Warmer weather is on its way. And with it comes high quality — and delicious — fruits and vegetables grown fresh right in your own state or region.
“Shopping in season is great for your health, your body and the planet,” says Allison Kallberg, RD, an outpatient dietitian at Hartford Hospital.
Here’s why local produce is your friend, and what you should be on the look-out for this spring.
Local produce is fresher and cheaper.
When produce is in season in your region, it doesn’t have to travel as far to reach your plate. This mean its picked closer to peak ripeness and spends less time in transit.
The result? Fresher, tastier and more nutritious produce.
Seasonal produce isn’t just better, it’s often cheaper since it’s more readily available. So if you see prices dropping for your favorite fruit or vegetable, that may be when the produce is at its best.
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Start with greens.
So what’s available in the spring?
- Asparagus. “One easy way to enjoy asparagus is to simply toss with olive oil and your choice of seasoning, then roast. Squeeze some lemon juice on top before serving,” Kallberg says.
- Spinach. Spinach is an excellent salad green, but don’t overlook its versatility. “Try incorporating it into soups, stews, stir fries, pasta dishes or even a smoothie for an extra boost,” she says.
- Arugula, swiss chard and lettuce. These greens all come into season in May, and make for an interesting and tasty addition to salads, sandwiches and soups.
- Radishes. Pack with vitamin C and are high in fiber, radishes are not only nutritious but also low calorie. They can be sliced on salads, roasted as a side dish or pickled for a tasty slaw addition.
- Scallions. Whether you use them raw as a topper or cooked into your dishes, scallions offer essential vitamins and nutrients, and are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.
Farmer’s markets and CSAs are great places to find local produce.
The easiest place to find local, in-season produce is, of course, a farmers’ market. Kallberg suggests talking with farmers to learn about the products they grow, as well as tips for preparation and serving recommendations.
A bit of extra planning during spring can help you enjoy fresh, local produce through summer and fall. Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, offered by local farms, offer an easy and affordable ways to enjoy local produce. By joining a CSA, you get seasonal produce on a regular basis, while supporting agriculture in your community.
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Or even better — grow it yourself!
But the best way to enjoy local produce is to grow some yourself.
Not sure where to start? A great way to get started with growing your own produce is an herb garden.
Herbs are an inexpensive and healthy way to add fresh flavor to homemade meals.
“No yard space? No problem,” Kallberg says. “Herbs can easily be grown in window boxes or other containers. Herbs are best planted in April or May to avoid frosts and enjoy a long growing season.”