Spring is here, and besides the warm weather, this is that time of year with an abundance of spring produce. You can enjoy lots of fresh, healthy seasonal fruits and vegetables, and use them to prepare exciting meals for your family. You may be eager to find out what are the best foods for spring that your family can enjoy. Some tasty potential options are artichokes, arugula, asparagus, beets, and mushrooms. Your next question might be: What are ways to get the most out of my spring produce? Here’s how.
Artichokes
Artichokes are thistle plants’ flower buds. They have tough, spiny outer petals that cover smaller petals that have a soft pulp. At the flower’s center sits a "heart" connected to the stem. Artichokes come in different colors; some are dark green, while others are purplish. While you can buy canned artichoke hearts at a grocery store near you at any time of the year, spring is the only time you can enjoy fresh artichokes.
It’s a great idea to include artichokes in your meal plan, as they are rich in proteins and fiber. You can cook artichokes by steaming or boiling them, and then eat the tender inner leaves dipped in mayonnaise or butter. You can also make a fat-free herbal Greek yogurt for dipping by blending in herbs like tarragon and thyme.
Arugula
Arugula is a peppery-flavored leafy green in the same family as kale, cabbage, and broccoli. It is sometimes labeled as Italian cress, salad rocket, and rucola. Arugula is full of vitamin A, which works to boost your body’s immunity. In addition, it’s rich in potassium, which the body uses to manage its sodium levels. Arugula also has glucosinolates, which help prevent gastrointestinal tract cancer. You can eat this leafy green raw as a salad or in sandwiches and wraps. You may also enjoy arugula as a topping on flatbreads by chopping the arugula and sprinkling it on top of the flatbread after it comes out of the oven. This gives the flatbread a zing of flavor.
Asparagus
Asparagus is among the first spring foods to grow. Fresh asparagus spears are juicy with a lightly sweet taste and a hint of earthiness. When shopping, you can identify fresh asparagus by looking at the state of the flower buds at the top of the spear. Fresh spears usually have tight flower buds. The flower buds begin to open if the spears have been sitting out for a long time. Asparagus is an excellent source of vitamin A and potassium. It also contains anthocyanin, a micronutrient that researchers say can lower blood pressure. Try eating asparagus after a brief steaming, which makes it tender and sweet. You can also blanch asparagus and then use it as a vegetable for dipping.
Do You Need Fresh Spring Produce?
Are you a resident of Alexandria, Indiana, looking for fresh spring produce? Come shop at Horner’s Midtown Market, Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 8 pm. We have all kinds of fresh produce at great prices. Visit us today or call us for inquiries.