Four Foods to Try This Spring

Spring has sprung! Along with this comes an abundance of flavorful produce to brighten your plate. Purchasing the same foods to eat each week can become very tiring. So, as the weather heats up, let's vitalize our fresh fruits and vegetables too.

Among the spring harvest are four versatile, delicious options: asparagus, strawberries, apricots, and spinach. Each provides unique flavors, nutrients, and endless cooking possibilities. Here are some simple ways to enjoy spring produce, spice up your meals, reduce your grocery bill, and maximize your nutritional intake this season.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, folate, potassium, and fiber. Rich in antioxidants, it can help protect cells from damage and support overall health. Asparagus is also low in calories and sodium, making it a nutritious choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It can be prepared in numerous ways, such as steamed, roasted, grilled, sautéed, or even raw in salads. Adding to its versatility, asparagus can also be incorporated as a side dish, pairing well with chicken, shrimp, salmon, and lemon, or as an ingredient in pasta dishes, quiches, risottos, omelets, sauces, soups, sandwiches, etc.

Strawberries

Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. Strawberries have been linked to improved heart health, better digestion, and even potential cancer-fighting properties, this is because of their high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals. They can be utilized in a wide range of sweet and savory dishes. Eat them as a snack, as a topping on yogurts, cereals, salads, etc., blend them into smoothies, or even make a healthier dessert such as a whole-grain strawberry crisp or a strawberry oatmeal bar!

Apricots

Apricots are packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants. Apricots have been linked to improved eye health, better digestion, and even reduced risk of chronic diseases. Enjoy these fruits as a snack by themselves or as a topping on oatmeal, yogurt, salads, etc. Apricots can also be mixed in salsas, dressings, trail mix, overnight oats, energy balls, made into a jam, roasted or pureed and paired with chicken, or made into a healthier dessert such as blended frozen with orange juice or grilled with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

Spinach

Spinach is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, folate, iron, calcium, and antioxidants. As well as its high fiber content to support digestion and gut health, making spinach a valuable addition to any diet. Spinach can also be enjoyed raw, cooked/sautéed, or blended. For example, spinach can be eaten in salads, sandwiches/subs, sautéed as a side dish, blended in smoothies, sauces, soups, or stews, paired with chicken, salmon, shrimp, rice, or cooked in pasta dishes, omelets, quiches, casseroles, etc.