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Somehow, the winter season increases the appetite of everyone. The urge to eat more while relaxing throughout the day is unavoidable. Also, winter has some of the most appetising seasonal produce that are hard to resist. Most of the fruits and vegetables that are grown during the winter season are extremely healthy. While some of them are hot in tendency and only good for consumption in winter, many of these can be consumed throughout the year. There are five such winter special foods that should be consumed throughout the year. Also, there are proper techniques of storing them so one doesn't have to worry about proper storage and wasting of food.
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* Leafy Green Vegetables
Everybody is aware that winter is the time of green and fresh vegetables. These vegetables have a dynamic nutritional profile and give the body various nutrients and vitamins. Some of the most popular leafy green vegetables from the winter season include spinach, mustard, leaves and fenugreek leaves. All of these are a powerhouse of antioxidants and vitamins. Palak Paneer and Sarso Ka Saag are scrumptious winter delicacies and who wouldn't like to eat them throughout the year. The best way to store these vegetables for summer is by blanching the leaves in hot water for a couple of minutes. Then one has to directly put them in ice water and let them cool. Do not let the leaves freeze and take them out as soon as they will start freezing. After that, store them in either ziplock bags or airtight containers.
* Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato is a very rich source of carbohydrates and has a very sweet taste and smooth texture as well. Other than carbohydrates, it also comes with a lot of nutrients and can be used to make a lot of snacks and whatnot. While sweet potatoes are an exceptional snack during winter, one can also have it during summer as well. One can easily store sweet potatoes for summer by following this simple technique. Taking firm sweet potatoes is indispensable if one wants to store them for winter. Keeping them in a dark place is extremely important to make sure that the sweet potatoes are not exposed to sunlight. It will also prevent any kind of sprouting. One must avoid storing onions and sweet potatoes together as the combination of gasses of these two is not good.
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* Carrots And Radishes
Carrots and radishes are also abundantly available during the winter season. One can make so many special dishes from both these root-based vegetables. Both of these are used to make parathas, sabzis, sweet dishes and salads. The sad part is that the best quality of these vegetables is only available during winter. But there is an amazing way to store these vegetables and enjoy them during the winter season. One has to simply wash and peel these vegetables and then cut them into small pieces. Then these vegetables must be blanched after which one must let them rest for a couple of minutes. After this, these vegetables must be kept in ice water as it will help in retaining the colour and texture of the vegetables. Once these vegetables are dried, they must be kept in the freezer, packed in containers.
* Citrus Fruits
Winter is also the season of seasonal fruits like oranges and kinnows. As the winter ascends, the quality of these fruits starts getting better. All the citrus fruits are great sources of vitamins and antioxidants. Both vitamins and antioxidants are excellent for the immune system of the body. Just like other winter products, it is also possible to store citrus fruits. First, the peel of the fruit must be removed and all the segments must be separated. These separated segments must be stored in the freezer. Once these segments are frozen properly, store them in an airtight container. Make sure that these fruits are stored in a dark and cold place. The storage jars must be sterilised.
* Green Peas
Green peas are also cultivated during the winter season which is why one can get the best quality of peas during the winter season. Although different quality green peas are also available during summer, the ones available during winter are extremely sweet and crunchy. To store the best quality of winter peas for summer, the peas need to be blanched first and then kept in freezing water. Then the peas must be dried and kept in airtight bags in the freezer. This process will help in storing fresh and sweet peas throughout the year.
These are some healthy winter products that must be consumed throughout the year and stored by following some simple tips.
