Spring is just around the corner, but there is still plenty of fresh, seasonal produce to cook and bake with as winter draws to a close, including mushrooms, oranges, kale and kiwi.
What’s In Season In February?
- Fruits: Citrus fruit, like grapefruit, oranges, lemons and tangerines are still in season this month. Enjoy them in fresh squeezed juices and smoothies, as well as baked goods.
- Vegetables: Root vegetables like turnips and carrots, are at the peak of freshness this month. And there are plenty of leafy greens in season this month as well, including kale, spinach and collard greens. And don’t forget about mushrooms! They’re a great addition to so many hearty winter dishes.
By the time February rolls around, I’m usually ready for longer days, warmer weather, and spring produce. But there are still plenty of delicious winter-time choices for seasonal cooking this month.
Using fresh, in-season citrus is my favorite way to brighten up my cooking and baking in February. A fruity, tropical smoothie made with oranges and limes is a great way to feel refreshed, even when it’s cold and dreary outside.
Of course, warm and comforting dishes are still what I crave during February, and chopped leafy greens and root vegetables are great additional to frittatas, soups and stews. Things like celery, mushrooms, leeks and carrots are perfect for hearty winter casseroles and sheet pan dinners.
And don’t forget about avocados! They’re in season this month, and perfect for serving on game day in the form of guacamole, avocado dip and tacos.
Here are some of the most popular fruits and vegetables that are in season during the month of February.
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: February
Lazy Sunday Casserole
This savory sausage and vegetable dinner is as easy as throwing everything into a baking dish with olive oil and herbs. A splash of balsamic vinegar finishes it all off for great flavor!
Balsamic Garlic Roasted Green Beans & Mushrooms
Balsamic vinegar and whole cloves of garlic make these roasted green beans and mushrooms extra special.
Orange Maple Glazed Salmon
Salmon coated in a maple orange glazed and broiled to perfection. Ready in 10 minutes!
Magic Broccoli
Favorite Homemade Guacamole
Fresh avocados, tomatoes, onions, lime juice and cilantro come together in this class Tex-Mex dip!
Chicken Mushroom Tortellini Bake
Tortellini pasta baked with chicken and mushrooms in a creamy sauce!
Honey Ginger Roasted Carrots
These sweet and savory carrots are roasted in a honey, ginger, brown sugar and soy sauce glaze.
Chicken Spinach Lasagna Soup
Tender chunks of chicken, fresh spinach and noodles are cooked in a creamy, Alfredo-style broth in this delicious, heartwarming soup.
Spicy Stir-Fried Swiss Chard
Quick and Easy Peanut Noodles
These quick and simple peanut noodles come together in less than 30 minutes and taste amazing. Serve toppings on the side and let everyone add their own!
Slow Cooker Thai Green Curry
Tender chunks of beef are slow cooked with green curry paste and coconut milk, with plenty of healthy vegetables like spinach and green beans.
Grapefruit Pavlova with Grapefruit Mousse
Baked Chicken Spinach Spaghetti
This rich and creamy baked pasta dish features chicken, spinach and spaghetti in a cheesy Alfredo style sauce. It's comfort food the whole family will love.
Broccoli Ramen Noodle Salad
Just dump all the ingredients for this unique salad into a big bowl, toss and refrigerate, and you'll have a tasty salad that's perfect for potlucks and backyard barbecues.
Easy Kiwi Sorbet
Pork Chops with Creamy Mushroom Gravy
Pork chops are pan seared then smothered in a creamy mushroom gravy in this one-pot meal that the whole family will love.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This hearty pasta dish is loaded with tender chicken, garlic, sun dried tomatoes and fresh spinach in a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce. An easy, restaurant quality meal for any day of the week.
Orange Smoothie
Kale and Almond Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Fresh kale is tossed with almonds and Parmesan cheese in a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
Greek Yogurt Chickpea Salad
This protein packed chickpea salad features a Greek yogurt dressing, the crunchy of chopped celery and plenty of fresh herbs. It's the perfect healthy lunch or light dinner.
Balsamic Roasted Turnips with Onion
Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings
Loaded with tender chunks of chicken, carrots and celery, this slow cooker version of chicken and dumplings is perfect for a chilly fall evening.
Roasted Curried Cauliflower
Fresh cauliflower is tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, curry powder and other spices in this simple, flavorful side dish.
Chicken and Potato Stew
This hearty stew, loaded with tender chicken, potatoes, carrots and fresh thyme, is the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
Avocado Soup with Cilantro & Lime
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Best Broccoli Cheese Soup
This creamy, flavorful broccoli cheese soup is the perfect comfort food on a cold day!
Crunchy Asian Coleslaw
Shredded cabbage and carrots are mixed with onion and cilantro, then tossed with a slightly sweet and savory soy sauce dressing in this colorful slaw that's perfect with almost any meal.
Scallion Pancakes
These savory green onion pancakes are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The perfect side for any Asian meal. Don't forget the dipping sauce!