Your ultimate Spring Produce guide. What is the best produce to get at your local supermarket this spring?
As the days grow longer and the weather warms, spring breathes new life into the world, bringing with it an abundance of fresh and vibrant produce to tantalize our taste buds. From crisp greens to juicy fruits, spring offers a bounty of seasonal delights that are bursting with flavor and nutritional goodness. In this ultimate spring produce guide, we’ll explore the best picks to get at your local supermarket this spring, along with tips for selecting, storing, and enjoying these seasonal treasures.
Your ultimate Spring Produce guide:
1. Asparagus:
Tender and flavorful, asparagus is a quintessential spring vegetable that signals the arrival of the season. Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, asparagus is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips when selecting asparagus at the supermarket. To store, trim the ends and place the spears upright in a glass of water in the refrigerator for freshness.
2. Strawberries:
Juicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor, strawberries are a springtime favorite that adds a pop of color and freshness to any dish. Whether enjoyed on their own, tossed into salads, or blended into smoothies, strawberries are a versatile fruit that’s rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Choose strawberries that are plump, firm, and brightly colored, with fresh green caps intact. Store strawberries in the refrigerator and wash them just before eating to preserve their freshness.
3. Spinach:
Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, calcium, and folate, spinach is a nutritional powerhouse that’s at its peak during the spring months. Tender and mild in flavor, spinach is perfect for salads, sandwiches, soups, and sautés. Look for crisp, vibrant green leaves without any signs of wilting or yellowing when selecting spinach at the supermarket. Store spinach in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep it fresh longer.
4. Peas:
Sweet and tender, fresh peas are a delightful springtime treat that adds a burst of sweetness to any dish. Whether enjoyed raw, steamed, or sautéed, peas are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Choose peas that are plump, bright green, and firm to the touch when selecting them at the supermarket. For the best flavor and texture, use fresh peas within a few days of purchase or blanch and freeze them for later use.
5. Radishes:
With their crisp texture and peppery flavor, radishes are a refreshing addition to spring salads, sandwiches, and crudité platters. High in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, radishes are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Look for radishes that are firm, smooth, and brightly colored, with fresh green tops intact. Store radishes in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel or plastic bag to keep them crisp and fresh.
6. Artichokes:
With their unique flavor and meaty texture, artichokes are a versatile spring vegetable that’s perfect for grilling, roasting, steaming, or stuffing. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, artichokes are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Choose artichokes that feel heavy for their size and have tightly closed leaves when selecting them at the supermarket. To store, refrigerate artichokes in a plastic bag and use them within a few days for the best flavor and texture.
7. Arugula:
With its peppery flavor and tender leaves, arugula adds a bold and zesty kick to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes. High in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants and phytonutrients, arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green that’s perfect for springtime meals. Look for arugula with fresh, vibrant leaves and avoid any signs of wilting or yellowing when selecting it at the supermarket. Store arugula in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and keep it crisp and fresh.
8. Rhubarb:
Tart and tangy, rhubarb is a unique springtime ingredient that’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to pies, crisps, compotes, and sauces. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, rhubarb is not only delicious but also offers a range of health benefits. When selecting rhubarb at the supermarket, look for firm, crisp stalks with bright red or pink coloration. Store rhubarb in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel or plastic bag and use it within a few days for the best flavor and texture.
Conclusion: The best Spring Produce to get at your local supermarket this spring
With its vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and nutritional benefits, spring produce offers a feast for the senses and a bounty of culinary inspiration. From crisp greens to juicy fruits, the seasonal delights of spring are not to be missed. Next time you visit your local supermarket, be sure to stock up on these fresh and flavorful springtime favorites and let your taste buds rejoice in the abundance of the season. Whether enjoyed raw, cooked, or incorporated into your favorite recipes, spring produce is sure to add a touch of brightness and vitality to your meals.