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    Home » Seasonal produce guides

    January seasonal produce and recipes

    Published: Jan 1, 2021 · Modified: Feb 7, 2024 by Trish Bozeman · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    January seasonal produce and recipes! A guide to what’s in season in January plus vegetarian January recipes.

    January seasonal produce and recipes graphic

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    Happy new year, Rhubarbarians! We've rounded up some of the best January seasonal produce for you, plus 50 early winter recipes to cook in January.

    Did you try any of our December recipes? Or are you already looking for February recipes?

    Jump to:
    • What produce is in season in January?
    • Grapefruit
    • Grapefruit recipes
    • Kiwi
    • Kiwi recipes
    • Lemon
    • Lemon recipes
    • Parsnip
    • Parsnip recipes
    • Rutabaga
    • Rutabaga recipes
    • Brussels sprout
    • Brussels sprout recipes
    • Potato
    • Potato recipes
    • Orange
    • Orange recipes
    • Leek
    • Leek recipes
    • Portobello mushroom
    • Portobello mushroom recipes
    • Comments and reviews

    What produce is in season in January?

    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!

    Fruits:

    • grapefruit
    • kiwi
    • lemon
    • orange

    Vegetables:

    • Parsnip
    • Rutabaga
    • Brussels sprouts
    • Potato
    • Leek
    • Portobello mushroom

    Here's a curated vegetarian meal plan for early winter using lots of January produce! Participating in Veganuary? These are our favorite Veganuary dinner recipes!

    What to cook in January? Enjoy bright and juicy citrus fruits, root vegetables, winter greens, and earthy mushrooms. Get cozy with roasted vegetable dishes and soups or stews.

    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

    grapefruit

    Grapefruit recipes

    Avocado grapefruit salad with strawberry and manchego
    Avocado grapefruit salad recipe! A flavorful yet simple spring salad with strawberry and mint. Topped with a simple grapefruit vinaigrette.
    Check out this recipe
    avocado grapefruit strawberry salad
    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
    Grapefruit quinoa salad
    Honey sweetened ruby grapefruit mimosa
    A sparkling ruby red grapefruit mimosa with honey! Naturally sweetened and only 3 ingredients. Your new favorite brunch cocktail!
    Check out this recipe
    A sparkling ruby red grapefruit mimosa with honey! Naturally sweetened and only 3 ingredients. Your new favorite brunch cocktail! // Rhubarbarians / champagne / #mimosa #grapefruit #brunch #cocktail #champagne
    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
    A photo of pouring grapefruit vinaigrette onto salad.
    Beet & Grapefruit Carpaccio - Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN
    Thinly sliced beets are layered with sweet and tart Texas red grapefruits and lightly dressed with extra-virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. Top with goat cheese for a creamy, salty addition to every bite. Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan-Friendly
    Check out this recipe
    Beet & Grapefruit Carpaccio - Jessica Levinson, MS, RDN, CDN

    Kiwi

    Kiwis are fuzzy, round little fruits that are in season from September to January here in the Northwest US. They have a distinctive green flesh with tiny black seeds. Although the entire fruit is edible, even the fuzzy skin, many people scoop out the flesh and discard the skin when eating raw (give that skin a try!). They are usually eaten raw, but are great used in baking too!

    Learn more about kiwi

    stack of sliced kiwi

    Kiwi recipes

    Kiwi fruit sauce
    A flavorful fruit sauce made with golden kiwi. Use it as a dressing, dip or marinade.
    Check out this recipe
    stack of sliced kiwi
    Kiwi Maca Cinnamon Nice Cream
    A creamy banana ice cream balanced with the refreshing tartness of fresh kiwi. Naturally dairy-free and refined sugar-free.
    Check out this recipe
    Kiwi Maca Cinnamon Nice Cream
    Kiwi Mandarin Spinach Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
    This Kiwi Mandarin Spinach Salad has a winning combination of healthy greens and colourful fruit, rich in Vitamin C to boost your immune system!
    Check out this recipe
    Kiwi Mandarin Spinach Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
    Kiwi Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
    This delicious vegan recipe by Shangri-La Hotel Toronto is ideal for brunch, afternoon tea or a posh dessert!
    Check out this recipe
    Kiwi Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
    Kiwi Green Smoothie - Recipe - NutriBullet
    Perfectly sweet and super creamy, this green smoothie needs only five simple ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    Kiwi Green Smoothie - Recipe - NutriBullet

    Lemon

    When life gives us lemons, we make.... so many things! Lemons are citrus fruits that are in season from winter to late spring. They are notorious for their vibrant yellow color and their puckeringly sour flavor. Lemons are household staples and can even be used as a cleaner!

