December seasonal produce and recipes! A guide to what’s in season in December plus vegetarian December recipes.
Hi, Rhubarbarians! Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas? It's the time for all the cookies and treats. But there is so much good produce to enjoy in December. Let's celebrate all the December seasonal produce!
Did you try any of the November recipes? Or are you already looking for January recipes?
Your CSA bin might be over for the year, but there is still so much December produce to enjoy! All those cozy root veggies, squash, and fall flavors are abundant in December.
Check out ourvegetarian fall recipesguide for recipes to try each week of fall!
Jump to:
- What produce is in season in December?
- Belgian endive
- Belgian endive recipes
- Grapefruit
- Grapefruit recipes
- Kale
- Kale recipes
- Pomegranate
- Pomegranate recipes
- Sweet potato
- Sweet potato recipes
- Beetroot
- Beet recipes
- Brussels sprout
- Brussels sprout recipes
- Potato
- Potato recipes
- Portobello mushroom
- Portobello mushroom recipes
- Butternut squash
- Butternut squash recipes
- Comments and reviews
What produce is in season in December?
Brrrr! It's cold out and your farmers markets might be closed, but there are still so many fruits and veggies to eat this month! For this list we are going to focus on Belgian endive, grapefruit, kale, pomegranate, sweet potato, beetroot, brussels sprout, potato, portobello mushroom, and butternut squash.
Fruits:
- Grapefruit
- Pomegranate
- Butternut squash
Vegetables:
- Belgian endive
- Kale
- Sweet potato
- Beetroot
- Brussels sprout
- Potato
- Portobello mushroom
What to cook in December? Enjoy all the root vegetables your heart desires. Plus early citrus and cruciferous veggies.
Belgian endive
Belgian endive is a winter vegetable that is in season from October to April. It's a member of the chicory family and has white and yellow leaves that grow in a torpedo shape. Belgian endive is often served raw like a lettuce in salad, but is also delicious when cooked. The sturdy leaves are perfect for using as a base for bite-sized appetizers.
Learn more about Belgian endive
Belgian endive recipes
Belgian endive salad with apples and goat cheese
Easy 15-Minute Belgian Endive Salad recipe! Loaded with crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe
Endive Salad Bites with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Pecans
Endive Salad Bites with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Pecans are an easy, yet elegant appetizer that’s perfect for holiday entertaining! {GF, Vegetarian}
Braising Belgian Endives Makes Them Sweet and Tender
See how easy it is to make deliciously sweet and tender braised Belgian endives with this simple recipe. It can be cooked on the stove or in the oven.
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Cauliflower Gratin with Endive
Oft-overlooked cauliflower is elevated to bubbling, golden-brown heights when paired with Belgian endive and then covered in a rich sauce.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a citrus fruit that is in season from December to March. They are similar to oranges but are larger and more on the tart side. Varieties range from pale yellow in color to a bright ruby hue.
Learn more about grapefruit and grapefruit season
Grapefruit recipes
Grapefruit quinoa salad with herbs and walnuts
Protein packed grapefruit quinoa salad recipe! A bright, vegetarian quinoa bowl with chickpeas, walnuts, grapefruit, and lots of herbs.
Check out this recipe
Honey sweetened ruby grapefruit mimosa
A sparkling ruby red grapefruit mimosa with honey! Naturally sweetened and only 3 ingredients. Your new favorite brunch co*cktail!
Check out this recipe
Grapefruit vinaigrette recipe
Simple, 3-ingredient grapefruit vinaigrette recipe! This zesty grapefruit salad dressing is bursting with citrus flavor and is perfect for brightening up your salads.
Check out this recipe
Broiled Grapefruit
Sweeten up your morning with this nifty way to prepare grapefruit! This is the only way my mother could convince me to eat my grapefruit, and I still eat it this way.
Grapefruit Bars (just like lemon bars) | Dessert Now Dinner Later
Grapefruit Bars are just like your favorite lemon bars with a shortbread crust and citrus curd, but with the sweeter flavor of pink or ruby red grapefruit.
Kale
Kale is a leafy vegetable that is in season from October to April. It's a rough and hearty green that is usually eaten by removing the rib or stem and eating the leaves, although the stem is actually edible. Kale is enjoyed raw or cooked and has been modernly labeled a "superfood."
Kale recipes
Sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic and lemon
Sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic and lemon recipe! A simple yet flavorful way to enjoy broccoli rabe. No blanching needed!
Check out this recipe
Roasted squash salad with broccoli rabe and kale
30-minute roasted squash salad with broccoli rabe and kale recipe! A warm, vegan salad perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meatless monday.
Check out this recipe
Easy saag paneer recipe
Easy saag paneer recipe! A flavorful Indian creamed spinach and greens curry with paneer cheese. A great vegetarian meal!
Check out this recipe
The BEST Kale Chips
These really are the BEST Kale Chips! I’m certain that they will turn any kale hater into a kale chip lover! Easy, healthy and perfect for snacking!
