10 easy ways to eat fruit in winter
Winter may lack summer’s bounty, but crisp apples, juicy pears and citrus can brighten meals. Try these tips for adding fruit to your winter diet
Winter might lack the vibrant abundance of summer fruits, but there are still plenty of delicious, nutritious ways to enjoy seasonal produce during the colder months. From crisp apples and juicy pears, to zesty citrus fruits, winter offers a variety of options to brighten up your meals.
For more inspiration on achieving your five-a-day, explore our collection of winter salad recipes or browse our healthy winter recipes, packed with seasonal fruits and veg. Looking to make vegetables the star of your meals? Don’t miss our top 10 dishes that celebrate winter vegetables.
Here are 10 easy and creative ways to incorporate fruits into your winter diet.
1. Make a winter fruit salad
Create a vibrant winter fruit salad by combining seasonal favourites like juicy pears, jewel-like pomegranate seed and sweet dried fruits, like figs and apricots. Finish with a drizzle of honey and sprinkle of crunchy nuts for extra flavour and texture. Perfectly refreshing, and packed with goodness!
Check out which fruits are in season using our seasonal calendar.
2. Bake apples or pears
Transform apples or pears into a cosy dessert. These fruits pair beautifully with warming winter spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. For a simple yet comforting treat, explore our selection of crumble recipes. If you’re after something a little more showstopping, why not try one of our elegant sweet tart recipes? Perfect for any occasion, these bakes are sure to impress.
3. Add citrus fruits to your meals
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy citrus fruits at their best, from juicy oranges and sweet tangerines, to tangy grapefruits. Add a burst of flavour to your salads with vibrant citrus slices, whisk their juice into zesty dressings, or enjoy them as a refreshing snack.
4. Blend smoothies with frozen fruits
Stay healthy this winter by whipping up vibrant smoothies with frozen berries or fruit juice. Pair them with seasonal favourites like bananas or pears for a refreshing boost. For a nutrient-packed vegan breakfast, try our green spirulina smoothie. Creamy avocado adds richness, while spirulina offers health benefits such as supporting cholesterol management. Discover more about the benefits of spirulina in our guide, and check out more smoothie recipes for a natural energy drink.
5. Top your breakfast with fruits
Give your breakfast a boost by adding sliced bananas, dried cranberries or stewed apples to your porridge or yogurt. These simple additions enhance the flavour with natural sweetness and pack in extra nutrients. Need some inspiration? Check out our handy guide on how to make porridge, then explore our collection of porridge recipes – from comforting classics, to creative twists like our carrot cake porridge.
6. Make a warm fruit compote
Create a cosy fruit compote by gently simmering dried apricots, cherries and figs with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. This versatile topping is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to yogurt or porridge, and can be added to pancakes and waffles.
7. Enjoy dried fruits
Dried fruits like prunes, apricots and raisins are a convenient and nutrient-packed option for winter. Pair them with nuts and popcorn in our healthy almond, raisin & popcorn trail mix for a quick snack, or add them to baked goods such as our oatmeal raisin cookies for a burst of sweetness.
8. Incorporate pomegranate seeds
Pomegranate seeds are a winter staple, perfect for sprinkling over salads, porridge or desserts. Their jewel-like colour and tangy sweetness add a burst of flavour and touch of elegance to any dish, all while providing a hit of antioxidants. Want to know more? Read our guide on the health benefits of pomegranates and discover why these vibrant seeds deserve a place in your diet.
Try them sprinkled over our turkey schnitzel with rocket & pomegranate salad for a speedy midweek dinner.
9. Try a winter fruit cake
Classic winter fruitcakes contain dried fruits like raisins, currants and apricots. Enjoy a slice with tea or coffee for a festive, fruity treat. Check out more winter cake recipes and learn how to throw an afternoon tea party with our easy afternoon tea recipes, perfect for enjoying with loved ones when it’s cold outside.
10. Use canned fruit
Winter may not be the peak season for colourful fruits, but canned options like pineapple, peaches and mango mean you can enjoy a burst of sunshine any time of year with no worry about them spoiling. For a tropical twist to brighten up those darker days, try our coconut & mango sponge – a delightful escape to warmer climes from the comfort of your kitchen.
Enjoy this? Check out more:
Freezable winter dinners
Winter stew recipes
Top quick winter dinner ideas
Budget winter recipes
Top winter soup recipes