    Learn more about lemons

    lemon coconut smoothie with slices of lemon

    Lemon recipes

    Healthy lemon coconut smoothie
    Healthy lemon coconut smoothie recipe! A tart, yet sweet way to load up on probiotics and nutrients. 
    Check out this recipe
    Healthy lemon coconut smoothie recipe! A tart, yet sweet way to load up on probiotics and nutrients. // Rhubarbarians // yogurt smoothie / tropical smoothie
    Honey butter roasted radishes with lemon and thyme
    Simple honey butter roasted radishes recipe with lemon and thyme! These oven roasted radishes cook in honey butter and make an amazing spring side dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Oven roasted radishes with a wooden spoon
    Lemon chickpea arugula salad
    Easy 15-minute lemon chickpea arugula salad recipe! A bright vegan salad with peppery arugula and warm lemon rosemary chickpeas.
    Check out this recipe
    A square photo of a lemon chickpea arugula salad with avocado and radish.
    Vegan Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas & Leeks | ShortGirlTallOrder
    If you are craving a healthier version of your favorite lemon butter pasta dish, look no further! This dairy-free, vegan, and easily gluten-free Lemon Butter Pasta adds peas and charred leeks to the mix for a vegetable filled pasta dish.
    Check out this recipe
    Vegan Lemon Butter Pasta with Peas & Leeks | ShortGirlTallOrder
    Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Steaks
    Impress all your friends with this vegan baked Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Steaks. A tender and creamy steak topped with fresh parsley, toasted pine nuts, and non-dairy parmesan cheese.
    Check out this recipe
    Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Steaks

    Parsnip

    Parsnips are root vegetables that are in season from October to April. They are a shade of pale yellow or ivory and resemble an albino carrot. Like most root vegetables, they are mostly eaten cooked and are delicious when roasted or mashed.

    Learn more about parsnips

    parsnip soup

    Parsnip recipes

    Roasted garlic and parsnip soup
    Creamy, nutty and sweet vegan roasted garlic and parsnip soup with caramelised onions. It's comforting, cosy and perfect for cold wintery days.
    Check out this recipe
    Spiced Roast Parsnips
    Crunchy roast parsnips lightly spiced with curry powder. A delicious Autumn and Winter side dish, it is also vegetarian and vegan/plant based, dairy free and nut free.
    Check out this recipe
    Spiced Roast Parsnips
    Three ways with roasted parsnip
    Roasted parsnip with three different flavour combinations, toppings and ways to change up home made vegan aioli.
    Check out this recipe
    Three ways with roasted parsnip
    Parsnip Mash Recipe - How To Cook Creamy Garlic Mashed Parsnips
    Parsnip Mash Recipe – How to cook creamy mashed parsnip with garlic and healthy ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    Parsnip Mash Recipe - How To Cook Creamy Garlic Mashed Parsnips
    OVEN ROASTED PARSNIPS WITH HONEY POMEGRANATE SAUCE
    These oven roasted parsnips are sweet and tangy with that unmistakable earthy flavor from the parsnips. All the ingredients pair and complement the parsnips into a side dish you can’t forget!!
    Check out this recipe
    OVEN ROASTED PARSNIPS WITH HONEY POMEGRANATE SAUCE

    Rutabaga

    Rutabagas are root vegetables that are in season from October to March. Also known as a swede, they resemble turnips but are larger and have pale, yellow flesh. Rutabagas are sweet and juicy when eaten raw, but become even sweeter when cooked.

