‘Tis the Season for Fresh Produce!

Although it may still feel like winter outside, spring is finally here! With the change of season, comes the promise of warmer weather and the start of flowers sprouting outside. This is one of my absolute favorite times of the year. Not only is new life sprouting every which way you turn, but spring is an amazing time of year to eat fresh and nutritious produce!

Even though most of your favorite fruits and vegetables are stocked in the grocery store year-round, there is nothing like biting into a juicy piece of fruit that is perfectly ripe and in season.

Here are 4 fruits and vegetables that are in season now!

1.) Apricots usually come into season toward the end of the spring depending on the region of the country you live in, but I promise that if you find a fresh apricot, you will fall in love. Look for apricots that are yellowish-orange in color and feel slightly soft to the touch.

Apricots can add some sweetness to your traditional meals. Try topping your next salad with chopped apricots or top off a slice of fish with them as a tangy condiment!

2.) Asparagus make the perfect side to any dinner! There are about 300 species of asparagus, but only 20 are edible. They are usually sold in bundles, so look for an asparagus bundle that is vibrant green and has plump spears.

Asparagus is commonly just eaten as a side dish at dinner, but it also goes nicely with eggs for breakfast. Try roasting your asparagus by sprinkling some olive oil and sea salt on top until they become slightly crunchy; then add to scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast!

3.) Fiddleheads are special, because they have such a short season and are only available in early spring. Fiddleheads are the coiled tips of ferns and grow from the fern as they grow their new shoots. They have a unique and earthy flavor, and are a great vegetable to try out as you welcome spring! This produce might be more difficult to find in your grocery store, so head out to your local farmer’s market; you’ll have a better chance finding it there!

Fiddleheads pair well with lemon and mixed into egg dishes. Try steaming them in a pot with a little garlic and cook until they become soft and enjoy with eggs for a nutritious breakfast.

4.) Strawberries are at their peak season now and will remain in season through the early summer. When choosing your strawberries, look for strawberries that are slightly firm and have a rich, red color.

Strawberries are the perfect addition to any meal! One of my favorite ways to enjoy strawberries is simply slicing and eating, but you can also add them to your salad for a delicious twist. You can also try grilling strawberries (like a kebab) for a sweet treat that has an irresistible smokey flavor!

These fresh produce selections are at their freshest, tastiest and are most often least expensive right now so be sure to get out there and enjoy them while you can.

If you’re looking for more fruits and vegetables to try that are in season, head to your local farmer’s market! The farmers are knowledgeable in all the fruit and vegetables in season and will be able to lead you in the right direction!

Your turn to take action: How will you incorporate fruits and vegetables that are in-season into your day? Let me know in the comments below!