WeeklySA_AdminFLAIR: With South Africans set to indulge in braais, puddings and holiday platters this December, a new food trend is helping families stay energised without sacrificing flavour: quick-cooking greens…
By Weekly SA Mirror Reporter
South Africans love their festive indulgence — long summer lunches, braais with friends, overstocked tables and irresistible desserts. But alongside the celebratory feasting, an emerging trend is placing fresh, nutritious vegetables at the centre of December meal planning.
According to National Nutrition Week findings, adults in South Africa consume an average of 226g to 235g of vegetables and fruit daily, falling short of the recommended 400g intake. With rich festive dishes often dominating the table, vegetables naturally slide down the priority list.
But this year, nutritionists and chefs are urging families not to abandon indulgence — only to balance it. The recommendation focuses on a simple formula: pair festive favourites with quick, flavourful greens that boost energy and digestion without complicating cooking routines.
Enter the cruciferous family — particularly broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts and their sweeter cousin, Tenderstem broccoli. These vegetables are gaining momentum as festive menu champions thanks to fast preparation times, versatility and powerful nutritional value.
Tenderstem broccoli, already popular in UK culinary circles, is finding a strong foothold in South African kitchens. With zero food waste — stems and florets are eaten whole — and cooking times as short as three minutes, chefs are calling it the “busy host’s secret weapon.”
An 80g serving offers one of the official five-a-day vegetable portions, packing vitamins A and C, folate, potassium, fibre and protein.
Local chefs are turning Tenderstem into headline-worthy festive sides. Chef Masego Mbonyana pairs charred Tenderstem broccoli with whipped feta and cranberries for a dish she calls “indulgent nutrition.” Chef Raymond Ncube keeps it spicy with garlic and chilli oil, while nutrition expert Shazia Gaffar integrates it into a Middle Eastern-inspired chickpea pilaf with pomegranate molasses.
Beyond health, the vegetable offers environmental appeal. Its full edibility reduces food waste at a time when household waste spikes.
Industry voices say the trend speaks to shifting priorities: South Africans want food that is flavourful, simple, nourishing — and fast.
Tenderstem broccoli is available through selected stores and is positioned as a premium vegetable that works for braais, salads, stir-fries, grills and festive platters.
As South Africans gear up for the holidays, nutritionists say the goal is not to replace puddings, trifle bowls or biltong snacks — but to add smart greens alongside them.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TWO LUCKY WINNERS!
Our lucky winners from last week’s De Krans/Weekly SA Mirror competition, who will each receive a mixed case of the De Krans Classic Varietal range wines, are Tsholo Setle of Johannesburg and Thando Mnguni of Germiston.
EVENTS
UBUNTU VINES & VIBES
The inaugural Ubuntu Vines & Vibes Festival will be held at the Black Oystercatcher wine farm on December 27.
It will feature live music, local wines, tasty food, and summer fun for the whole family.
The organisers invite family and friends and escape to a vibrant gathering of fine wine, delicious food, and live local music – all set against the backdrop of South Africa’s rich cultural tapestry. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply looking for a great day out, the Ubuntu Vines & Vibes Festival has something for everyone.
Featuring the talented Newton & Co, a versatile four-piece band. Their performances – ranging from intimate solo acoustic sets to full-band fiestas – blend covers and originals, each note played for the love of music and for seeing people enjoy themselves.
Tickets cost R350 for adults (18+) includes a wine glass, R200 for teens (13–17), excludes wine glass and R80 for children (5–12) and free toddlers up to age four.
FAIRVIEW FESTIVE TREAT
This festive season, Fairview invites families to discover why it remains one of the Cape Winelands’ most loved destinations.
Set against the slopes of Paarl Mountain, the estate offers award-winning wines, highly-acclaimed artisanal cheese, the iconic Goat Tower with its charismatic goats, a rich heritage, and a wealth of family-friendly attractions.
Among other attractions, it boasts a renowned Farm Deli and Bakery, farm-to-fork dining at the Goatshed, spacious gardens, sweeping views, farm tours, and signature Fairview hospitality, and you’re guaranteed a memorable and enriching visit.
