It’s officially Springtime, and that means it’s time to enjoy all of the delicious fruits and vegetables that are in season!
As I recently blogged about Springtime flowers, I thought it would be great to follow up with a post on seasonal fruits & veggies that are at their peak in the Spring! I find myself craving lighter foods in the Spring.
There are so many different types of products that are at their peak during the Springtime. From asparagus to zucchini, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One great way to take advantage of all these fresh fruits and veggies is by incorporating them into your meals. You can either eat them raw or cook them up in a variety of ways.
Which Fruits and Vegetables are in Season During Spring?
The following fruits and vegetables are in season during Spring: apples, apricots, asparagus, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cherries, chives, collard greens, cucumbers, dill weed, eggplant, endive, figs, green beans, honeydew melon, kale. kiwifruit, leeks, lemons, lettuce, limes, mangoes, mushrooms, mustard greens, nectarines. onions. oranges, parsley. peas squash. sweet potatoes and Swiss chard to name a few fruits and vegetables that are in season during the spring months of April through June 1st depending on where you live.
Are There any Health Benefits to Eating Spring Fruits & Vegetables?
Yes! Spring fruits and vegetables are a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body against disease.
Fruits and vegetables are low in calories so they can help you to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. If consumed with other foods, such as whole grains and lean proteins, fruits and veggies add important vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the diet while keeping it lower in fat and calories.
Here is a list of some great Spring fruits and vegetables to get you started.
Apples – rich in antioxidants, which help protect against heart disease and cancer.
Apples are a good source of fiber that can help with weight loss or weight maintenance. They also have been shown to improve concentration span and memory function thanks to the phenolic compounds they contain. Sliced apples are easy to take on the go and provide an excellent source of vitamin C.
Artichoke – a great source of fiber, which can help promote healthy bowels and helps people feel fuller faster which supports weight control. They are also a good source of magnesium, potassium, and folate, as well as being low in fat. Article Continued Below…
Asparagus – full of folate, fiber, B-vitamins, vitamin C and K. They are also low in calories so they can help with weight loss or weight maintenance. Asparagus contains glutathione, an anti-inflammatory compound that is linked to heart health. Asparagus helps lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and improve the stability of your blood sugar levels.
Avocado – this is a great source for healthy monounsaturated fats that have been linked with helping to lower blood pressure. It also contains glutathione which can help fight free radicals in the body that are linked to disease. Avocados are very versatile so they are easy to incorporate into any meal.
What Recipes can I Make with Spring Fruits & Vegetables?
– Asparagus, Bacon and Gruyere Tart
– Roasted Beet, Fennel and Orange Salad
– Grilled Peach, Prosciutto and Burrata Salad
– Strawberry Shortcake Tart
– Strawberry Frozen Yogurt
What is a Fruit and Vegetable Food Guide Pyramid?
The food guide pyramid is a graphic representation of the types and amounts of food that people should eat every day to maintain a healthy diet. The pyramid is divided into sections, with fruits and vegetables making up the largest section at the base. It then progresses to grains, dairy, and finally protein. The top of the pyramid emphasizes that people should only eat a small amount of these foods, which are typically high in fat or calories.
What is the 5-a-day Campaign?
The 5-a-day campaign is a global health initiative that encourages people to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. The campaign is designed to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and obesity.
The 5-a-day campaign was initiated in 1991 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is now widely promoted throughout the world, supported by many partner organizations. The campaign is not just about increasing fruit and vegetable intake but also changing people’s behavior so that daily consumption of fruits and vegetables becomes part of their culture.
What are Some Tips on Picking a Ripe Fruit?
Everyone loves a good piece of fruit. Here are some tips on picking the perfect piece from your local produce stand:
-First, choose fruits that have a strong sweet smell. If it smells a bit sour, you might want to put it back and pick another. If you can’t tell if a fruit has a strong enough scent, go for the fruits that are heavier for their size.
-Second, after you’ve picked your fruit, check if it is firm yet slightly yielding to the touch. If the fruit feels hard and unyielding, it’s not ripe or too young. If you can’t tell if it’s right between firmness and yield, pick the fruit that has a little more give to it. This usually means the fruit is on the ripe side and will taste sweeter.
-Third, if you can’t tell if your fruit is ripe by sight and smell alone, give it a good thump! A deep, low sound usually indicates high levels of sweetness and flavor. If it makes a low or high pitched sound, it’s probably not ripe yet.
-Finally, if you’re not sure how it will taste, go by color. If there is no sign of the fruit ripening past green or yellow on the package your product is in, it might be too early to eat or pick.
How can You Tell if a Vegetable is Ripe?
There are a few ways to tell if a vegetable is ripe. One way is to look at the color of the vegetable. If the vegetable is starting to turn color, then it is likely ripe. Another way to tell if a vegetable is ripe is to feel the texture of the vegetable. Ripe vegetables will be softer than unripe vegetables. You can also taste the vegetable to see if it’s ripe. Ripe vegetables will have a sweet flavor, while unripe vegetables will have a sour or bitter flavor.
What Fruits and Vegetables Should I Avoid When Eating Healthy?
Fruits and vegetables that are high in sugar should be avoided when eating healthy. This includes fruits like mangos, pineapples, and bananas, as well as vegetables like carrots, corn, and potatoes. These foods are high in carbohydrates and can cause weight gain if eaten in excess. Foods that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats should be consumed. These include foods like fish, avocado, broccoli, nuts/seeds, oats, quinoa, brown rice, lean meat (chicken breast), turkey breast.
Fresh fruit should also be avoided when trying to lose weight due to its high sugar content – this includes oranges, grapefruit, grapes, apples, cherries. Fresh fruit can also cause bloating and gas when eaten in excess – this is because fresh fruit has a high fructose content.
Moderation of these fruits and vegetables is key in order to maintain healthy eating habits!
conclusion: In conclusion, it is important that we remember to enjoy the delicious fruits and vegetables of the season. We hope you have enjoyed this article about springtime produce!