Springtime Fruits and Vegetables

It’s springtime and that means it is time for spring fruits and vegetables! Spring foods include asparagus, avocados, broccoli, lettuce, pineapple, strawberries and much more.  Shopping for foods that are in-season means getting them fresh, in larger quantity and usually cheaper.  Not to mention, they are tastier and more nutritious in-season!  Shopping for foods in-season can add variety to your meals and improve your health.  Below you will find all the tools necessary to start your springtime eating today.
 
Springtime Foods:
Here is a complete list of foods categorized by the four seasons from the United States Department of Agriculture: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide. This list provides details on each food item to learn more about the food.  It also includes the nutritional values, as well as links to recipes.
 
Where to find Spring foods:
You can locate fresh fruits and vegetables from spring in your local grocery store or at a nearby Farmer’s Market.  The United States Department of Agriculture also provides you with a list of local Farmers’ Markets to check out! Click here for the link to search by your zip code: https://search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/mobile/mobile.html
 
Recipe Resources:
Here is a link to several fun salad recipes through Southern Living to try with using some of the listed springtime foods: https://www.southernliving.com/food/entertaining/spring-salad-recipes#spinach-romaine-salad-cucumbers-radishes-creamy-mint-dressing-recipe-image
Check out more spring food recipes through Allrecipes.com: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/629/everyday-cooking/seasonal/spring/
 
How to store your Spring food:
There are also ways to prepare and properly store foods in season to keep them fresh, for the longest possible time.  Some foods like carrots and beets can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks. While bananas can be kept on your counter and onions can be held in the pantry.  Here is a complete list of how to properly store your in-season fruits and vegetables: https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/more-shopping-storing/how-to-store-vegetables