RETURN OF ROOT VEGETABLES: WHY BEETROOT, CARROTS & SWEET POTATOES RULE WINTER PLATES

As temperatures drop and winter settles in, our plates begin to look heartier, warmer, and richer in colour. Among the seasonal stars that make a comeback every winter, root vegetables—especially beetroot, carrots, and sweet potatoes—take centre stage.

- TDG NETWORK

Winter veggies

Their deep earthy flavours, vibrant hues, and dense nutritional value make them winter favourites across kitchens in India and beyond. But their popularity goes far beyond taste. From traditional wisdom to modern nutritional science, there are many reasons these humble vegetables dominate winter meals.

Winter is the time when the body's metabolism naturally slows down to preserve energy. Root vegetables, which grow underground and store nutrients, provide exactly what the body needs—warmth, energy, and immunity support.

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, which supports eye health, immunity, and skin glow—something everyone seeks in dry winter months. Beetroot is loaded with iron, folate, nitrates, and antioxidants, making it a natural blood purifier and stamina booster. Sweet potatoes, with their creamy texture and mild sweetness, offer a rich dose of fibre, complex carbohydrates, and Vitamin C, perfect for keeping energy levels stable during cold days.