6 Unusual Fruits and Vegetables to Try This Winter
Winter might not be thought of as a fruitful time for fresh produce, but some new and unusual fruits and vegetables are hitting supermarkets this season. From citrus to melons and fresh greens, here are six varieties to look for now:
MandaRosa Mandarins
Last January, California-based Pro Citrus Network introduced this new variety of red-fleshed mandarins, which is a mix between a blood orange and a clementine. These seedless, sweet fruits are among the juiciest citrus you’ll ever try and have a reddish-orange center rich in super-antioxidants called anthocyanins. Grab them while you can: They’re available now through end of February.
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RubyFrost Apples
If a Braeburn and an Autumn Crisp had a baby, it would be New York-grown RubyFrost. This beautiful big apple (see what we did there?) was developed by Cornell University and first introduced in 2014, yet 2020 marks the highest distribution around the U.S. What makes the RubyFrost variety extra special is its increased levels of vitamin C, which not only make it good for you but also help to prevent browning of the apple (i.e., they’re perfect for slicing on charcuterie boards!). Look for them in supermarkets like BJ’s, Costco, Sprouts and Fresh Market.
See more: 17 Irresistible Apple Recipes
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Dino Melons
This Brazilian-grown specialty fruit first became available to U.S. consumers in the winter of 2019, and today it’s imported by California’s SGS Produce, among others. Similar in size to a small cantaloupe or honeydew, this melon has a sweet taste balanced with a hint of tartness. Fun fact: It got its name from its dinosaur-egg appearance, making this treat especially fun for kids. Find one through February in Whole Foods and Asian or specialty markets.
Purple Brussels Sprouts
An exotic-looking variety of the typical green Brussels sprouts, these elusive cruciferous veggies are typically only available through the end of January and are usually imported from Holland. They’re sweeter and milder in taste than traditional Brussels, with a slightly nutty flavor, says Phil Wong, senior vegetable procurement manager with Freshly. Check Trader Joe’s or farmers markets to find them.
See more: What’s in Season This Winter?
Fingered Citron
You may want to buy one if for no other reason than to Instagram it, as fingered citron — or Buddha’s hand, as it’s also known — is one of the wildest-looking fruits out there. This unusual fruit is like a cross between a lemon and an orange. It’s mainly grown in China, has long, finger-like strips and an incredibly fragrant peel, and is available in many grocery stores during citrus season. There’s no juice, but its magic is in the zest: Grate the peel to flavor oatmeal, baked goods, salads, dressing, meat marinades and more, says John Fawkes, nutritional counselor with The Unwinder.
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Puntarella
Like arugula? You’ll love puntarella, an Italian green imported by New York-based Baldor that has a deep, earthy bitterness; the crunch of celery and fennel; and an extra-large core, the sweetest and most prized part of the head. To mellow out the stems, soak them in ice water before tossing into salads, serving raw with a dipping sauce, or parboiling and then sautéing with garlic to add to pastas. Find puntarella at select specialty grocers.
Looking for more unusual fruits and vegetables? Check out these 6 Bizarre Hybrid Fruits and Vegetables You Should Know About