of citrus might seem more suitable for summer, but these fruits are at their peak in winter. Winter citrus is sweeter, juicier, and packed with immunity-boosting vitamin C.
Here are some of the delicious citrus fruits in season this winter:
- Naval oranges
- Mandarins
- Meyer lemons
- Grapefruit
- Tangerines
- Clementines
Citrus can be baked into desserts like pies, tarts, and cakes, or slow cooked with meats like herbed chicken to give it a juicy, tangy bite.
In California, citrus is generally in season from November to March.
Kale
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is in season from December through February. It’s high in fiber, vitamins A and K, and copper, which is vital for maintaining healthy energy and immunity levels throughout the winter.
Although kale is available in grocery stores year-round, local, in-season harvests have improved flavor, fuller leaves, and a crunchier texture. This hardy vegetable can thrive even in cold conditions, which makes the leaves develop a sweeter taste. Whether you’re sautéing it with garlic, tossing it in a salad, or adding it to pasta with parmesan, there are countless ways to use kale in your winter cooking.
California kale is usually in season from December through May.
Radicchio
Radicchio is a pink vegetable commonly mistaken for red cabbage or lettuce, but it’s actually a form of chicory. This leafy veggie is packed with vitamin K, fiber, and powerful antioxidants.
The flavor is bitter and mildly spicy, so it’s often paired with sweet or acidic flavors to balance it out. When cooked, the bitterness softens, and it gains a mild hint of sweetness. You can grill it, roast it, or toss it in a salad with citrus, pears, and feta.
In California, radicchio is typically in season from December to February.
Rutabagas
Also known as Swedish turnips or Swedes, rutabagas are root vegetables in the mustard family. Their taste is often compared to Yukon gold potatoes, but with a sweeter, peppery flavor that’s elevated when cooked. They are an excellent source of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Rutabagas can be pureed into soups, tossed in a shepherd’s pie, or roasted with browned butter and parsley for a hearty winter meal.
California rutabagas are generally in season from December through February.
Pomegranates
A juicy blend of sweet and tart, pomegranates are rich in powerful antioxidants that support heart, kidney, and gut health. Their seeds are entirely edible and have a flavor commonly compared to cherries and cranberries.
Pomegranate seeds make a delicious snack all on their own, but you can also toss them in salads, yogurt, and oatmeal. You can also make pomegranate molasses—a popular addition to vinaigrettes, meat glazes, or desserts.
In California, Pomegranates are usually in season from August to December.
Find Fresh Seasonal Produce at Browns Valley Market
Choosing seasonal produce from Browns Valley Market not only benefits the local farmers in our community—it also ensures you’re getting the freshest, most flavorful fruits and vegetables available. Our friendly staff is always happy to answer any questions you have and help you find the best seasonal ingredients for your favorite fall recipes.
Stop by our store today to explore the latest flavors of Napa Valley!
Please remember that all seasonal produce in Napa supermarkets will vary depending on the year’s weather trends and growing conditions.
