The crisp, cold season is wrapping up but there is still so much winter produce to eat! From kale, to cabbage, citrus and more, winter foods are abundant. Cooking seasonally is nutritious and connects you to your local farms as well as the earth beneath your feet. In the Pacific Northwest, most people consider summer cooking as the main event for local produce. But, there is a variety of different winter produce to experiment with around this time of year.
For some households, the New Year means a new opportunity to learn how to cook more at home! It’s easy to get into the habit of stopping for fast food or takeout on the way home after a long day. But overall, cooking at home is generally more affordable and nutritious. Plus, you can experiment with new recipes and get into a new habit of enjoying home cooking on the regular. When you’re familiar with cooking often, this lends more freedom to eating what you want including more recipes from different cuisines.
It’s just about that time of year to get started with cooking summer recipes! With graduation parties, holidays like the 4th of July, and time off to vacation, there’s a lot of cooking and eating to be done. It’s a fun time to experiment in the kitchen and cook with an abundance of the local produce that’s available. This season supports a bountiful supply of fruits and vegetables that bring nutrients and freshness to your plate!