There’s something satisfying about walking out to your own garden and picking a fresh head of lettuce or handful of potatoes to eat for your next meal.

But if you’re better at shopping than you are at growing, buying seasonal produce is the next best thing.

While we’re still a few weeks away from an abundance of fresh, local fruit hitting your neighbourhood market, eating seasonal veggies right now is easy.

And doing so means you’ll get richer flavours, better nutrition and better prices. Here are a few of our favourites:

Asparagus

Yes, we know you can get asparagus year-round—but the most tender, flavourful stalks are only available in springtime. Rich in

to promote digestive health, asparagus is also high in potassium and low in sodium, helping to reduce bloating and inflammation.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe that takes your asparagus beyond the steamer or fry pan, we recommend trying out our new spin on the classic tuna melt.

Arugula

There’s no comparison between those readily available plastic clam shells of pre-packaged arugula and the handfuls of feathery leaves you can buy in bulk from your local farmer’s market. We love it when this peppery, leafy green is in season. You’ll get a full dose of vitamins like A, K, and folate from arugula, not to mention its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

Enjoy arugula on its own with fresh lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste, or use it as the base in this colourful, healthy, and easy-to-make warm salmon salad.

Carrots

When this classic vegetable is in season locally, its sweetness can’t be beat. Packed with vitamin A (from beta-carotene) and other antioxidants, carrots can help with healthier hair, skin, and nails.

Take your carrot game to the next level by incorporating them into our delicious Mackerel Banh Mi.

Spinach

Spring brings with it the most tender, freshest spinach with an abundance of powerhouse nutrients. One of the most versatile of leafy greens, spinach is packed with muscle-building protein and energy-boosting iron, and can’t be beat for vitamins A, C, and K.

Whether you use it by the handful in your green breakfast smoothie, or throw some fresh leaves in our delicious Tuna Spinach Wrap, you’ll be adding a significant amount of nutrients to your day.

Sources:

https://www.elizabethrider.com/top-10-healthy-spring-foods-how-to-use-them/

https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/top-10-produce-picks-for-spring/

https://www.eatthis.com/spring-vegetables/

https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/diet/best-worst-spring-foods-digestive-health/