Carrots

This popular root vegetable may be harvested throughout the summer, but its sweetness peaks in the fall and winter. Carrots convert stored starches into sugars in cooler temperatures to protect the water in their cells from freezing. In the cooler months, this makes carrots taste even sweeter.

Carrots harvested after a frost are often referred to be "candy carrots". This crunchy vegetable is also a good source of vitamins. Beta-carotene, which may be converted to vitamin A in the body, is abundant in carrots. One large carrot (72 grams) provides 241% of the daily vitamin A requirement. Vitamin A is necessary for eye health, as well as immune function and development of the body. Carrots are also high in antioxidants called carotenoids. Carrots' bright color comes from these powerful plant pigments, which may also help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. According to certain research, a diet rich in carotenoids may help lower the risk of some cancers, such as prostate and breast cancer.