Spring is nearly here, and springtime produce is about to start appearing on the grocery store shelves. Farmers markets will start reopening and fruit and vegetable stands will begin popping up to give us access to gorgeous locally grown food. Not only is this an extremely delicious source of ingredients, but also exceptionally nutritious.
Springtime Produce Offers an Array of Flavor and Nutrients
Fresh springtime produce can, for many of us, be the first major sign that the world is coming back to life again after frosty temperatures. It brings a whole new sense – taste – into the experience of the new season.
Take this cue to breathe new health, life, and nutrition into your body from the locally grown springtime produce this year. This will change the vary nature of the dishes you serve yourself, to better suit what will be most appealing as the weather warms. You can shift away from the heavy winter foods that made you feel cozy in the cold, and you can bring crisp freshness to your plate instead.
Choosing Foods According to the Season is Built into Our Bodies
It’s only in the most recent history of the human race that we’ve been able to eat foods that are no longer in season. Indeed, there are some methods of preservation that have been around for hundreds of years and a few that have been around for thousands. That said, for most of human history, the vast majority of what was eaten on a given day was what was picked, dug up, hunted, caught, or otherwise obtained within the previous few days at most.
As a result, we typically find the food that ripens within a certain season to be the most appealing to eat at the same time. Since it’s March, that means our mouths are about to start watering for springtime produce.
Which Springtime Produce Should You Add to Your Basket?
This year, as you peruse what’s available among the springtime produce options, consider adding the following nutrient-packed, delicious options to your basket.
- Arugula – If you see other leafy greens, toss those in with your arugula for a dish high in vitamin A and K, as well as folate, fiber, and chlorophyll among other nutrients.
- Artichokes – These little gems are terrific sources of vitamin A, B vitamins, tons of minerals, and folic acid.
- Asparagus – This vegetable is one of the best sources of vitamin K you’ll ever find. You’ll also enjoy B vitamins, selenium, copper and other important nutrients from this food.
- Strawberries – Is there anything that says “the snow is gone” more clearly than a bite into a fresh strawberry? Toss them onto your breakfast, eat them as a snack or have them with your dessert. With this springtime produce, you’ll be adding one of the richest sources of antioxidants to your diet at the same time!
