DLJ Produce

When most people think of fresh produce, they think immediately of the summer or fall. That’s when many traditional fruits and veggies ripen due to the climate of North America. What consumers may not understand is that supermarkets have made fresh produce possible, regardless of what time of year it is.

However, ripe, fresh produce is available year-round from local sources, as growing seasons vary from fruit to fruit and veggie to veggie. If you’re looking to eat right and get the best nutrition possible while also eating local produce bursting with flavor, check out a few of these fruits and vegetables that are ripe in February.

Broccoli

The bane of every little kids’ diet is a surprisingly great source of nutrition for adults. While the earthy flavor might put some people off, but when cooked right or eaten raw with a dip, broccoli provides a one-two punch of nutrition and taste.

Broccoli is high in several key nutrients, including iron, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Plus, it’s low in calories and high in protein.

If you want to enjoy broccoli but you’re apprehensive, try it steamed, roasted, or sauteed with lemon, olive oil, and a touch of parmesan cheese.

Squash

Although squash is often associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas, it actually reaches its ripest in February, including the butternet, acorn, and winter varieties. Plus, its almost sweet flesh provides a nice option for both sweet and savory dishes.

When you eat squash, you’re also getting huge doses of vitamins, including vitamin C and up to 450% of vitamin D.

Try roasted squash with brown sugar and a touch of butter to unleash its flavors.

Oranges

Bright, vibrant, juicy oranges usually are associated with summer. But surprisingly, many varieties of oranges actually become their ripest in February.

Along with their famous dose of vitamin C, oranges also pack a ton of other nutrients in the form of antioxidants, which can help hearth and immune system health.

While you can always enjoy an orange on its own, pull off a few wedges and add them to breakfast cereal, salads, or even oatmeal to increase the flavor and nutrition.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is often known as the bitter cousin of the orange, but with a touch of brown sugar, it’s a sweet-meets-bitter harmony that gives you a delectable treat.

It’s low in calories but high in nutrition, offering vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and magnesium. And like oranges, grapefruits are high in antioxidants to support your body and immune system.

If the grapefruit is a bit too bitter for your liking, you still have other options to enjoy it. Try baking it with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, roast it with coconut and mint, or try it with a dollop of coconut cream.

At DLJ Produce, although we share information with you relating to fresh produce, our produce selection may vary.  We supply grocery stores throughout the country with the finest, freshest fruits and vegetables all year long.  We ask you to look for our label when buying sweet California grapes, citrus products and more.

Get the Flavor and Nutrition You Deserve

While you can certainly buy just about anything at the supermarket, fresh, sustainable produce packs an extra punch of nutrition and flavor. So why not eat what nature intended? Stop by your local produce store to get some of these fruits and veggies. Your body and your taste buds will definitely notice the difference.  Got a produce question or want to know more about our selection of fresh fruits and vegetables?  Send us a note, we love hearing from our customers and the public.