Getting Nutrient Dense Fruit During Winter Months

One of my favorite things to eat is fruit. Like many people living in the Midwest, I struggle to source nutrient-dense options once the fall and winter months arrive. The purpose of this post is to share practical, reliable ways to keep high-quality fruit in your routine all year long. Below are three solutions I use during the colder seasons.

1. Frozen Fruit

Frozen fruit suppliers typically pick their fruit at the peak of ripeness. To lock in freshness, it’s then flash-frozen—a process that uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze fruit rapidly and reduce nutrient loss. Flash freezing also helps fruit retain its natural flavor and moisture.

Frozen fruit works well in smoothies or as a substitute for ice cubes, adding nutrients while cooling your drink.

2. Ordering Fruit Online

Food delivery services have been around for a while, and most have refined their systems to ship fresh fruit quickly and safely. This means you can access seasonal fruit year-round, even if your local grocery stores fall short in winter.

If you choose this route, make sure to do your research:

• Read reviews

• Compare pricing

• Look at selection and box sizes

• Consider shipping frequency and quality guarantees

Each company operates differently depending on its business model, so a little comparison goes a long way.

3. Dehydrated Fruit

Buying organic fruit and using a dehydrator is another great way to increase access during colder months. While chopping fruit can be time-consuming, a mandoline or food processor can significantly speed up the process.

One of the best parts of dehydrating your own fruit is the ability to customize it. You can sweeten slices with honey or add cinnamon for additional anti-inflammatory benefits. Dehydrated fruit is also lightweight and portable—perfect for on-the-go snacking.

If you prefer to buy dried fruit instead of dehydrating it yourself, pay close attention to the labels. Many store-bought varieties contain added coloring, sugar, or preservatives. Choose organic when possible for a higher-quality option. Find it in the bilk section or snack isle.

Why Canned Fruit Didn’t Make the List

Canning your own fruit is possible and can be rewarding, but it requires strict temperature control for sterilization, as well as storage space for both the finished jars and the equipment. The process can also get expensive.

As for store-bought canned fruit, many options contain additives and preservatives that aren’t ideal for regular consumption. For those reasons, canned fruit isn’t one of my preferred options during the winter months.

Final Thoughts

I hope this gives you some practical alternatives for accessing nutrient-dense fruit when local options are limited.

• Frozen works best for smoothies and drinks.

• Online ordering is convenient if you have the time and resources—just be sure to research your options.

• Dehydrating is great for creating quick, portable snacks with added health benefits.

If you choose canned or packaged dried fruit, always read the label and choose organic whenever possible.

Love, Light, Joy, Peace and Abundance,

Malik