What produce is in season for the spring? Here’s a guide — plus some delicious, easy recipes you can make with the season’s best produce!
Ah, the joy of spring! The snow has melted, the days are getting longer, and the best part of all — it’s time to save money at the farmer’s market by reaping the bounty of in-season produce. Here’s a quick guide to some of the produce that’s in season this spring, plus delicious spring side dishes you can make with it.
What is the seasonal produce to shop for in the spring? The first fruits and vegetables of the season start off with asparagus and artichokes, both of which are nutritious and delicious. Following these, you’ll also start finding an almost never-ending array of goodies at local farmers’ markets including spinach, peas, fava beans, strawberries, and more. New potatoes, spring onions, beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and radishes are also in season — and don’t forget all the in-season herbs like dill, coriander, and mint.
Now that you know what’s in season this spring, let’s get cooking! The following spring recipes are some of the best side dishes of the season.
You’ll need a bundle of asparagus, two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, one tablespoon of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of sea salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, toss your asparagus in the olive oil, and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Roast for 10 to 15 minutes. Dig in and enjoy!
All you need is a large bunch of spring greens (spinach, mustard, kale, dandelion greens, bok choy, and so on — any will work), one tablespoon of butter, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the juice from 1/2 a lemon, and some salt and pepper to taste. In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the greens and seasonings. Sauté until the greens have wilted, about 8 to 10 minutes. Then, add the lemon juice and stir. Serve right up and enjoy!
For this spring salad recipe, you’ll need one bunch of spring onions, two bunches of radishes, one tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, one tablespoon of white balsamic vinegar, one tablespoon of freshly chopped dill, a pinch of sea salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Cut the spring onions and radishes into thin slices and combine them in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk until fully combined and pour over the vegetables. Toss to coat evenly and taste before serving.
For something a little unusual, this spring vegetable dish offers up some of the same flavors as the traditional Ukrainian beet soup known as borscht. All you’ll need is three to four medium beets, two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and one tablespoon of freshly-chopped dill.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trim the green tops off the beets and cut them into chunks. Toss in the olive oil and sea salt and spread out on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until fork tender. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and chopped dill. Serve the beets with a dollop of dill sour cream, and enjoy!
Shopping for in-season produce is one of the best ways to save money on groceries while fueling your family with nutritious foods. If you’ve got a green thumb, you can also get many of these vegetables going in your garden for an early harvest. And last of all, if you’re looking to save money at the grocery store, don’t forget to check out our Coupon Book Finder. Visit the site to see whether the book is available in your area and start saving!
