Categories: Food

What to Eat Now: The Best of Spring Produce

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?

Beth Funari

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.

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