Ah, spring produce is finally here! I don’t know about you guys but I’ve had about all the apples, pears and winter citrus I can handle for a while. It’s time for some variety.

When it comes to the best of spring produce here’s what to choose, how to pick the best of the best and a few seasonal recipes (to boot):

• Artichokes –  Look for them to be  tightly packed and a bright green hue. And then try this vegan cauliflower pizza!
• Asparagus – One of my favorites! Asparagus is more versatile than one might deduce. I love it roasted; But it’s also great steamed  or even raw if you’re adventurous. Look for the thinner stalks, tightly packed and uniform in length.
• Beets – Choose beets with minimal marks and nicks.
• Baby carrots – Authentic baby carrots (not the chopped kind bagged and marketed as so) come into season in late Spring and early Summer.
• Cherries – typically the darker the cherry the sweeter the taste.
• Kiwis – Look for a light brownish skin, and a firm texture. Did you know kiwi skin is edible? If you’re not game  for the skin you may still enjoy this kiwi strawberry smoothie.
• Leeks – A cousin of the scallion and onion leeks should be bright in color and crisp. Avoid the flimsy ones they typically aren’t as fresh.

• Mint – Good mint is easy to spot. It’s bright green without brown edges. Pick some up and kick back with a fresh mint julep cocktail.
• Parsley – A great detoxifier parsley is a good addition to fish, poultry and even green juice. Again look for a bright green hue.
• Radishes –  Should be still attached to leaves and have a little weight to them.  (I’ve never gotten into radishes but in the spirit of trying new things I think this may be the year.)
• Spinach and most leafy greens – Greens are such a good source of vitamins, iron and calcium and you feel virtuous eating them… choose local varieties that are rich in color.
• Strawberries – The best of the bunch comes into season in late spring and early summer. Give these mouth-watering vegan strawberry pancakes a shot; You won’t be sorry 😉
• Sweet Onions – Choose firm orbs with minimal blemishes.
• Sugar-snap peas – These should be on the plump side, but a few scratches or blemishes are okay.

Stay tuned for more tasty recipes featuring spring produce!

Readers, what is your favorite spring-time vegetable or fruit?

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Beth is a Health and Wellness expert who believes sustainability goes hand-in-hand with self care. She’s the girl whipping up kombucha cocktails at parties, and extolling the benefits of canning vegetables to anyone who will listen. View all posts by Beth Funari