Spring is here! It’s that time of the year again where flowers are in bloom, and all kinds of fresh new produce are available on the market. Wintertime was a season for everything roast and summer will be blessing us with beach barbecues and tropical coolers. These festive seasons make sure our hearts and stomachs are full. Between them is Springtime, which is the perfect time to bring out those gardening tools and harvest for some fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables. These fruits and vegetables haven’t been plentiful in the other seasons because of the extreme weather conditions.
Benefits of Eating Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables
Not only does eating seasonal fruits and vegetables do wonders for your health– you are also supporting local farmers in your respective communities and commending their hard work all year round. You’re also guaranteed two other added benefits when you choose to eat seasonal produce: (1) the freshest local farm fruits and vegetables sans pump spraying with pesticides, and (2) affordability. Let’s face it; one of the main reasons why it’s difficult for most people to have nutritious food in their diets is that they don’t come cheap in restaurants and grocery store giants. Well now, you know where to get fresh produce that doesn’t burn a huge hole in your pockets.
Now that we’ve covered why eating seasonal produce can be a very good option, let’s take a look at some of these fruits and vegetables in detail as a guide to what’s in season for Spring!
Artichokes
Artichokes of most varieties are harvested mainly in the spring and fall seasons and are at their freshest from March through June. Thinking of putting artichokes on your farmer’s market shopping list? You can never go wrong with plump ones that have tight leaves and freshly cut stems. Like shopping for every other fruit or vegetable, it’s always a good idea to check for black spots.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a seasonal vegetable and is most abundant in the Springtime from March until May, depending on the climate of your region. The best thing about asparagus is that it can be cooked in so many ways– grilled, steamed, sauteed, roasted, or broiled– making it perfect for any meal and food pairing.
Beets
Looking for a guide to what’s in season for Spring? You need to look up beets and include this on your list. In regions with warm climates, beets are at their most bountiful in the Springtime. While beets are not exactly a scarce commodity in all parts of the world through storage, getting the freshest of these vegetables from local farmers is still a highly-recommended option if you want to ensure nutritious meals all season. Check out these amazing health benefits while you’re at it. A quick tip when you’re buying beets from the market: the fresh ones are usually sold with greens still intact.
Mangoes
Mangoes in tropical countries peak from April through June. Known for being a juicy fruit that’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants, mangoes can be served in a variety of ways– alone, in salads, sauces, desserts, beverages, and even with seafood and some meats! When choosing mangoes on the market, you can tell its sweetness and ripeness by its smell and firmness.
Parsley
As with most herbs, parsley peaks in the Springtime in regions with temperate climates. It does wonders to dishes in terms of flavor but is mostly known as a food garnish for plating purposes. The truth is, parsley is rich in vitamins and even elements that help fight against cancer and kidney diseases. So, don’t let its beautiful tiny leaves fool you!
Peas
Peas are rather common in most grocery stores and markets, but most of the time, you get them pre-packed, frozen, and often mixed with other frozen vegetables. Spring, then, is the perfect time to get them at their freshest in local farms and gardens. You can also get most types of peas fresh in the Winter.
Radishes
Radishes are a well-loved vegetable, enjoyed all over the world in many different ways– pickled, raw, cooked, or tossed in salads. These vegetables also pack a lot of punch with nutrients and health benefits. Although these healthy vegetables are abundant all year-round, they’re at their crunchiest and sweetest in the Spring, so you don’t want to miss out on all that healthy yummy goodness! Store radishes effectively using these methods. You can also grow your own radishes using a hydroponics grow tent.
Strawberries
Strawberries are mostly harvested from April through June in most regions. Like some seasonal fruits, you can get pre-packed strawberries in most grocery stores, but to those who prefer fresh ones to complement their healthy lifestyle, you can get these red beauties in the Springtime. It’s certainly worth the wait because who doesn’t love a good old fresh strawberry as a mid-afternoon snack or with cream with a beautiful backdrop of flowers in full bloom? You can also grow your own strawberries in your own garden or indoors using hydroponics air pumps.
Conclusion
So there you have it, some of our most coveted fruits and vegetables which can serve as your guide to what’s in season this Spring. Head to your local farmer’s market for a taste of the freshest produce to add to your delicious meals! By doing this, you’re also paying tribute to these farmers for their hard work and green thumb.
Share this article with your friends so that they, too, will know the freshest vegetables and fruits to get this Springtime. Thanks for reading!
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