For what ? Their nutritional qualities, their taste and even their ecological impact leave something to be desired. Here are the fruits that are best banned from your winter plate.
Fruits out of season: an unwise choice for your health and the environment
THE artificially ripened fruits are often full of pesticides. Cultivated in greenhouses or imported from distant countries such as Spain, Morocco, or even other continents, they are harvested before maturity, which alters their quality. “These fruits lack taste, nutrients and have a high carbon footprint“, underlines Alexandra Murcier, dietitian-nutritionist.
Studies show that some winter fruits have up to half as much vitamin C than their summer versions, while being low in sugars and antioxidants. The latter, like polyphenols, however play a key role in the fight against cellular aging.
The list of 10 fruits to avoid in winter
According to Alexandra Murcier, here are the fruits that are best avoided in winter, because they do not develop naturally during this season:
- Watermelon
- Fishing
- Blackcurrant
- Apricot
- Blackberry
- The cherry
- The grapes
- Figs
- Gooseberries
- Tomatoes
These summer fruits are not only less tasty in winter, but also low in essential nutrients. In addition, their transport over long distances worsens their ecological footprint. “They also do not tolerate freezing well, which compromises their texture and taste.“, specifies the specialist.
Some exceptions to consider
Three fruits nevertheless stand out on this list:
the melon, mango And raspberry. Although they are not in season, they tolerate freezing well, which makes them edible without losing their nutritional qualities.
Fruits to favor in winter
To take full advantage of the benefits of fruits in winter, turn to those that are in season. Alexandra Murcier recommends options rich in vitamins and minerals:
- The kiwi
- The orange
- The banana
- The lawyer
- Pineapple
-
Lychee
-
Passion fruit
- The chestnut
- Lemon
- Clementine
- The pomegranate
- The khaki
- Mandarin
- Mango
- The pear
- The pomelo
- The apple
These seasonal fruits, in addition to their local availability for some, are full of essential vitamins to boost your immunity and energy during winter.