Newsletters & Blog
December 2024
Celebrate Root Vegetables This December!
As the year winds down and winter sets in, it’s the perfect time to embrace the earthy goodness of root vegetables. December is National Root Vegetable Month, and it's an excellent opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse array of nutritious and delicious root veggies available.
Michigan, with its rich agricultural heritage, is a fantastic place to delve into the world of root vegetables. From carrots and beets to radishes and turnips, these versatile vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are perfect for hearty winter meals that warm you from the inside out.
Root vegetables are not only nutritious but also incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Roasted: Toss your favorite root vegetables with olive oil, salt, and herbs, then roast them until tender and caramelized.
- Mashed: Create a twist on the classic mashed potatoes by incorporating parsnips, turnips, or rutabagas for added flavor and nutrition.
- Soups and Stews: Root vegetables add depth and heartiness to any soup or stew, making them perfect for cold winter days.
- Salads: Shave raw root vegetables like beets and carrots into salads for a fresh, crunchy texture.
To further enrich your root vegetable journey, let's explore these educational activities:
- Potatoes: More Than Fries (Grades K-2)
- Dig 'Em Up (Grades K-2)
- Vegetables: Tops and Bottoms (Grades 3-5)
Supporting local farms is a wonderful way to celebrate National Root Vegetable Month. Visit your local farmers' market to find fresh, locally grown root vegetables.
This December, embrace the season by celebrating the rich, hearty flavors and nutritional benefits of root vegetables. Enjoy the bounty Michigan has to offer and make root vegetables a staple in your winter diet!
Previous Articles
- November 2024: Thank a Farmer!
- October 2024: Start Getting Excited for National Apple Month
- September 2024: Starch Getting Excited for National Potato Month
- August 2024: Fall Field Trips: Find Local Farms
- June 2024: Festival Roadmap of Michigan
- April 2024: Impatiens, and Begonias, and Petunias! Oh my!
- March 2024: Egg-cellent Food & Fun
- January 2024: Sweet Treats from Beets!
- October 2023: Poinsettia!
- October 2023: It's Corn!
- July 2023: 5 ways to talk about agriculture while teaching!
- June 2023: Educator of the Year's 5 ways to recharge over the summer
- April 2023: "All together now" through agriculture
- January 2023: Book of the Year: I LOVE Strawberries
- December 2022: 5 Reasons why you should add FARM Crates to your classroom
- September 2022: Lake Superior State University Education Students Bring Agriculture into their Classrooms
- August 2022: Fall harvest - Find local produce