Wilted Kale with Warm Shallot Dressing
Vinegar is the key to making this sautéed kale recipe special. Look for vinegar that’s cloudy--it likely still has some of the “mother” in the bottle and will give you a sweet acidity rather than a harsh bite.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are fruits that are in season from October to January. They have thick, leathery red skin and are filled with juicy pomegranate arils, or juicy coated seeds. The arils can be hard to remove but are delicious eaten as a snack, on a salad, or used to make juice or other sweet or savory dishes.
Pomegranate recipes
Pear and apple spinach salad with honey mustard dressing
10-minute pear and apple spinach salad with honey mustard dressing recipe! This Autumn crunch salad is loaded with pecans, pomegranate, and cheddar cheese.
Check out this recipe
Fresh cranberry smoothie recipe with cinnamon and pomegranate
Amazingly refreshing cranberry smoothie recipe! This cinnamon spiced cranberry pomegranate smoothie is naturally sweetened and a great way to get a healthy boost after the holidays.
Check out this recipe
Easy Sliced Sweet Potato Casserole | Good Life Eats
In this Sliced Sweet Potato Casserole, sweet potato slices are baked in a spiced orange maple glaze and sprinkled with juicy, bright pomegranate arils.
Cranberry Pomegranate Baked Oatmeal | Bucket List Tummy
This Cranberry Pomegranate Baked Oatmeal is bursting with flavor and the perfect winter make-ahead breakfast option for the holidays!
How to make Pomegranate Juice MasalaHerb.com
I show you how to make pomegranate juice. Without seeds, pure real healthy pomegranat juice DIY OR use the amazing kitchen gadget!
Sweet potato
Sweet potatoes are root vegetables that are in season from September to December. They are starchy and similar to potatoes, but have a very sweet flavor. The skin can be russet, tan, cream, light purple, or a red color while the flesh can be orange, yellow, creamy white, or even purple!
Learn more about sweet potatoes
Sweet potato recipes
Creamy sweet potato carrot soup
This super simple sweet potato carrot soup is loaded with fresh herbs and flavor! Absolute comfort food in a bowl! Vegan, gluten free, and paleo friendly. So good!
Check out this recipe
Winter ale roasted sweet potato tacos
Winter ale roasted sweet potato tacos recipe! This easy vegan sweet potato tacos recipe requires minimal prep and is loaded with flavor. The perfect tacos for beer lovers!
Check out this recipe
Sweet potato bolani recipe with garlic yogurt sauce
Simple and delicious sweet potato bolani recipe! Savory Afghan hand pies with cilantro, green onion, and garlic yogurt sauce.
Check out this recipe
Sweet potato and beet wild rice salad with tarragon vinaigrette
Gorgeous sweet potato and beet wild rice salad recipe! This healthy, vegan salad is loaded with roasted root vegetables, a nutty wild rice blend, tart cranberries, and sweet pecans.
Check out this recipe
The Best Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecans - Anyone Can Cook
This is the best Sweet Potato Casserole with pecans you’re going to find! Sweet and rich, it’s the perfect side dish for your holiday table!
Beetroot
Beets are root vegetables that are in season from July to December. They have a long growing season and can be stored for long periods of time after the harvest. They grow in a rainbow of colors and are known to have a very earthy flavor. The entire plant is edible and the greens are delicious!
Beet recipes
Sweet potato and beet wild rice salad with tarragon vinaigrette
Gorgeous sweet potato and beet wild rice salad recipe! This healthy, vegan salad is loaded with roasted root vegetables, a nutty wild rice blend, tart cranberries, and sweet pecans.
Check out this recipe
Golden beet puree with tarragon and yogurt
Golden beet puree with tarragon and yogurt! An easy and healthy homemade baby food recipe that is sure to please your little one. YUM!
Check out this recipe
Root vegetable arugula salad
This golden beet, potato, and arugula salad with tarragon vinaigrette is a delicious, hearty, healthy vegan salad that comes together in only 15 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Sautéed Beet Greens
Sautéed Beet Greens Recipes from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch.
Instant Pot Beets Salad Recipe | Recipes From A Pantry
Instant Pot Beets Salad is a delicious dish that is full of amazing flavors, thank to a bright and tangy tangerine and fresh dill dressing.
Brussels sprout
Brussels sprouts are leafy vegetables similar to mini cabbages. They are in season from September to March when the weather is cool. They are grown on large stalks and every part of the vegetable is edible, even the stalk leaves!
Learn more about brussels sprouts
Brussels sprout recipes
Warm brussels sprout salad with apples and pecans
Warm Brussels sprout salad recipe! A flavorful vegetarian shaved brussels sprout salad with crisp apples, pecans, and creamy blue cheese.
Check out this recipe
Roasted brussels sprouts with lemon tahini sauce
Perfectly caramelized Brussels sprouts are topped with a lemony garlic tahini sauce in this elegant yet fuss free side dish.
