In Norway, the winter season can be quite harsh, with cold temperatures and reduced daylight hours. However, there are several vegetables that are typically in season during the winter months. These vegetables are often grown in greenhouses or cold storage to provide fresh produce during this time.
Although most fruit and vegetables can be bought in stores all year, it is better for the climate to eat locally produces food. Not only will you avoid supporting long distance transport, and sometimes unknown conditions for the workers at the farms, but you will also support Norwegian farmers in the through the though winter months.
Sometimes food in the stores are marked with “kortreist” meaning “short travelled”, referring to food grown locally. You can also look for the branding “Nyt Norge”, translated to “Enjoy Norway”. This way, you will know for sure that the food is produced within the country’s boarders. And although the variety in the winter months is less than during the summer, there are many great dishes to be made with these vegetables at hand.
Source: Pixabay
Here are som winter seasonal vegetables in Norwegian winter may include. And yes, the list is completed with the Norwegian words too!
Cabbage - Kål
Varieties like white cabbage, red cabbage, and savoy cabbage are commonly available in the winter.
Carrots - Gulrot
Carrots can be stored for extended periods and are available throughout the winter. It also adds nice color to any dish.
Brussels Sprouts - Rosenkål
Brussels sprouts are a popular winter vegetable in Norway and are often served as a side dish.
Potatoes - Poteter
Potatoes are a staple in Norwegian cuisine and are available year-round, with many varieties suited for winter storage. Feel free to make your French fries and grilled potato boats, but if you really want to make a Norwegian dish, go for boiled potatos and salty herring.
Beets - Rødbeter
Beets can be harvested in late autumn and stored throughout the winter months. The Norwegian name “rødbeter” can be directly translated as red part/bit.
Parsnips - Pastinakk
Parsnips are another root vegetable that can thrive in cold weather and are available during the winter.
Kale - Grønnkål
Kale is a hardy leafy green that can withstand cold temperatures and is often used in winter dishes.
Leeks - Purreløk
Leeks are available in the winter and can add flavor to soups and stews.
Spinach - Spinat
Spinach is a leafy green that can be grown in greenhouses during the winter months.
It's important to note that the availability of these vegetables may vary depending on the region of Norway and local farming practices. Greenhouses and modern storage methods have allowed Norwegians to have access to a wider variety of fresh vegetables during the winter, but some of these may still be considered seasonal due to the climate.
Source: Pixabay
Remember to eat your veggies!
Best,
Hannah, OLS Community Manager – Norwegian.