As we approach cool or cold winters, the market basket changes. The funny thing about seasons is that people in different parts of the world eat different things at the same time of year because they are in different seasons. When the aching winter lashes the Northern Hemisphere, those in the Southern Hemishpere savour or languish the blistering summer heat. This is great for tourism as people in temperate climates head towards more agreeable weather. While winter grinds some to a freezing halt, the same time of year sees spikes in tourism for countries that are tropical or experiencing summer. This is also very useful if you are buying foods imported from different regions across the world. Nature is truly a splendid diva!
While every living thing droops over here in the Middle Eastern summer, we pine when our food loving friends boast their bountiful strawberry yield. We have months to go before those show up in our markets in the new year. Yes, over here, strawberry is a winter fruit! Due to our harsh dessert summers, few crops withstand the peltering 122F/ 50C summer sun and strawberries certainly isn’t one of them. This is why seasonal food calendars vary from region to region, so one size doesn’t fit all.
Nevertheless, here is our list for the good things to look out for this season (tomatoes are only in season this time of year in the UAE) …
what’s in season in winter
Avocado
Bananas
Beans (especially pinto and black varieties)
Beetroot
Broccoli
Broccolini
Brussel Sprouts
Buckwheat
Cabbage
Carrot
Chinese Cabbage
Savoy Cabbage
Capon
Cauliflower
Caviar
Celeriac
Celery Root
Chestnuts
Chicory
Clams
Clementines
Cod
Cranberries
Daikon
Dried Summer Fruits
Duck
Endive
Escarole
Fennel
Grapfruit- ordinary, pink
Greens
Guinea Fowl
Kale
Kiwi
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lentils
Lobster
Mackerel
Mussels
Nuts and nut oils
Oranges- all, Madarin, blood, grapefruit, kumquats, lemons, Meyer lemons
Oysters
Parsnips
Passion fruit
Pheasant
Potatoes
Raddichio
Rabbit
Rosemary
Rutabagas
Partridge
Pineapple
Pomegranate
Quail
Quince
Sausages
Sea bass
Scallops
Squashes, winter
Squid
Star fruit
Spinach
Sweet Potato
Tangerines
Tropical fruits
Turkey
Truffles, black
Veal shanks
Venison
Yams
shoshanaspa says
Do you have a good recipe with chestnuts?
Chef and Steward says
We do not have one for chestnuts, but will be on the lookout for them in the markets for you.
shoshanaspa says
Thank you!
Didi Paterno-Magpali (@didipaterno) says
Hi Guys! These veggies and fruits are seasonal for produce from the Middle East region? Also buy a lot of produce from neighboring countries if UAE is not available
Chef and Steward says
Didi, the items are in season during winter, but not all are available in the UAE or nearby. However, if you use the list as a guide, you can be look out for those items. Some things do not grow here at all (eg. never seen local citrus, pomegranates etc) but grow in the region.
My French Heaven says
The first shot is absolutely STUNNING!!
Chef and Steward says
Thanks ever so much!
Dima Sharif says
I just adore your photos, I want to live in your veg basket. I promise to go easy on the eating lol Love the list all are fab ingredients to cook with.
Always Fab Kari
Chef and Steward says
Thanks Dima! I really miss the Farmer’s Market on the Terrace because it provided us with local and often organic vegetables, some of which you can’t find in the regular markets. But that said, both Chef Lij and I LOVE going market shopping. For us, it is an outing all on its own!
growthbytheseason says
If only i could get all those fresh delicious items in the winter at my local Northern Michigan Market! We have hearty greens and lots of root veggies, but I’d adore a chance to pick up that long list of goods you’re able to. These fabulous pictures help ease the pain!
Searching For Sugar Plums says
Great post, I really enjoy your blog. I’ve been trying to eat more seasonally as well, and love going to the farmer’s market to get what’s fresh and local. Grocery store food just isn’t the same!