Spring is officially here! And while our modern day grocery stores may carry all types of fruits and veggies throughout the year – it’s still refreshing to indulge in the best locally-grown produce that is best eaten in the Spring! Dig into some of our favorites of the season…
Asparagus
This versatile vegetable is great any way you make it! Roasted, grilled, boiled or baked – it’s hard not to make them delicious. For an easy side-dish: place asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese to taste. Bake until tender and voila!
Tip: Hold both ends of each asparagus spear and bend; the tough, fibrous base will snap right off, leaving you with the perfect piece to use for cooking!
Strawberries
Strawberries are particularly ripe and delicious in the spring. They pair perfectly with salads made with spinach or arugula. Top with sunflower seeds and grilled chicken or shrimp for a simple, yet delicious spring salad!
Artichokes
Fresh or jarred, artichokes make for Spring’s best dips, salads, pizzas and pastas! Boiled or grilled, artichokes can make for a great snack too! Mix some olive oil and Italian herbs, a squeeze of lemon, salt, pepper, parmesan and a dash of red pepper flakes for a flavorful artichoke dipping sauce. Yum!
Radish
Radishes are peppery in taste and add a pop of color to many Spring dishes! Crisp and colorful, they are delicious sliced in salads, but have you ever thought of sautéing them? Radishes become tender and lose a bit of their pepperiness when cooked. Try sautéing in butter and add them to your next rice or quinoa dish for an added twist!
Carrots
Freshly-harvested carrots are deliciously sweet! Perfect for dipping and shredded in salads, they can also make a great side dish. Drizzle some maple syrup and bake in the oven with your choice of herbs for an easy side dish.
Snap Peas
An easy and healthy snack with a powerful crunch! Snap peas are great raw, and fabulous in a simple stir-fry. Add some colorful peppers, teriyaki sauce, chicken or shrimp, and you have a fresh and fabulous meal to serve for dinner tonight!
