It’s coming, guys! Warmer weather is really just around the corner, even if you’re still slogging through some slushy and chilly weeks in the northeast.
And with that warmer weather comes an array of fruits and vegetables just entering their peak stages.
Shopping and eating fruits and vegetables in season is a great choice.
Not only are you buying these foods when they are at their best taste, quality and nutritional value, you are also likely to see lower prices because grocery stores and farmers’ markets have plenty on hand.As you file away your coats and dust off your dresses, consider rotating what’s in your refrigerator with some of these in-season ideas.
Vegetables
Asparagus
Asparagus is a common spring vegetable you’re likely to see everywhere. One of the easiest ways to prepare asparagus is to roast it whole, but you can also chop it up and sauté it with a little garlic and olive oil and then serve it as part of a veggie stir fry. Steaming works, too, but roasting or sautéing really brings out its flavor! Try the recipes below to get started.
Balsamic Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus Egg & Bacon Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Artichokes
Artichokes are kind of intimidating. So cool looking, but what parts are you actually supposed to eat? If you face this common dilemma, check out this post on How to Cook and Eat an Artichoke, and then try your hand at some of these easy recipes.
Stuffed Artichokes
Crock-Pot Artichokes
Mustard Greens
Less trendy and less bitter than its lookalike kale, mustard greens add a nice peppery flavor to any dish you’re working on. If you’re wary of this slightly different leafy green vegetable, try this easy sauteed mustard greens recipe first, and then branch out with the ideas below.
Curried Mustard Greens & Garbanzo Beans with Sweet Potatoes
Macaroni with Greens, Lemon & Parmesan
Fruits
Citrus
Nothing takes us back to childhood soccer practice more than an orange wedge. In the spring, those wedges are bound to be particularly juicy, but check out lemons and limes, too. These fruits add a great punch to salad dressings and vinaigrettes, and they can add a wonderful flavor to healthier baked goods.
Zesty Lemon Zucchini Muffins
Orange, Walnut, Gorgonzola & Mixed Greens Salad with Fresh Citrus Vinaigrette
Strawberries
Just the best fruit. There really is nothing like a plump, juicy strawberry, especially when dipped in chocolate. Looking for some healthier ideas? Check out the ones below, which include some of our other spring fruits and veggies, too!
Kale, Strawberry & Avocado Salad with Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing
Strawberry Quinoa Parfait
Pineapple
Another intimidating item in the produce section, pineapple is totally worth the effort. Plus, before you cut it up, it adds some flair to your kitchen decor. Check out How to Cut a Pineapple, and then snack to your heart’s content. If you have any of the juicy fruit leftover, consider these recipes.
Pineapple Chicken with Bok Choy
Caramelized Pineapple Quesadillas with Spicy Strawberry Salsa
Feature Photo via We Heart It