Along with the usual root vegetables like potatoes, turnips and rutabaga, December is a wonderful time of year to lighten up some of your heavy holiday dishes with bright and fruity citrus fruit and colorful pomegranates and cranberries.
WHAT’S IN SEASON IN DECEMBER?
- Fruits: Cranberries and pomegranates plus citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, lemons and tangerines
- Vegetables: Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, winter squash like acorn and butternut, and root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, parsnips, radishes, rutabagas and turnips. Leafy greens like kale and collard greens are also in season this month.
I love using seasonal fruit like cranberries and pomegranates in December because their gorgeous red color adds such festive flair to everything from salads to baked goods.
I like to stock up on cranberries and keep a few bags in the freezer so I can enjoy them well into the new year. They add a great pop of color and flavor to muffins, cakes, pies and quick breads.
For something really delicious and different, try adding a handful of pomegranate arils to your favorite creamy soup. Pomegranates are also a beautiful addition to both green and fruit salads. And be sure to check out this great tutorial on how to seed a pomegranate.
Like other fall and winter months, December is a great season for roasting, whether it’s squash, potatoes or other root vegetables. You just need a large sheet pan, plus some good olive oil and plenty of herbs and spices to make perfect roasted veggies.
Here are some of the most popular fruits and vegetables that are in season during the month of December.
WHY COOK WITH WHAT’S IN SEASON?
- Seasonal food is fresher and more nutritious than out-of-season food. Fruits and vegetables start losing nutrients the moment they’re picked, so the quicker food reaches the table, the more nutritious it will be.
- You’ll save money using in-season foods. Especially if you grow your own fruits and vegetables. And locally grown produce doesn’t have to travel far to reach you–those savings are passed on to you!
- You’re likely to try new ingredients, and a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, if you are focused on cooking and baking with what’s in season.
- You’ll rely less on global, industrial agriculture, which is better for the environment.
- Fresh, locally grown (if possible) in-season produce just tastes better! If you’re lucky enough to have year round farmer’s markets where you live, that’s the best place to find delicious seasonal produce. Plus it helps support the local economy and farmers.
In Season Recipes: December
Kale Bacon and Cranberry Salad
This loaded kale salad features crispy bacon, crunchy almonds, blue cheese and dried cranberries. Easy enough for a weeknight meal, but fancy enough for a holiday dinner.
Homemade Lemon Curd
This lemon curd, made with egg yolks, sugar and lemons, is perfectly sweet and tart. It's super easy to make and can be used in so many different ways.
Grape Tomato and Collard Greens Frittata
Grilled Chicken Coconut Curry Soup
Grilling the chicken for this coconut milk based soup adds great flavor. Garnished with fresh cilantro, cashews and pomegranate seeds, it's a perfect way to welcome fall.
Easy Cranberry Orange Soda Bread
With no rising time, this easy, aromatic bread features the holiday flavors of orange and cranberry. Perfect for breakfast, or any time of day.
Broiled Grapefruit with Honey Yogurt and Granola
Butternut Squash Stuffed Shells
Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a savory mixture of butternut squash puree, ricotta and mozzarella, then topped with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in this easy but elegant recipe.
Spiced Cranberry Pear Crisp
Fresh, in season pears and cranberries are lightly spiced and baked with a crumbly oat topping in this comforting fall dessert. Delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower with Pomegranates and Pistachios
This flavorful roasted cauliflower is as beautiful as it is delicious. Elegant but easy to make, it's perfect for holidays and special occasions, but simple enough for a week night meal.
20-Minute Honey Roasted Parsnips
Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Butter
Apples and fresh cranberries are slow cooked with cinnamon and spices, then pureed until smooth to make this sweet and tart spread.
Butternut Squash Minestrone
Loaded with healthy vegetables and plenty of pasta, then topped with Parmesan cheese and pepitas, this hearty soup is the perfect fall comfort dish.
Tangerine Garlic Chicken
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
This traditional Thanksgiving cranberry sauce is a must have side dish at your holiday meal. Made from fresh whole cranberries with a hint of orange flavor.
Brown Sugar Balsamic Roasted Baby Carrots
Baby carrots coated in a balsamic and brown sugar glaze, then roasted until tender.
Slow Cooker Greek Potatoes
Baby Yukon Gold potatoes are seasoned with garlic, lemon juice and Greek seasoning, then slow cooked until tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest for the perfect side to any meal.
Grapefruit Salad
Sweet Potato Rounds with Cranberries and Candied Pecans
Sweet and savory flavors come together in this beautiful Thanksgiving dish that can be served as both and appetizer or a side.
Slow Cooker Chicken Posole
Chicken and hominy are slow cooked in a seasoned, tomato based broth, then topped with fresh herbs and vegetables in this classic Mexican soup recipe.
Upside Down Winter Citrus Cake
Garlic Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes loaded with minced garlic, butter, cream cheese and fresh parsley. The perfect side dish for holidays, Sunday dinner, or any night of the week!
Quinoa Pomegranate Salad with Candied Pecans
This healthy holiday salad features quinoa, pomegranates, candied nuts and a zesty citrus dressing.
Pineapple Coleslaw
Shredded cabbage and pineapple tidbits come together in a sweet and tangy dressing in this unique take on a classic salad!
Easy Lemon Herb Potatoes
Potatoes are boiled then tossed with olive oil, lemon and fresh herbs in this quick and easy side dish.
Easy Quinoa Chickpea Soup with Lemon
This light, healthy soup is loaded with flavor and ready to eat in just twenty minutes. It's great for lunch or dinner.
Parmesan Baked Rutabaga Recipe- Easy Side Dish Recipe
Slow Cooker Cranberry Brisket
This tender, slow cooked beef brisket is served with a savory cranberry glaze, making it the perfect main dish for your holiday dinner.
Sweet and Spicy Maple Bacon Carrots
Baby carrots are roasted in a spicy maple glaze, then finished off with crispy, crumbled bacon and fresh parsley.
Maple Balsamic Roasted Chicken Sausage and Veggies
Chicken sausage, potatoes, carrots and Brussels sprouts are tossed with a sweet and savory maple balsamic glaze, then roasted to perfection in this easy sheet pan meal.
Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce
These oven roasted turnips are perfectly crispy and served with a melted butter and fresh chive sauce to drizzle on top.
Be sure to save this list of December seasonal recipes to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
