5 Seasonal Winter ingredients to look out for in August

How do you go about shopping for your daily meals? Do you go to the supermarket with a specific recipe in mind? Or do you browse to see what’s in season and then take things from there?

I’m sure we’d all like to be in the latter group. Not only does it get the creative culinary juices flowing and make you feel like you live in a quaint French village, it also ensures that what you cook with is actually seasonal. And there are just so many benefits of cooking seasonally.

Winter is the most important time of the year to be aware of this because it’s when our immune systems are most vulnerable and need all the flu-fighting nutrients they can get; all of which are most high in seasonal fruits and veggies.

If you’re feeling uninspired by what’s on the shelves, here are 5 ingredients to look for in your local store or fresh produce market and some recipes to go with them.

1. Pineapples – Great source of vitamin C and bromelain, which fight infections.
Try: Kiwifruit and pineapple smoothie OR Grilled pineapple and coconut sherbet

2. Dates – High in dietary fibre and an unrefined, natural sweetner.
Try: Healthy date and nut energy bars OR Lamb tagine with dates

4. Sweet potatoes – Lots of magnesium, the relaxation and anti-stress mineral.
Try: Bangers and sweet potato mash OR Sweet potato wedges

5. Asparagus – Good detoxifier and helps break down carcinogens and free radicals.
Try: Gluten-free goats cheese and asparagus tarts OR Asparagus, salmon and Mascarpone pizza

ALSO READ: Urban food farming: changing the way we eat

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