    Learn more about rutabaga

    Rutabaga fries

    Rutabaga recipes

    Baked rutabaga fries with spinach cashew cream
    Cashew cream made with spinach, lemon, and garlic is the perfect complement to crispy baked rutabaga fries!
    Check out this recipe
    Rutabaga fries
    Swede Soup - Fantastic Vegan And Vegetarian Soup With Root Vegetables
    Take this swede soup recipe and jazz it up to your taste. For best results roast the root vegetables first for extra sweetness.
    Check out this recipe
    Swede Soup - Fantastic Vegan And Vegetarian Soup With Root Vegetables
    Vegan Instant Pot Lentils and Rice with Rutabaga -
    Need a comforting and easy one-pot dinner that you can make right now? This recipe for Vegan Instant Pot Lentils and Rice with Rutabaga is just the thing.
    Check out this recipe
    Vegan Instant Pot Lentils and Rice with Rutabaga -
    Instant Pot Rutabaga Mash | Recipes From A Pantry
    Instant Pot Rutabaga Mash is a healthy and delicious side dish the whole family will enjoy! It’s quick and easy to make rutabaga mash with the Instant Pot.
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Rutabaga Mash | Recipes From A Pantry
    Baked Garlic & Herb Shoestring Rutabagas
    Change it up a bit and give the rutabaga the place it deserves at your dinner table with this sweet, savory, and nutritious side dish that’s a breeze to make.
    Check out this recipe
    Baked Garlic & Herb Shoestring Rutabagas

    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

    roasted brussels sprouts

    Brussels sprout recipes

    Balsamic roasted brussels sprouts
    These vegan Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts require just 3 ingredients plus salt and pepper! Tossed in balsamic vinegar and garlic-infused olive oil, these roasted Brussels sprouts are loaded with flavor.
    Check out this recipe
    roasted brussels sprouts
    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
    Brussels sprout salad with two serving spoons
    Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts
    Your favorite takeout meal gets a healthy makeover in this Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts recipe. It comes together quickly, so it’s a terrific dinner dish for busy weeknights.
    Check out this recipe
    Sweet and Sour Brussels Sprouts
    Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts (Vegan Gluten-free)
    The Brussels sprouts are roasted in the oven until crispy and served with a 5 ingredient Teriyaki sauce. Serve it as a side dish or an Appetizer, this Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts recipe are for sure
    Check out this recipe
    Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts (Vegan Gluten-free)
    Roasted Brussel Sprouts Fettuccine Alfredo | Vegan | kiipfit.com
    Roasted Brussel Sprouts Fettuccine Alfredo is made with a combination of roasted garlic and creamy white sauce.This vegan dish reflects the opposite flavors
    Check out this recipe
    Roasted Brussel Sprouts Fettuccine Alfredo | Vegan | kiipfit.com

    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 absolutely delicious.

    Learn more about potatoes

    Baked potato with sour cream and chives

    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
    instant pot baked potatoes with sour cream and chives
    Vegan dijon potato salad with peas and herbs
    Vegan dijon potato salad recipe! Loaded with spring peas and herbs. Quick, easy, and perfect for your next side dish!
    Check out this recipe
    herb potato salad in a white bowl
    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
    A square photo of Instant Pot baby potatoes in a white bowl with a spoon holding one potato.
    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
    Vegan cauliflower curry with potatoes and cashews recipe! This coconut curry stew is packed full of flavor and healthy ingredients! Create a warm and comforting dinner in under an hour! // Rhubarbarians //
    Potato tart with chevre, tomato, and quinoa crust
    Potato tart with chevre, tomato, and quinoa crust! Delicious gluten free, vegetarian tart with savory goat cheese, thyme, and a crispy, healthy, quinoa crust! YUM!
    Check out this recipe
    Potato tart with chevre, tomato, and quinoa crust! Delicious gluten free, vegetarian tart with savory goat cheese, thyme, and a crispy, healthy, quinoa crust! YUM!

    Orange

    Oranges are citrus fruits that are in season from January to March. There are a vast number of varieties of oranges, but as a whole they are round with a very orange skin and orange flesh. Oranges are sweet and the entire fruit is enjoyed, including the zest of the skin!

