It’s a constant battle: Do you pick what is in season or do you pick what you really want, risking an unsatisfying taste? Local or trucked in? And in the winter cold, what are your options, really?
Surprisingly, things actually do still grow and are harvested in December, despite the snow and freezing rain. Also, the options aren’t as limited as you might think; some of your favorites are in their prime right now.
We’ve broken down the fruits, vegetables, and fish that are in season over the next three months and available from Pacific Northwest sources. Try incorporating some of these into your winter eats).
Fruits/vegetables
December: Apples, Hazelnuts, Pears, Garlic, Mushrooms, Onions, Potatoes, Winter squash, Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsnips, Cauliflower, Turnips, Rutabagas, Beets, Brussels sprouts and Spinach
January: Apples, Hazelnuts, Pears, Garlic, Mushrooms, Onions, Potatoes, Winter squash, Beets, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots and Kale
February: Apples, Hazelnuts, Pears, Garlic, Mushrooms, Onions, Potatoes, Winter squash, Cabbage and Kale
Fish/shellfish
December: Winter steelhead, Sturgeon, Fall chinook, Coho salmon, Trout, Kokanee, Bass, Bottomfish, Crab and Clams
January: Winter steelhead, Sturgeon, Fall chinook, Trout, Bottomfish, Crab, Burbot (freshwater ling)
February: Winter steelhead, Sturgeon, Striped bass, Trout, Spring chinook, Bottomfish, Crab, Walleye, Salmon, Clams and Lake whitefish
Sources: foodhero.net, Oregonfresh.net
