Sunday, March 22, 2015

Seasonally Spring Foods

It is about that time of the year again, when I go to the farmers market and start seeing new spring fruits and vegetables.  I am lucky enough to live in a part of the US where we have fresh produce year-round.

California produces about 80% of all fruits and vegetables in the US; so I like to think that we are setting the seasonal standard for the rest of the country.  :)



Spring brings new and exciting flavors to spice up the cooking.  I love the lightness and freshness that spring produce provides to otherwise “heavy” dishes.  I have made of list of fruits and veggies you should begin looking for at farmers markets to “spring into spring” cooking.

•    Artichokes are seasonally harvested in the spring and again in the early fall.

•    Arugula can be found year-round but I believe the taste is richer in the spring and fall.

•    Asparagus is absolutely wonderful in the spring.  The light flavor it brings to dishes is perfect for the season.

•    Fava Beans are sweet and “spring-y” for the season.  They come in soft green pods and are delicious in salads.

•    Green Garlic and Garlic Scapes are harvested and taste best in the spring.  They add a delicate garlicky flavor to spring and early summer dishes.

•    One of my favorite fruits, Grapefruit is juicy and I believe it is the best in the spring.

•    Green Onions and Scallions are perfect now.  I love combining green onions and garlic into salads in the spring.  It provides the perfect flavor for a light tasting dish.

•    Lettuce is sold year round, but spring brings the best flavor and hearty heads.

•    Mushrooms, especially Morel, are at their peak in the spring.  You know I love mushrooms if you read my post about mushroom month.  http://juliegreenandkeen.blogspot.com/2014/09/national-mushroom-month.html

•    New potatoes are freshly harvested young, small potatoes that are excellent in the spring.  They are easy to peel and are very crisp inside.

•    Peas and Pea Pods are harvested in the spring and early summer.  I love pea soup, I can’t wait to get my hands on some fresh peas.

•    Radishes are also seasonal.  They are the best spring through fall.

•    Rhubarb has so many recipe possibilities and it is at its prime in the spring.  I love making rhubarb deserts and adding it to just about everything.

•    Who doesn’t love snap peas?  They are the perfect snacks and are seasonally the best now.

•    STRAWBERRIES ARE BACK!! Strawberries taste delicious in anything and they are in season.  I add them to smoothies, salads, and just eat them plain.


I have been anxious to begin spicing up my cooking with new spring flavors.  I think that cooking seasonally with fresh produce from farmers market is a great way to keep cooking exciting and fresh.  I can’t wait to go crazy at the farmers market and come up with some new recipes!  Have fun eating seasonally.

Go Green and Staying Keen,

Julie

18 comments:

  1. I check the farmers market for fresh produce, but in New England most of it is shipped from out of state in the winter.

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  2. I'm so ready for growing season! It's been a long cold winter and I'm ready to get my hands in the dirt!

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  3. What a great list! I love eating seasonal foods! Looking forward to my rhubarb!!

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  4. I love Spring! Out farmer's markets open soon and I can pick and choose more freely as to what I cook!

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  5. I love spring and summer and being able to buy all these locally!

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  6. I love asparagus excited it's coming back into season!

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  7. I'm definitely excited for the return of some of these things. I need to try fava beans. They're new to me!

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  8. I've noticed that too, there's a better selection in our grocery stores and farmers markets too! I'm starting to make more fresh salads and raw veggies to munch on - yay Spring!!

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  9. My grandma used to make rhubarb pie. I wish I'd have tried it then... I may try my hand at it now. :)

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  10. I love spring and I'm thrilled to have all the spring season foods back.

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  11. My husband loves asparagus. It's great that we can always buy them at grocery stores nearby.

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