    Learn more about oranges

    blood oranges sliced in half on a cutting board

    Orange recipes

    Vegetarian chili with orange and cinnamon
    Bright and cozy vegetarian chili recipe! You will love the unexpected flavor of this hearty bean chili with orange and cinnamon.
    Check out this recipe
    Vegetarian chili with orange radish and cilantro
    Watermelon radish salad with orange and goat cheese
    Watermelon radish salad with orange and goat cheese recipe! This radish salad is bright, crunchy, and full of flavor. The perfect healthy vegetarian side dish or entree salad.
    Check out this recipe
    watermelon radish salad
    Fresh orange smoothie with yogurt
    Fresh and creamy orange smoothie recipe! An orange creamsicle smoothie made with fresh orange, yogurt, and bit of vanilla and cinnamon
    Check out this recipe
    A square photo of an orange smoothie with cinnamon sticks.
    Blood orange cocktail with gin and rosemary
    Amazingly delicious fresh squeezed blood orange cocktail recipe! A beautiful, red hued cocktail with blood orange, gin, and rosemary.
    Check out this recipe
    A photo of a blood orange cocktail with a slice of orange and rosemary sprig
    Orange pancakes with buttermilk and cinnamon
    Crispy buttermilk orange pancakes recipe! These old fashioned, citrus pancakes are perfect for a weekend breakfast or a holiday brunch.
    Check out this recipe
    A photo of orange pancakes stacked with a slice cut out and maple syrup drizzling down.

    Leek

    Leeks are vegetables that are in season from October to May. They look like giant scallions! They have a mild onion flavor, but are more on the sweet side. The white and pale green parts are mostly used for cooking, while the dark green stem can be very woody and is usually reserved for stock.

    Learn more about leeks

    butternut squash potato leek soup

    Leek recipes

    Butternut squash leek soup with potatoes and herbs
    Cozy vegan butternut squash leek soup recipe! An easy, one-pot butternut squash potato leek soup that is silky smooth and oh-so comforting.
    Check out this recipe
    Butternut squash leek soup with herbs on top
    Creamed Leeks - JackSlobodian
    These creamed leeks are complex in flavour yet very easy to make using one pot and 5 ingredients.
    Check out this recipe
    Creamed Leeks - JackSlobodian
    Sweet Potato Leek Soup
    Sweet Potato Leek Soup - try this delicious healthy version of the classic Leek and Potato soup!
    Check out this recipe
    Sweet Potato Leek Soup
    Creamy Parmesan Leek and Mushroom Pasta | Neighborfood
    A satisfying, 30 minute, vegetarian pasta dish made with leeks and mushrooms in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce.
    Check out this recipe
    Creamy Parmesan Leek and Mushroom Pasta | Neighborfood
    Mushroom and Leek Quiche with Gruyere | NeighborFood
    This deep dish quiche is dotted with leeks, buttery mushrooms, and melty Gruyere cheese. It’s perfect brunch fare!
    Check out this recipe
    Mushroom and Leek Quiche with Gruyere | NeighborFood

    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 picture

    Portobello mushroom recipes

    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
    Portobello mushroom burger with tomato on a metal plate
    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
    Margherita portobello mushroom pizza
    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
    Cranberry portobello pot roast with mashed potatoes
    Portobello Mushroom Fries - Cooking Therapy
    These portobello mushroom fries are the perfect snack. They are really easy to make, so they are perfect for weeknights.
    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.
    Check out this recipe
    Hungarian Vegan Mushroom Soup {Gluten-Free} - Lavender & Macarons

    That’s a wrap! Hope you enjoy all that great January 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 on Instagram with #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 our vegetarian and vegan recipes group!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Robyn Gleason

      January 06, 2017 at 4:30 pm

      Beautiful collection, Patricia. I always look forward to this post - fabulous!

      Reply
      • Patricia Bozeman

        January 07, 2017 at 9:30 am

        Thanks Robyn!

        Reply
    2. wholesomeyum

      January 03, 2017 at 1:27 pm

      What a delicious collection! I need to try some of these ASAP. Thanks for including my rainbow salad recipe.

      Reply
      • Patricia Bozeman

        January 06, 2017 at 9:42 am

        Thanks Maya!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Trish, a vegetarian mom with a passion for cooking meatless meals with seasonal produce. I'll help you create vegetarian recipes that your whole family will love. Welcome!

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    January recipes January produce guide