How to Choose Spring Seasonal Foods
How to Choose Spring Seasonal Foods
Introduction
Ah, spring! It's the season when young, green, growing things start showing up in farmers markets, so be sure to take advantage of the fresh and delicious vegetables that appear in your area. Don’t expect to see many fruits on the stands, as most fruit trees flower and cross-pollinate during the spring for a summer or autumn harvest. Read your local newspapers for information on farmers markets in your area and check out the deals on produce offered by local farmers.
Overall Things You'll Need
- Internet connection
- Smart phone
- Local newspaper
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Step One
Use an online search engine to look for a local seasonal food table.
Step Two
Check with your local grocer to see what's in season.
Step Three
Ask friends who grow their own vegetables what they harvest during the spring months.
Step Four
Seek out a farmers market and make purchases based on tips from the farmers.
Step Five
Buy fruits like strawberries, early cherries and gooseberries.
Step Six
Look for vegetables such as rhubarb, beetroot, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, broccoli, radishes, sorrel, kale, morel mushrooms, wild garlic, carrots, chard, collard, turnip, kohlrabi, watercress, mustard greens, spinach, broad beans, asparagus, arugula, samphire, new potatoes, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, sage and rosemary.
Step Seven
Find meats and fish like lamb, duck, lobster, cockles, sea trout, sea bass, lemon sole and fresh sardines.
Tips & Warnings
Ask your local grocer how to prepare unfamiliar foods, such as samphire and kohlrabi.
The list provided is based on West Coast growing seasons. Check the growing season in your area to get the absolute freshest produce.
Don't ignore foods that are not seasonal, since many meats are in season all year. A combination of seasonal foods and year-round foods makes for a balanced menu.