When you think about foods for spring, you might picture colorful dyed eggs and chocolate bunnies. While it can be tons of fun to dye eggs with natural ingredients, you don’t have to stick with egg salad all season — especially not when there’s an abundance of in-season produce to choose from!
As buds start to blossom and trees get their leaves, dozens of delicious fruits and veggies are finally coming into season. Let’s explore what those foods are, and how you can work them into your spring menu at home. Read on for 59 mouthwatering ideas, including 30 seasonal fruits and veggies, 12 spring herbs, and five edible blooms you can enjoy straight from your own flowerbeds. Plus, we’re sharing a dozen delectable recipes that celebrate all the flavors of spring.
Picking in-season fruits and vegetables has its advantages. One of the perks is that it can be more cost-effective. Unlike imported produce, locally-grown and harvested foods don’t have to travel very far, keeping costs lower along the way to your table.
Even more importantly, choosing seasonal produce is gentler on our planet. Fewer gas emissions go into transporting locally-sourced produce, so you can enjoy more flavor and nutrients without putting such a strain on the environment. Plus, farmers and grocery stores don’t need to rely on chemical ripening agents, preservatives, coatings, and other harsh treatments to ensure their produce looks fresh. If your veggies are plucked off the vine when they’re naturally ready, they’ll look and taste fresh without any of those unwanted extras.
The arrival of spring means it’s time to bid farewell to wintertime favorites like oranges, squash, and pomegranates. But don’t worry — there are plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables to choose from between March and May.
Below are some of the highlights of what you’ll find in a spring harvest, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s seasonal produce guide and the Produce for Better Health Foundation’s “What’s in season?” list for spring:
Each of these options will contribute its own combination of nutrients to your spring plate. For instance, garden peas offer high levels of iron, zinc, magnesium, folate, and manganese along with vitamins A, C, and K, while spinach is a great source of plant protein. (Psst… That’s why spinach is one of the 20+ superfood ingredients hidden in our Perfect Bars! We snuck it in there along with other spring veggies like kale, celery, and carrots.)
Of course, seasonality and local availability will vary by location and climate. You and your local farmers probably won’t have too much luck growing pineapples in a cooler region! But you can also learn about what’s available in your state at this time of year by searching GRACE Communication Foundation’s interactive Seasonal Food Guide.
There are plenty of aromatic herbs and edible flowers in season during the spring months as well. Here are a dozen herb garden flavors that will undoubtedly elevate your spring cooking:
Pretty spring blooms like the following five plants can add a cheerful splash of color to any freshly prepared dish:
Now that you’re up-to-date on what’s fresh from the farm, embrace the best of spring with these recipe ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between.
And don’t forget that Perfect Bars are always in season! Fresh from the fridge, our flavorful array of protein bars keep tastebuds and tummies satisfied all year round. Choose your favorites and have them delivered to your doorstep today!
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