Eating with the Seasons: Spring Produce
Spring Fruits + Veggies
Spring has sprung and you know what that means? Fresh veggies are back in season, baby! After a long winter of hearty meals and a lot of root vegetables, I’m naturally craving the fresh, crisp flavors of spring fruits and veggies.
Eating seasonally not only is a natural way to boost your health but also promotes environmental sustainability, especially when you opt for locally grown produce you grow your own. By doing so, you can minimize long-distance transportation and directly support local farmers. Don't listen to the conventional advice that gardening is allowed between Memorial Day and Labor Day – you can extend your season on either end. I personally enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh veggies from my garden as early as March. Starting our gardens earlier in the season not only reestablishes our connection to Mother Nature but also allows us to savor fresher and more flavorful meals earlier in the year.
Why Should You Eat In-Season Produce?
Foods that are in-season contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your body specifically needs for that current season. As our surroundings brighten up, so can our plates – bright pink radishes, crunchy leafy greens, peas, asparagus, rhubarb. . . all those colors we have been missing all winter. After indulging in hearty winter meals for months, spring offers the perfect opportunity to lighten up our diets and support our body's natural detoxification processes.
Many spring produce like dandelion greens, radishes, and artichokes, are known for their natural detoxifying properties. These nourishing foods can aid in liver cleansing, support digestion, and help flush out toxins, leaving us feeling refreshed and revitalized as we embrace the new season.
Take a moment to observe the aromas, colors, and textures in your spring garden and see if you can emulate those same details in the kitchen to enhance your dining experience. I like to take any chance I can to embrace mindful eating and operate in tune with Mother Nature by highlighting seasonal produce flavors and colors.
And spring produce isn't just a feast for the eyes (& nose) – it's a powerhouse of essential nutrients that nourish and boost our health. Asparagus, for example, contains folate, vitamin K, antioxidants, and glutathione, all in one veggie. Or strawberries, which are both delicious and bursting with vitamin C and fiber. Then there are leafy greens like spinach which love early spring temps and are packed with vitamin A, C, and K, along with minerals like iron and calcium. It's nature's way of giving us a vibrant, nutrient-rich start to the season!
What to Plant in Early Spring
Many cool-season veggies are easy to grow and are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These foods are great for detoxifying the body, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy digestion. Here are some of my favorite spring varieties:
Greens: Arugula, spinach, lettuce, bok choy, kale, cabbage
Veggies: Radish, asparagus, beets, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, leeks, green onions, sugar snap peas
Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, mint, and dill
Garden-to-Table Living
These staple spring veggies are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes, from salads and soups to pasta and stir-fries. One of my favorite things about spring produce is that it's so easy to prepare. You can simply roast or sauté your veggies with a little olive oil and some seasonings, and you're good to go. Or you can get creative and try new recipes that feature some of these amazing spring ingredients, even if they’re a little out of your comfort zone.
Spring is naturally a time of renewal; as the Earth awakens for a new season of growth, we can take this chance to set intentions for our own personal growth, too. I always feel so grateful for the abundance of my garden in the spring, especially after a long, cold winter. It gives me the opportunity to slow down, take a step back, and practice mindfulness both in my garden and at the dining table.
Need some extra guidance?
Pssst . . . is it your first time growing cold-hardy plants in your garden? Check out the DIY course I created for gardeners like you! There are a ton of videos and resources to walk you through a whole year of gardening at your own pace, and you can always re-watch if you need a refresher. Plus, it comes with my garden guidebook, which helps you figure out when you can plant in the spring!
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