You may have heard that you should try to eat “seasonal produce” – but do you actually know what that means? Seasonal produce is produce that is purchased and consumed around the time it was harvested, like when you go apple picking in Michigan in the fall or buy fresh Florida oranges in the winter.
Although you can typically find most fruits and vegetables year-round at your local grocery store, the best time to eat them is when they’re in season. Not only is seasonal produce tastier, its more nutritious and typically costs less too.
You may also consider shopping locally through farmers’ markets or Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs). Doing so helps support local farms and the local economy – plus, you get to know more about where your food comes from, who grew it and how it was harvested.
Seasonal produce will vary by weather and growing conditions but generally, here’s what’s in season in the spring:
Apples
Apricots
Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Celery
Collard Greens
Garlic
Herbs
Kale
Kiwi
Lemons
Lettuce
Limes
Mushrooms
Onions
Peas
Pineapples
Radishes
Rhubarb
Spinach
Strawberries
Swiss Chard
Turnips
To help you incorporate Spring produce into your diet, try these delicious and nutritious recipes! And make sure to check out Vitality Kitchen for additional healthy recipes!
- Strawberry Salsa – Serve with tortilla chips or on crostini on its own, or with feta or goat cheese.
- Arugula Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – Add cherry tomatoes and any other veggies you like!
- Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus – Great for serving with grilled chicken or fish.
Other helpful links:
- Find farms, farmers markets and food hubs hear you: https://www.usdalocalfoodportal.com/
- Find what’s in season near you: https://www.seasonalfoodguide.org/why-eat-seasonally
