December brings a bounty of fresh, flavorful produce — and shopping seasonal is one of the best ways to save money, enjoy better taste, and support local growers. This December — What’s in Season Guide highlights the fruits and vegetables at their peak this month, with recipe ideas, preparation tips, and notes on nutrition and flavor. Use it to plan meals, streamline grocery trips, and get the most from winter’s harvest.
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DECEMBER SEASONAL PRODUCE
December’s cooler temperatures favor root vegetables, hearty greens, citrus, and several festive ingredients like cranberries and pomegranates. Below is a practical guide to what’s in season in December, plus simple ways to enjoy each item.
If you want more resources for feeding your family affordably, check my guides on feeding a family on a budget and budget-friendly menu planning. I also share printable monthly and weekly menu planners and tips for building a well-stocked pantry — all helpful for eating seasonally and saving both time and money.
December also means peppermint treats and holiday celebrations. Wishing you and your family a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
DECEMBER — WHAT’S IN SEASON GUIDE
Beets
Beets have an earthy sweetness that shines when roasted, pickled, or combined with tangy or creamy elements. If you’re new to beets, start with roasted beet salads or try them in baked goods for natural moisture and color.
Recipe ideas: roasted beet salad; chocolate beet cake with balsamic berries; beet-based appetizers for game day.
Broccoli
Broccoli is versatile and kid-friendly. Roasting with olive oil, garlic, and a bit of salt brings out a nutty flavor as the florets begin to brown. It’s also great steamed, sautéed, or added to soups and quiches.
Recipe ideas: broccoli and leek quiche; sautéed broccoli with pecans and garlic; broccoli cheese soup; chicken teriyaki with broccoli.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are excellent roasted, caramelized, or paired with bacon, apples, or balsamic glaze. When available on the stalk, they stay fresher longer and are a fun find at markets.
Recipe ideas: lemon pepper Brussels sprouts with bacon; balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts; roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta; Brussels sprouts with apples and bacon.
Cabbage
Cabbage is economical, long-lasting, and nutritious — high in vitamins K and C, B6, fiber, and minerals. Use it in coleslaw, braised dishes, soups, or stuffed cabbage rolls.
Recipe ideas: corned beef and cabbage; stuffed cabbage with cashew cream; cabbage lasagna; tomato turmeric cabbage stew.
Carrots
Carrots are great raw, roasted, juiced, or blended into soups and smoothies. They add natural sweetness and color to a wide range of dishes.
Recipe ideas: morning glow tonic; corned beef shepherd’s pie; pot roast with carrots; creamy carrot and cauliflower soup.
Citrus (Oranges, Clementines, Lemons, Limes)
Citrus is at its brightest in winter. Fresh-squeezed juice, zest in baked goods, and citrus segments in salads all highlight this season’s fruit. If you can, pick locally or visit a U-pick — fresh citrus is especially rewarding.
Recipe ideas: triple citrus roasted chicken; orange and scallion quinoa; grapefruit scones; lemon-thyme grilled salmon.
Cranberries
Fresh cranberries are perfect for holiday sauces, baked goods, and fruit-forward side dishes. Their bright tartness balances rich or sweet flavors.
Recipe ideas: homemade cranberry sauce; grilled pork chops with cranberry applesauce; orange cranberry oatmeal.
Kale
Kale is sturdy and nutrient-dense — great for chips, smoothies, sautés, and hearty soups. Massage raw kale for salads or cook it down for a milder taste.
Recipe ideas: kale smoothies; Portuguese kale and potato soup; kale pesto; cheesy bacon kale stuffed chicken.
Parsnips
Parsnips offer a sweet, nutty flavor and work well roasted, mashed, or in soups and pies. They make a great alternative to potatoes or carrots in many recipes.
Recipe ideas: parsnip, carrot & lentil soup; parsnip, leek & mushroom pie; crispy parsnip fries; creamy whipped parsnips.
Pomegranates
Pomegranate arils add a juicy burst and vibrant color to salads, desserts, and savory sauces. They can be pricey but are worth it for special dishes or festive garnishes.
Recipe ideas: pomegranate and goat cheese salad; pomegranate lemonade; rainbow salad with pomegranate vinaigrette; scallops with pomegranate sauce.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a year-round staple that shine in winter: baked, mashed, roasted, or in stews and chowders. Keep a variety on hand for different textures and dishes.
Recipe ideas: slow cooker baked potatoes; loaded potatoes; homemade mashed potatoes; potato chowder.
Radishes
Radishes bring a peppery crunch to salads and tacos; roasting mellows their spice and transforms them into a tender side. Quick pickles are another easy, flavorful option.
Recipe ideas: oven-roasted radishes with peas and dill; quick radish pickles; rosemary roasted radishes; cabbage, radish & apple coleslaw.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and satisfying. Bake them whole, mash them, or use in casseroles and breakfast hashes. They pair well with both savory and sweet flavors.
Recipe ideas: mashed sweet potatoes with browned butter; sweet potato donuts; restaurant-style baked sweet potatoes; sweet potato and turkey hash.
Turnips
Turnips are low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They can be roasted, boiled, mashed, or incorporated into stews and gratins.
Recipe ideas: New England boiled dinner; turnips au gratin; mashed carrots and turnips; turnip and chickpea meatballs.
Winter Squash
Winter squash varieties like butternut, acorn, spaghetti, and pumpkin have dense, sweet flesh and long storage life. They’re full of vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B6, and minerals. Roast, mash, stuff, or blend into soups and baked dishes.
Recipe ideas: crockpot potato-stuffed squash; butternut squash and veggie bake; five-cheese butternut ziti bake; winter squash soup; praline-stuffed acorn squash.
Is there a December favorite I missed? Tell me your go-to in-season fruit or vegetable for December — I’d love to hear what you’re cooking this month.