As the year-end festivities approach in Singapore, a colourful array of best winter fruits begins to grace our markets and supermarkets.
Despite our tropical climate, the cooler months from December to February bring a delightful selection of seasonal fruits to our shores.
These winter wonders not only add variety to our diets but also pack a nutritional punch. From juicy mandarin oranges to crisp apples, the best winter fruits offer a refreshing change from our usual tropical fare.
In this article, we’ll explore the top winter fruits available in Singapore, their health benefits and creative ways to enjoy them.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a curious visitor, discovering these seasonal delights can add a new dimension to your culinary adventures.
What exactly is a Winter Fruit?
Singapore’s tropical climate means we don’t experience traditional seasons. Our “winter” typically refers to the Northeast Monsoon season from December to February, characterised by slightly cooler temperatures and increased rainfall.
During this period, Singapore sees an influx of best winter fruits from cooler regions. Winter fruits are those that reach their peak ripeness during the colder months in their countries of origin. These fruits often require a period of cold weather to develop their flavours fully.
While not grown locally, these best winter fruits are imported and widely available in Singapore during this time. They bring variety to our fruit selection and offer unique nutritional benefits, making them a popular choice among Singaporeans and expats alike during the festive season.
10 Best Winter Fruits to try in Singapore
Mandarin Oranges
Mandarin oranges are among the best winter fruits available in Singapore. These sweet, easy-to-peel citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C, making them excellent for boosting immunity during the cooler months. They also contain antioxidants that support heart health and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
You can find mandarin oranges in most supermarkets and fruit stalls across Singapore, especially during the Chinese New Year period.
When selecting, choose fruits that feel heavy for their size and have a bright, unblemished skin. Store them at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Enjoy mandarin oranges on their own, add them to salads, or use their zest in baking for a citrusy twist.
Related: Does vitamin C help with Flu?
Pomelo
Pomelo is another of the best winter fruits to enjoy in Singapore. This large citrus fruit is rich in vitamin C, potassium and fibre. It’s known for its slightly sweet and tangy flavour.
Pomelos are often available in supermarkets and wet markets, with peak season coinciding with Chinese New Year.
When choosing a pomelo, look for one that feels heavy and has a smooth, greenish-yellow skin. To store, keep it at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
To enjoy, peel off the thick skin and separate the juicy segments. Pomelo can be eaten fresh, added to salads or used in desserts. Try mixing pomelo segments with prawns and herbs for a refreshing Thai-inspired salad.
Persimmon
Persimmons are delightful winter fruits that bring a touch of sweetness to the cooler months in Singapore. These orange fruits are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. They come in two main varieties: Fuyu (flat) and Hachiya (acorn-shaped).
You can find persimmons in most supermarkets and some fruit stalls during winter. When selecting, choose fruits that are deep orange in colour and feel heavy for their size. Ripe Fuyu persimmons should be firm, while Hachiya persimmons should be soft.
Store unripe persimmons at room temperature until they soften, then refrigerate for up to five days.
Enjoy persimmons fresh, sliced in salads or baked into desserts. They pair wonderfully with cheese and nuts for a sophisticated snack.
Related: Persimmon Fruit Benefits for Diabetes
Kiwi
Kiwi fruit is a nutritional powerhouse and one of the best winter fruits to include in your diet. Packed with vitamin C, fibre and potassium, kiwis support immune function and digestive health. These fuzzy fruits are readily available in Singapore’s supermarkets and fruit shops throughout winter.
When choosing kiwis, select fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t too soft. Store unripe kiwis at room temperature until they soften, then refrigerate for up to two weeks.
To enjoy, simply cut in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Kiwis are delicious on their own, added to fruit salads or blended into smoothies. For a unique twist, try them in a savoury salsa with tomatoes and cilantro.
Strawberries
While not traditionally a winter fruit, strawberries are among the best winter fruits available in Singapore due to imports from cooler regions. These vibrant berries are low in calories but high in vitamin C, manganese and antioxidants.
You can find strawberries in most supermarkets and some premium fruit shops. When selecting, look for bright red berries with fresh, green caps. Avoid those with white or green patches. Store strawberries in the refrigerator and consume within a few days for best quality. Rinse just before eating to prevent mould.
Enjoy strawberries fresh, add them to yoghurt or oatmeal, or use them in desserts. For a warm winter treat, try roasting strawberries with a touch of balsamic vinegar for a sophisticated topping for ice cream or cake.
