Spring is a time of renewal and abundance, and nowhere is this more evident than at the farmers market.

By choosing seasonal produce at its peak freshness, you not only support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint, but also enjoy the most flavorful and nutritious ingredients nature has to offer.

Here are 8 fruits and veggies to keep an eye out for this Spring:

 

1. Asparagus:

Spring marks the peak season for asparagus. Rich in vitamins and minerals, asparagus is versatile and delicious. Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips, and enjoy them roasted, grilled, or sautéed in a myriad of dishes.

 

 2. Strawberries:

Few things complement each other as perfectly as the warm sun and the delicious scent of ripe strawberries. Bursting with sweetness and packed with antioxidants, strawberries are a true springtime delicacy. Choose plump, fragrant berries with vibrant red coloration, and enjoy them fresh in salads, desserts, or simply on their own.

 

 3. Peas:

Fresh peas are a lovely springtime treat, with their sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture. Whether you prefer sweet green peas, crisp sugar snap peas, or tender snow peas, spring is the time to enjoy them at their peak. Look for pods that are plump and firm, and enjoy them raw, steamed, or lightly sautéed.
 

 4. Radishes:

With their vibrant colors and peppery bite, radishes add a zesty crunch to springtime dishes. Choose radishes that are firm and brightly colored, with crisp green tops. Enjoy them raw in salads, pickled as a tangy condiment, or roasted for a milder flavor.
 

 5. Spinach:

Packed with nutrients like iron, vitamins A and C, and folate, spinach thrives in the cool temperatures of spring. Look for crisp, vibrant leaves with no signs of wilting or yellowing. Enjoy spinach raw in salads, wilted into pasta dishes, or blended into smoothies for a nutritious boost.
 

 6. Rhubarb:

Tart and tangy rhubarb is a classic springtime ingredient, perfect for pies, crisps, jams, and sauces. Look for stalks that are firm and brightly colored, with crisp leaves. Enjoy rhubarb cooked into sweet desserts or paired with strawberries for a delightful flavor contrast.
 

 7. Cabbage: 

Cabbage is at it's prime during the spring months. Rich in vitamin C and fiber, cabbage offers a crunchy texture and mild flavor. Look for heads that are firm and heavy for their size, with crisp outer leaves. Enjoy cabbage raw in slaws, stir-fries, or braised in a comforting side dish. 
 

 8. Fennel:

With its crisp texture and subtle anise flavor, fennel adds a unique touch to springtime dishes. Look for bulbs that are firm and free of blemishes, with bright green fronds. Enjoy fennel raw in salads, roasted with other spring vegetables, or thinly sliced and added to sandwiches or slaws.

 

These are just a few of the many fruits and vegetables that are in season during spring. Keep an eye out for these at your local farmer's market, and enjoy the benefits of eating with the rhythm of the seasons!