SEASONAL SPRING FOODS FOR A HEALTHY BODY

Springtime is here, meaning beautiful weather, lots of sunshine and time outdoors, and nature seems to be showing off with an abundance in bloom. But spring also means that a new harvest of vibrant and delicious fruits and vegetables are in season. Village dietitian, Jamie Miller, has the scoop about what produce we should be filling our baskets with right now for the most tasty and nutritious plates.

Why Eat in Season?

There are so many benefits to keeping the seasons in mind while shopping for your fresh produce. First, foods that are in season are much more affordable. When farmers are harvesting a large abundance of produce due to the crop being in season, the cost of the produce will go down. If people feel that healthy eating is causing their grocery bill to climb, they probably are not buying seasonal produce.

Second, fresh foods that are in season are also packed with the highest amount of nutritional value since they are consumed closer to their harvest time. Some antioxidants such as vitamin c, folate, and carotenes decrease when produce is stored for periods of time, such as with non-seasonal fruits and vegetables.

By eating seasonally, we also can support more local farming which means less transportation, less refrigeration, less hot houses, and less irradiation of produce. It’s a helpful way to be mindful of the environment. And lastly, but most importantly, in-season produce just tastes the best! This is because seasonal fruits and vegetables have been able to naturally ripened and harvested at the correct time. Out of season produce must be transported long distances, chilled to preserve, then artificially ripened in heat. All of these measures change the taste and texture of the fruit. But when you eat a fresh peach in the summer months or an orange in the winter, its flavor is unmatched!

What’s in Season for Spring?

Inspired to fill your kitchen with some seasonal produce this spring? Stock up on some of these fruits and vegetables, then try out a new delicious and nourishing recipe!

• Asparagus

• Artichokes

• Spring onions

• Radishes

• Herbs

• Lettuce

• Baby carrots

• Leeks

• Fennel

• Peas

• Turnips

• Fava Beans