Nutrition ·
Winter Fruits: Which Fruits Are in Season in Winter?
The fruits most eaten in winter are citrus fruits such as oranges, mandarins, grapefruit and lemons, along with pomegranates, quinces, apples, pears, kiwis and persimmons. In Turkey the citrus season opens in autumn and runs through winter, while apples, pears and quinces are picked in autumn and stored. Rose hips and hawthorn berries are dried for winter teas.
Once the summer fruit is gone, market stalls turn orange and red. In this post we bring together winter fruits, how to choose them, how to store them and simple ways to use them at home.
Which fruits are winter fruits?
- Citrus: oranges, mandarins, grapefruit, lemons
- Pomegranate
- Quince
- Apples and pears
- Kiwi
- Persimmon
- Medlar
- Used dried: rose hips and hawthorn berries
Chestnuts are also counted among winter fruits in some lists. Some of these fruits are picked during the winter months, others are picked in autumn and stored somewhere cool for winter.
Citrus: the best known winter fruits
In Turkey the citrus season opens in autumn and the harvest continues through the winter months. Mandarins, oranges, grapefruit and lemons are the most plentiful fruits at the market in this period; timing can shift by a few weeks with variety and region.
- Mandarins and oranges: in segments as a snack, or orange slices with pomegranate and olive oil as a winter salad.
- Lemons: in salad dressings, soups and with hot water.
- Grapefruit: halved and eaten with a spoon, or in salads.
- Grated zest: in cakes, biscuits and sauces; wash the fruit well before grating.
Pomegranates, quinces, apples and pears
These fruits are picked in autumn and can be stored through winter somewhere cool and airy. They find a place on the winter table in both sweet and savoury dishes:
- Pomegranate: seeds over salads, yoghurt or the breakfast plate.
- Quince: quince dessert, compote or baked with cinnamon.
- Apple: sliced as a snack, baked with cinnamon or grated into salads.
- Pear: as it is when ripe, otherwise in compote.
Our green elixir recipe with kale, apple and lemon is also a simple option for winter mornings.
The Green Elixir Children Love: A Juice Recipe →
Kiwi, persimmon and medlar
Kiwis are harvested in late autumn and are at the market through winter. If you buy a firm persimmon, let it soften at room temperature for a few days; its astringent taste fades as it ripens. Medlars are only eaten once fully soft, ripening on the tree or after picking.
How to choose and store winter fruits
- For citrus, choose fruit with firm, glossy skin that feels heavy in the hand; keep it somewhere cool or in the fridge.
- Apples give off a gas called ethylene, which speeds up ripening in nearby fruit; it is best to store apples apart from other fruit.
- Whole pomegranates keep somewhere cool; separated seeds go in a closed container in the fridge and are eaten within a few days.
- Quinces keep somewhere cool and airy; their scent is strong, so keep them apart from other fruit.
- Firm kiwis and persimmons ripen at room temperature and go in the fridge once ripe.
The World Health Organization recommends at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables a day for people older than 10. If you follow a special diet or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or a dietitian. Our post on organic and healthy eating rounds out the topic.
Why Organic and Healthy Eating Matters →
Winter fruits at Şifa Köyü
The Şifa Köyü shop at sifakoyu.com has the fruit that is in season and fresh rose hips; stock changes with the season.
Seasonal fruit in the Şifa Köyü shop (in Turkish) →
Quince in the Şifa Köyü shop (in Turkish) →
Green apples in the Şifa Köyü shop (in Turkish) →
Rose hips in the Şifa Köyü shop (in Turkish) →
Eating in season is one of the topics that often comes up at the Healing Meal and Conversation gatherings with Merve. If you would like to meet as a group, the details are on the service page.
Healing Meal and Conversation →
Frequently asked questions
What are winter fruits?
The main winter fruits are citrus fruits such as oranges, mandarins, grapefruit and lemons, along with pomegranates, quinces, apples, pears, kiwis, persimmons and medlars. Rose hips and hawthorn berries are dried and used in winter.
When are mandarins in season?
In Turkey the citrus season opens in autumn; mandarins usually reach the market from autumn onwards and are available through winter. Timing varies with variety and region.
Is quince a winter fruit?
Quince ripens in autumn and can be stored through winter somewhere cool and airy. That is why it is counted among winter fruits and used often in winter desserts.
Why should apples be stored apart from other fruit?
Apples give off a gas called ethylene. It makes nearby fruit ripen and soften faster, so storing apples separately is recommended.
How are rose hips used?
Rose hips are usually dried and used as a tea. Dried rose hips are steeped in hot water or simmered for a few minutes; they are also used for jam and molasses.