What’s In Season In December

As the December chill settles in, I’m excited to share with you the wonderful array of seasonal produce that graces our tables this month. From hearty root vegetables to succulent citrus fruits, let’s discover the flavors that brighten up the winter season and inspire delicious meals for family and friends. Join me in this guide to what’s in season in December, and let’s make the most of this festive time together!

Winter's Harvest: Exploring What's in Season in December

Winter Squash

The rich flavor and creamy texture of winter squash varieties like butternut and acorn make them ideal for December’s soups, stews, and roasts. Winter squash adds a delightful sweetness and warmth to any dish when roasted until caramelized and tender, pureed into sauces or baked into pies and casseroles.

Apple

Crisp, juicy, and aromatic, apples remain a beloved fall fruit thriving in December. Enjoyed fresh as a snack, baked into pies and crisps, or sliced onto cheese platters, apples contribute a delightful sweetness and crunch to any dish.

Beets

Earthy, vibrant, and nutrient-rich, beets offer versatility in December’s salads, roasts, and pickles. Roasted until caramelized and tender, grated into salads and slaws, or pickled for a tangy condiment, beets provide a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor.

Carrots

Crunchy, sweet, and vibrant, carrots are a staple root vegetable perfect for December’s soups, stews, and roasts. Roasted until caramelized and tender, grated into salads and slaws, or simmered in soups and stews.

Clementine's

Juicy, sweet, and easy to peel, clementine’s offer a delightful citrus burst for December’s snacks, desserts, and beverages. Enjoyed fresh as a snack, juiced for a refreshing beverage, or added to salads and desserts, clementine’s contribute a delightful sweetness and tanginess to any dish.

Cranberries

Tart, tangy, and vibrant red, cranberries are a quintessential winter fruit perfect for December’s sauces, relishes, and baked goods. Simmered into sauces and chutneys, baked into pies and muffins, or dried for a sweet-tart snack, cranberries provide a delightful acidity and brightness to any dish.

Leek

Mild, aromatic, and versatile, leeks are a flavorful allium ideal for December’s soups, stews, and gratins. Sautéed until tender and caramelized, simmered in soups and stocks, or baked into casseroles and quiches.

Pears

Sweet, juicy, and aromatic, pears are a beloved winter fruit perfect for December’s desserts, salads, and cheese platters. Enjoyed fresh as a snack, sliced onto salads and cheese boards, or poached and served with ice cream, pears offer a delightful sweetness and elegance.

Pomegranate

Juicy, tart, and bursting with flavor, pomegranates are a delightful winter fruit for December’s salads, desserts, and beverages. Savored fresh as a snack, sprinkled onto salads and yogurt, or juiced for a refreshing beverage, pomegranates provide a delightful burst of tanginess and vibrancy to any meal.

Broccoli

Tender, nutritious, and versatile, broccoli is a beloved cruciferous vegetable ideal for December’s soups, stir-fries, and salads. Steamed until tender-crisp, roasted until caramelized and crispy, or tossed into pasta dishes.

Oranges

Juicy, sweet, and refreshing, oranges are a beloved citrus fruit perfect for December’s snacks, desserts, and beverages.

Parsnips

Sweet, earthy, and aromatic, parsnips are a versatile root vegetable ideal for December’s roasts, soups, and purees. Roasted until caramelized and tender, simmered in soups and stews, or mashed into creamy purees, parsnips add a delightful sweetness and depth of flavor to any dish.

Rutabaga

Nutty, sweet, and hearty, rutabagas are a flavorful root vegetable perfect for December’s soups, stews, and roasts. Roasted until caramelized and tender, mashed into creamy purees, or simmered in soups and stews.

Grapefruit

Tangy, refreshing, and aromatic, grapefruits provide a zesty touch to December’s snacks, salads, and beverages. Enjoyed fresh as a snack, segmented onto salads and desserts, or juiced for a refreshing beverage, grapefruits add a delightful tanginess and brightness to any dish.

Mushrooms

Earthy, savory, and versatile, mushrooms are a beloved fungus perfect for December’s soups, stews, and sauces. Sautéed until golden brown and crispy, simmered in soups and risottos, or grilled and served as a side dish.

Potatoes

Comforting, versatile, and satisfying, potatoes are a staple root vegetable ideal for December’s roasts, gratins, and mashes. Roasted until crispy and golden brown, mashed into creamy purees, or boiled and tossed into salads, potatoes add a delightful heartiness and texture to any dish.

Radish

Crisp, peppery, and vibrant, radishes are a refreshing root vegetable perfect for December’s salads, pickles, and slaws. Sliced into salads and sandwiches for a pop of color and crunch, pickled for a tangy condiment, or roasted until tender and sweet.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet, creamy, and nutritious, sweet potatoes are a beloved root vegetable ideal for December’s roasts, casseroles, and pies. Roasted until caramelized and tender, mashed into creamy purees, or baked into pies and gratins.

Jerusalem Artichoke

Nutty, earthy, and versatile, Jerusalem artichokes are a flavorful root vegetable perfect for December’s soups, roasts, and gratins. Roasted until caramelized and tender, pureed into creamy soups and sauces, or sautéed until golden brown and crispy.

Brussels Sprouts

Small, vibrant, and packed with flavor, Brussels sprouts are a quintessential winter vegetable shining in December. Roasted until caramelized and crispy, sautéed with garlic and bacon, or shaved into salads.

Kale

Nutrient-rich and hearty, kale is a versatile leafy green thriving in December’s cooler temperatures. Massaged into salads for tenderness, sautéed with garlic and lemon, or blended into smoothies, kale adds a delightful earthiness and texture to any dish.

Chestnuts

Rich, nutty, and aromatic, chestnuts are a seasonal treat synonymous with the holidays. Roasted until tender and fragrant, simmered into soups and stews, or pureed into creamy sauces and stuffing’s.

Cauliflower

Versatile and nutritious, cauliflower is a beloved cruciferous vegetable perfect for December’s roasts, gratins, and soups. Roasted until caramelized and crispy, mashed into creamy purees, or tossed with spices and roasted.

Cabbage

Crisp, crunchy, and nutritious, cabbage is a staple vegetable ideal for December’s salads, slaws, and stir-fries. Shredded into salads and slaws, sautéed until tender and caramelized, or pickled for a tangy condiment, cabbage adds a delightful crunch and freshness to any dish.

Celery

Aromatic and flavorful, celery is a versatile vegetable adding depth of flavor to December’s soups, stews, and stocks. Chopped into mirepoix for soups and sauces, sliced into salads and stir-fries, or stuffed with cream cheese for a crunchy snack.

Goose

Rich, flavorful, and succulent, the goose is a traditional holiday bird enhancing December’s festive feasts. Roasted until golden brown and crispy, braised until tender and juicy, or smoked for a smoky depth of flavor, goose adds a delightful richness and elegance to any holiday table.

Turkey

Juicy, tender, and versatile, turkey is a beloved holiday bird adorning December’s festive gatherings. Roasted until golden brown and succulent, smoked for a smoky depth of flavor, or grilled for a charred exterior and juicy interior, turkey provides a delightful centerpiece to any holiday meal.

With December’s diverse bounty of fresh produce and holiday delights at our fingertips, let’s savor the flavors of the season and create delicious meals that warm the heart and nourish the soul. For more food inspiration check out our food holidays list for December, or join us on social media where we share more than recipes.