Fairview is a third-generation, family-owned estate, acquired by Lithuanian immigrant Charles Back in 1937. Under the stewardship of his grandson and current owner, Charles Back, Fairview has evolved from a modest family farm into an internationally famous destination for wine, cheese, and agri-tourism.
Van Rhyn’s Jazzy Sessions
A night of rhythm, soul and infectious grooves is billed with The Ploemies at Van Ryn’s Distillery on December 19.
The Jazzy Sundowner Sessions will be trunked up by fine brandy and the Ploemies’ electric sounds. The Ploemies is a Cape Town-based collective known for rewriting the script on the local jazz scene.
Guests can expect a vibrant mix of always infectious Cape Jazz, original compositions, and proudly South African sounds, blended with rhythms from across the continent like Ghoema, Marabenta and Kwassa-Kwassa.
A ticket costing R275 includes entry, live music, and a picnic per person. Beverages will be on sale, and the venue is fully cashless. The address is Van Ryn’s Distillery, Van Ryn Road.
DJ Blaine at Durbanville Hills
Durbanville Hills’ Sundaze sessions, a summer music series taking place on Sundays, will feature DJ Blaine on December 28.
Long lazy afternoons, cool beats, and Cape Town’s best views. Summer at our family-friendly Olive Grove Bistro at Durbanville Hills is back.
Sundaze Summer Sessions unwind from 13h00 to 17h00 with award-winning wines, cocktails, craft beer, and delicious eats available for revellers who attend.
DJs will play cool tunes ranging from Deep House, RnB to HipHop as guests relax on the lawns overlooking Table Bay and Table Mountain with food served from the Olive Grove Bistro. The winery’s vineyards are situated in one of the Cape’s coolest wine-producing regions, all located a mere 10km from the ocean and a 30 minutes’ drive from Cape Town.
Other dates for the forthcoming sessions are: January 25 (DJ Stefanos); February 8; (DJ Tiny T); March 8 (Dags on Decks) and March 29 (DJ Tiny T).
Bring your picnic blanket, your besties, and your summer spirit. Durbanville Hills Winery, M13 Tygerberg Valley Road. Entry fee is R100. Sessions start at 14h00.
NEDERBURG PICNICS
Nederburg’s evening picnics will feature musician Johan van der Merwe on its Paarl farm in the Western Cape on December 20. The winery’s promises guests an unforgettable night – all to be enjoyed on its lawns after sunset, in relaxed, music-filled settings that capture the easy magic of a South African summer.
Each picnic basket is curated to showcase local, seasonal flavours – a true taste of the Cape Winelands. Among other teats, guests can expect a feast that begins with local cheeses, marinated olives, and seasonal fruit, paired with house-made onion marmalade and crisp lavash.
The experience is open to everyone – couples looking for a romantic night out, families wanting to make the most of the holidays, and friends simply seeking a beautiful evening together. The expansive lawns provide plenty of space for kids to play, and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome too. Bring your own blanket or low chairs, find your spot beneath the stars, and let the evening unfold.
Each Under the Stars event features live local music to set the tone: Johan van der Merwe on December 20; Juan Casey on December 27. Pre-booking via Dineplan is essential. Tickets cost R385 per person. Vegetarian and kids’ baskets available.
Spier Christmas Picnic
Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch is offering a serene and flavour-filled way to celebrate Christmas this year with its Festive Picnic on December 25.
Hosted from 12h00 at the scenic Spier Picnickery along R310 Baden Powell Drive, the experience promises a leisurely afternoon under the estate’s ancient oaks or tranquil Eerste River. For R995 per person and R350 per child under 12, guests will enjoy gourmet picnic baskets brimming with seasonal delights. The picnic is designed for effortless enjoyment — allowing families and friends to revel in good food and great company. With Spier’s festive picnics known to sell out quickly, organisers are encouraging early bookings to secure a spot for this relaxed and memorable Christmas celebration. – Compiled by Len Maseko
