If you visit your local vegetable market, you’re bound to be greeted with a splendid variety of vegetables of all shapes, sizes and colours. Vegetables remain some of the most nutritious and healthy foods available for consumption. But not all vegetables are freshly available throughout the year. Some are harvested in winter, while others are in summer and so on.
Nutrition experts recommend that one should consume vegetables that are in season since they’re the freshest and in their most nutritious state. They also taste their best when they’re just ready to be plucked in the right season. Off-season vegetables may have been plucked too early and stored for longer periods, robbing them of their nutrition.
Seasonal Vegetables in India
India is home to hundreds of varieties of indigenous seasonal vegetables grown at different times of the year. You get plenty of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fibre if you include these vegetables in your diet.
Vegetables in Summer
Summer vegetables in India give you the required nutrients while keeping your body cool at the same time. Let us look at some delicious summer vegetable options:
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Spinach
Spinach is a great addition to your summer diet. It is among the best seasonal vegetables in India since it’s rich in Vitamin A, and C, Folic Acid and plenty of iron. It’s amazing for your body since it improves eye health, is an antioxidant and lowers blood pressure. It also strengthens the immune system.
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Cucumber
They don’t say “as cool as a cucumber” for nothing. Cucumber has a high water content which cools your body during the summer season. It contains antioxidants and nutrients like vitamins K, and C. It is delicious in salads or with yoghurt. When in season, you can even find vendors selling spiced cucumber that you can munch when on the go.
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Bitter Gourd
Bitter Gourd or Karela is already famous for its various health benefits. But people tend to avoid it as soon as someone takes this summer vegetables name. When trimmed correctly and cooked right, even karela can be very delicious. Karela contains a whole lot of Vitamin C and A. It also contains Folate, Iron, Zinc and potassium.
Vegetables in Winter
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Brinjal
A hot and smoky preparation of Baingan Bharta (Roasted Eggplant) can be so inviting during winter. Brinjal has a good nutritional value since it contains dietary fibre, potassium and Vitamin B6. It is also high in antioxidants, thus helping prevent heart disease and cancer.
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Methi
Methi or fenugreek is one such winter vegetables name that has found many takers because of its excellent medicinal properties. It’s one of the most nutritious herbs from the winter crop.
It is rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. It is also a great source of dietary fibre. Its medicinal properties are beneficial in preventing a host of diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart ailments.
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French Beans
French beans or green beans are among the best winter vegetables in India. They are an amazing source of Vitamin C and B9. Besides that, they also contain moderate amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fibre, and calcium.
It is so important to ensure that your plate of food contains the right type of seasonal vegetables. You need a balance of nutrients as well as variety to make your food interesting and delicious. To help you choose your veggies for your specific diet plan, you can enlist the help of a nutritionist. With FITFEAST, you get an expert dietician personally assigned to you, one who can recommend you the best seasonal vegetables for your fitness goals.
FAQs
Q. Why is it important to include seasonal vegetables in your diet?
A: Vegetables are at their freshest and most nutritious when they’re in season. Therefore, it is recommended that you include seasonal vegetables in your diet to make the most of their nutrients.
Q. What are some examples of seasonal vegetables?
A: Some examples of seasonal vegetables include tomato, cucumber, bitter gourd, brinjal, methi and green beans.
Q. How can you tell which vegetables are in season?
A: Seasonal vegetables will look the freshest, with the most vivid colour, and your local vendor will have plenty in stock. When in doubt, you can always enquire your vendor about seasonal vegetables.