Grapes
Grapes are versatile winter fruits that bring a burst of sweetness to Singapore’s cooler months. Rich in antioxidants, particularly resveratrol, grapes offer potential benefits for heart health. Both green and red varieties are readily available in supermarkets and fruit stalls across Singapore during winter.
When selecting grapes, look for plump fruits firmly attached to the stem, with no signs of mould. Store them unwashed in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before eating, rinse thoroughly.
Grapes are perfect for snacking, but don’t limit yourself to eating them fresh. Try freezing grapes for a refreshing treat, add them to salads for a sweet crunch, or roast them to concentrate their flavour for a unique addition to savoury dishes.
Apples
Apples are classic winter fruits that offer a satisfying crunch and numerous health benefits. Rich in fibre and antioxidants, apples support digestive and heart health. Various varieties are available in Singapore’s supermarkets and fruit shops throughout winter.
When choosing apples, look for firm fruits with smooth, unblemished skin. Store them in the refrigerator to maintain crispness for several weeks. Apples are versatile in the kitchen.
Enjoy them fresh, add slices to sandwiches or salads, or cook them into comforting winter desserts. For a warming treat, try baking whole apples stuffed with cinnamon, oats and nuts.
Pears
Pears are elegant winter fruits that offer a delicate flavour and smooth texture. They’re a good source of fibre and contain antioxidants that support heart health. Several varieties of pears are available in Singapore’s supermarkets during winter months.
When selecting pears, choose fruits that yield slightly to pressure at the stem end. To ripen, leave them at room temperature. Once ripe, store in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Pears are delicious eaten fresh, but they also shine in both sweet and savoury dishes. Try them poached in red wine for a sophisticated dessert, or add slices to a winter salad with blue cheese and walnuts.
Longan
Longan is a tropical fruit that’s considered one of the best winter fruits in Singapore due to its availability during the cooler months. These small, round fruits are rich in vitamin C and have a delicate, sweet flavour.
You can find longan in many supermarkets and fruit stalls across Singapore. When selecting, choose fruits with intact, light brown shells. Store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To eat, crack open the thin shell and enjoy the translucent flesh, discarding the small black seed. Longan is typically eaten fresh but can also be used in desserts or added to Asian-style soups for a sweet touch.
Lychee
Lychees round out our list of best winter fruits available in Singapore. These fragrant fruits are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Lychees are often available in supermarkets and fruit stalls during the winter months.
When selecting, choose fruits with bright pink or red bumpy skin that yield slightly to pressure. Store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To enjoy, peel off the skin and eat the translucent white flesh, being careful of the seed. Lychees are delicious fresh but also work well in desserts and cocktails. Try adding them to a fruit salad with other tropical fruits for a refreshing winter treat.
Related: Rambutan vs Lychee: What you need to know
Here’s a summary table for what we have discussed:
| Fruit | Key Nutrients | Best For | Storage Tips | Creative Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandarin Oranges | Vitamin C, Antioxidants | Immune boost | Room temp or refrigerate | Salads, baking |
| Pomelo | Vitamin C, Potassium, Fibre | Heart health | Room temp or refrigerate | Thai-inspired salads |
| Persimmon | Vitamins A & C, Antioxidants | Eye health | Room temp until ripe, then refrigerate | Cheese pairings, desserts |
| Kiwi | Vitamin C, Fibre, Potassium | Digestive health | Room temp until ripe, then refrigerate | Smoothies, salsas |
| Strawberries | Vitamin C, Manganese, Antioxidants | Skin health | Refrigerate, rinse before eating | Roasted with balsamic |
| Grapes | Antioxidants (Resveratrol) | Heart health | Refrigerate unwashed | Frozen snacks, roasted |
| Apples | Fibre, Antioxidants | Digestive health | Refrigerate | Baked with spices |
| Pears | Fibre, Antioxidants | Heart health | Room temp to ripen, then refrigerate | Poached, winter salads |
| Longan | Vitamin C | General health | Refrigerate in plastic bag | Asian-style soups |
| Lychee | Vitamin C, Antioxidants | Immune boost | Refrigerate in plastic bag | Fruit salads, cocktails |
Embrace the Winter Fruit Bounty!
Singapore’s “winter” brings a delightful array of best winter fruits to our shores. Each fruit brings unique flavours and a host of health benefits, making them perfect additions to your diet during the cooler months.
Whether you enjoy them fresh, in salads or as part of festive dishes, these winter wonders can elevate your culinary experiences.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore these best winter fruits.
Visit your local market or supermarket today and bring home a selection of these nutritious and delicious fruits.
