Spring into Health with Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Spring is here with more sunshine, warmth, and colorful produce! Adding seasonal produce to your shopping list is a great way to keep healthy eating fun — plus, it helps you get a wider variety of nutrients. Use these tips to make your spring shopping trips and meals fun and tasty.
Here are some healthy spring picks, plus tips for shopping and preparing:
Asparagus: Vibrant green vegetables, typically sold in bundles.
How to enjoy: Roast it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, add it to a stir-fry, or grill it for a smoky flavor.
Seasonal tip: Look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips.
Carrots: Crunchy orange root vegetables typically sold loose or in bags.
How to enjoy: Enjoy them raw as a snack with hummus, roast them with herbs, or add them to soups and stews for a touch of sweetness.
Seasonal tip: Choose firm, smooth carrots with vibrant orange color and fresh green tops.
Spinach: Leafy greens full of nutrients, typically sold in bags.
How to enjoy: Toss it in a salad, sauté it with garlic and olive oil, or add it to soups and stews.
Seasonal tip: Select spinach with crisp, vibrant green leaves.
Radishes: Peppery root vegetables typically sold loose or in bags.
How to enjoy: Slice them thinly and add them to salads or tacos, or roast them for a milder flavor.
Seasonal tip: Choose firm, smooth radishes with fresh green tops.
Spring into healthy eating with seasonal produce — it’s delicious, nutritious, and affordable! Harvested at peak ripeness, in-season produce typically has a nicer flavor and texture. Stored for shorter periods, it’s typically higher in nutrients. Bigger harvests can also make it less expensive. [1,2]
Smart eating choices can help prevent your risk of heart disease and stroke. Filling half your plate with fruits and veggies is a great place to start. Make the most of the season's bounty by including delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables into your diet that get you excited about eating well. If seasonal produce is not an option for you, get fruits and veggies into your diet however you can — your body will thank you! [3,4]