As winter temperatures drop and household budgets remain under pressure, New Zealanders are rediscovering one of the simplest and most affordable ways to feed a family well – homemade vegetable soup.
According to 5+ A Day seasonal winter vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, kūmara, parsnips and potatoes are currently plentiful, cost-effective and ideal for creating filling meals that can stretch across multiple days.
Dr Carolyn Lister, Principal Scientist at Bioeconomy Science Institute and Trustee of the 5+ A Day Charitable Trust, agreed that winter soups are an easy way for families to create healthy, hearty meals without spending a fortune.
“When vegetables are in season, they’re generally at their best value, best quality and best flavour,” she explains.
“Winter vegetables are incredibly versatile, and soups are one of the quickest and easiest ways to turn affordable produce into meals that are nutritious, warming and satisfying for the whole family.”
Dr Lister said soups also work well for busy households who are looking to reduce food waste and make meals go further.
A big pot of soup can often feed a family for several meals, making it ideal for leftovers, lunches or batch cooking ahead of busy weeknights. Throwing everything into a slow cooker at the start of the day means dinner is ready when you get home.
Adding your choice of protein, such as chicken, chickpeas and lentils, is also an easy way to turn simple vegetable soups into complete meals.
Plus, buying vegetables in season is one of the best ways consumers can manage rising grocery costs while still eating well.
“Winter vegetables might seem simple, but they punch well above their weight nutritionally,” said Dr Lister.
Winter vegetables contain important nutrients, including fibre, vitamin C, beta-carotene and antioxidants that help support overall health and wellbeing during the cold winter months.
Choosing New Zealand-grown winter vegetables also supports local growers and regional communities during an increasingly challenging period for the fresh produce sector. This support is especially important as growers continue to face rising production costs, including ongoing pressure from fuel, freight and fertiliser prices.
“By choosing local, seasonal vegetables, consumers are not only getting great value but also supporting the people growing food for our communities.”
Consumers looking for winter meal inspiration can follow 5+ A Day for simple soup recipes and seasonal ideas designed to satisfy the whole family.
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