Spring Fruits and Vegetables

Spring is almost here and that means warmer, sunnier days are ahead! One of the best parts of spring is the variety of fruits and veggies that become available. Here are some great in-season choices for your meal prep, cooking, and baking needs.

Spring Fruits:

Strawberries: Strawberries are sweet and high in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber! Strawberries are great to incorporate into smoothies, salads, or for simple snacking.

Kiwi: This fruit is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Slice them and add to fruit salads and yogurt parfaits or simply peel and eat them on their own for a yummy snack.

Apricots: Apricots are a great addition to the springtime fruit lineup. They are rich in vitamin A and fiber. Plus, they are awesome for snacks, baking, jams, or salads.

Pineapple: Pineapple reaches its peak sweetness during springtime! It is high in vitamin C and fiber. Pineapple adds a refreshing taste to salads and savory dishes, is great sliced or cubed to eat as a snack, and adds a tropical flavor to smoothies (scroll down for a strawberry pineapple smoothie recipe).

Cherries: Filled with vitamin C and antioxidants, cherries are amazing on their own, in baked goods, or as a fun topping to spring and summer drinks.

Spring Vegetables:

Asparagus: Asparagus contains antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Grill, roast, or sauté it with garlic and olive oil for a delicious and nutritious side dish.

Peas: Peas come in several varieties and are high in vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. Peas are a versatile ingredient that can be added to soups, salads, stir-fries, or enjoyed on their own.

Spinach: Spinach offers a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin A, vitamin K, and zinc (just to name a few). Spinach is a delicious base for salads and can be added to stir-fries, pasta, and more. You can also sneak a handful of spinach into your smoothies for extra nutrients and essentially no taste!

Lettuce: With the arrival of spring, lettuce varieties such as butterhead, romaine, and leaf lettuce thrive. Lettuce is high in vitamin A and rich in water content. Use it as a base for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or tacos.

Radishes: Radishes are high in vitamins and potassium. You’ll typically find them in salads, but are also great raw and dipped into your favorite hummus or dressing.

Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie

Reap the benefits of spring fruits and veggies by combing them in a delicious and easy-to-make smoothie.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup strawberries 
• ½ cup pineapple chunks 
• ½ cup spinach 
• ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt 
• 2 tbsp honey 
• ¾ cup milk 
• ¼ cup ice
• Optional: 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (for extra protein) 

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth!
2. Pour into a glass or to-go cup and enjoy!