Brussel Sprouts Au Gratin (Gluten Free, Easy)
Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is a creamy tasty healthy side perfect for a special occasion or anytime you just feel special.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts - The Gay Globetrotter
Kung pao brussels sprouts are a healthy, easy, and delicious appetizer that taste absolutely delish! We love making these as a quick vegan option!
Pomegranate Salad Roasted Persimmon Brussels Sprouts Maple Dressing
Pomegranate salad with roasted brussels sprouts! This gorgeous salad is warm, flavorful and loaded with antioxidant immunity-boosting nutrients!
Potato
Potatoes are root vegetables that are grown almost all year round. There are so many varieties of potatoes that they can be harvested from early spring to late fall and can be stored for several months after the harvest. Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food when cooked! From mashed to fried, they are the absolutely delicious.
Potato recipes
Instant Pot baked potatoes with crispy skin
Fast and fluffy Instant Pot baked potatoes recipe! Step by step instructions to make baked potatoes in the Instant Pot and get crispy skin.
Check out this recipe
Sour cream and chive mashed potatoes
Creamy sour cream and chive mashed potatoes recipe! Fluffy, whipped mashed potatoes with tangy sour cream and chives. Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot baby potatoes with herb garlic butter
Instant Pot baby potatoes with herb garlic butter recipe! These garlic herb potatoes only take 25 minutes from start to finish in the Instant Pot and are an easy side dish for the whole family.
Check out this recipe
Vegan cauliflower curry with potatoes and cashews
Vegan cauliflower curry with potatoes and cashews recipe! This coconut curry stew is packed full of flavor and healthy ingredients, and ready in under an hour.
Check out this recipe
Beer marinated fries with thyme mayonnaise
Thick cut russet potatoes marinated in Belgian beer, baked to a golden crisp, and served with a homemade thyme mayonnaise.
Check out this recipe
Portobello mushroom
Portobello mushrooms (also known as portabella mushrooms) are edible mushrooms in the agaricus bisporus (mushroom) family. They are in season from December to March during the cold winter, but are commercially sold year round. They are large, fully grown cremini or baby bella mushrooms.
Learn more about portobello mushrooms
Portobello mushroom recipes
Vegan cranberry portobello pot roast
Vegan cranberry portobello pot roast recipe! Serve this over creamy mashed potatoes for the perfect vegetarian holiday dish or a warm and hearty dinner.
Check out this recipe
Sheet pan vegetarian fajitas
Easy sheet pan vegetarian fajitas recipe! You won’t miss the meat in these portobello veggie fajitas cooked on a sheet pan in the oven. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Check out this recipe
Grilled portobello mushroom burgers
Marinated grilled portobello mushroom burgers recipe! These all-American portobello burgers are so tasty, even meat lovers love them. The BEST vegetarian cheeseburgers!
Check out this recipe
Caprese portobello mushroom pizzas
Easy 20-minute caprese portobello mushroom pizza recipe! Vegetarian pizza stuffed portobello mushroom caps perfect for a weeknight meal.
Check out this recipe
Hungarian Vegan Mushroom Soup {Gluten-Free} - Lavender & Macarons
This Vegan Mushroom Soup is so easy to make with Portabella mushrooms and pantry ingredients. It’s also gluten-free and perfect for a cozy family meal.
Butternut squash
Butternut squash is a fruit (yep!) that is in season from September to December. It’s very similar to a pumpkin, but has more of a bell shape and thinner, paler, skin. This winter squash is most commonly eaten when cooked and has a very sweet, squash flavor.
Learn more about butternut squash
Butternut squash recipes
Curried butternut squash cauliflower soup
Cozy curried butternut squash cauliflower soup recipe! This warm vegetable curry soup with rice is always a hit with the whole family.
Check out this recipe
Roasted butternut squash halves
Easy roasted butternut squash halves recipe! Just a few minutes of prep and baked to perfection in the oven. Herb honey butter adds richness and flavor.
Check out this recipe
Sheet pan butternut squash tacos with black beans
Easy sheet pan butternut squash tacos recipe! Vegetarian sheet pan veggie tacos are perfect for a weeknight meal.
Check out this recipe
Maple roasted butternut squash with cranberries and pecans
Cozy maple roasted butternut squash with cranberries recipe! This cranberry pecan butternut squash bake is the perfect blend of fall flavors and makes a great Thanksgiving or holiday side dish.
Check out this recipe
Thai curried butternut squash soup recipe
Easy vegan Thai curried butternut squash soup recipe! A mildly spicy coconut curry butternut squash soup with Thai red curry and fresh lime.
Check out this recipe
That’s a wrap! Hope you enjoy all that great December seasonal produce.
If you make any of these recipes, please let us know on social media or in the comments below! Leave a star rating in your comment or tag us onInstagramwith #Rhubarbarians.
Thank you so much for reading and supporting Rhubarbarians and the brands that we recommend. If you’re looking for a group of people cooking vegetarian recipes through the seasons, join us on Facebook in ourvegetarian and vegan recipes group!
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