Convenience and accessibility have become the mainstay of our culture.

While I love and appreciate living this way, sometimes it’s good to take a step back and value the quality and availability of what we have rather than having everything at once. Eating seasonally is a forgotten art and is an amazing way to honor this idea! Seasonal eating is eating produce around the time it is harvested and it includes many benefits. Along with tasting better, seasonal food is much more nutritious than food that is not in season. Here’s a guide to January’s produce to help expand your palate and up your nutrition game this season!

Winter Squash

Butternut, spaghetti, and acorn squash are all in season in January. Creamy squash soup is a great idea for a long-lasting, cheap dinner! I also added leeks to fully celebrate these seasonal veggies.

Citrus

Lemon, oranges, kiwis, and grapefruit are all in season in January. They provide amazing health benefits because of their high Vitamin C content. Use these fruits as your way to combat illnesses during this season by boosting your immune system! Check out Parkway Farmers Market right here in Auburn for a huge selection of local citrus and other in-season vegetables.

Hearty Vegetables

Add brussels sprouts, leeks, cabbage, sweet potatoes, and broccoli to your veggie rotation this January! All these veggies are in season and would be the perfect addition to any dinner. Here’s a super simple dinner idea I make on repeat: ground turkey bowl with rice, black beans, kimchi, and roasted sweet potatoes.

Nuts

Chestnuts and walnuts are packed with vitamins and fiber and are both in season in January. Add walnuts to your yogurt bowls in the morning and incorporate chestnuts into your baking! Publix has a great selection of nuts including candied and seasonal options.

Happy grocery shopping this January and remember to shop what’s in season!

Be Well, Auburn.