Spring is finally here, and with it, some of our favorite fruits and vegetables. While a majority of produce is available at grocery stores year-round, it tastes better and contains more nutrients when you buy it in season. This is especially true when you shop from local growers and purchase soon after harvesting.
There are plenty of ways you can incorporate these delicious seasonal veggies and fruits into your diet. Are you wondering what foods are in season right now and how can you transform them into delicious snacks? Keep reading to find out!
Strawberries
These juicy and sweet berries make a great addition to any diet. Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B9, and plenty of antioxidants, making them great for cardiac and immune system health. While strawberries are delicious on their own, you can also incorporate them into a variety of filling snacks.
For a quick snack, make a yogurt parfait with vanilla yogurt, granola, and some cut strawberries. For an on-the-go snack, throw them in the blender with your other favorite fruits and make a delicious smoothie. If you’re feeling more ambitious, you can make a simple jam to enjoy on toast or in a sandwich during snack time.
Cherries
Spring is also the perfect time to look for cherries at your local farmer’s market. Whether you prefer sweet or tart cherries, they all provide a wealth of health benefits. Cherries contain high levels of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, and like strawberries, they’re rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Cherries are a great add-in for yogurt and smoothies, but if you want a super sweet snack, try dipping them in chocolate or Nutella. Dried cherries also add a touch of sweetness to your favorite granola or trail mix.
Kale
Though kale is usually a dinner or lunch food, it can also be a great addition to your snack time. This leafy green is one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat, as it’s chock full of vitamin A, K, C, and B6, as well as calcium. Kale is also high in antioxidants and may even lower your risk of developing certain cancers.
For a snack, try making kale chips. Simply cut the kale leaves into bite-size pieces, sprinkle with olive oil and salt, then bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Voila! Now you can enjoy homemade kale chips that are the perfect alternative to fatty, oily potato chips. Of course, you can always buy them from the supermarket too.
Mango
Mango is a sweet tropical fruit with a ton of nutritional benefits. Like many other fruits, mango is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that may improve immunity, digestion, and heart health.
This sweet fruit is perfect when enjoyed raw, but you can use it to make other delicious snacks, too. Whip up a tasty tropical smoothie with mango, pineapple, banana, orange juice, and coconut water. Diced, mango also makes a great addition to salsa and guacamole.
Carrots
Carrots are a great source of beta carotene, fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and vitamin K1 and have the potential to boost eye health and stabilize cholesterol levels. For a simple snack, enjoy some baby carrots raw or dipped in your favorite nut butter or hummus spread. If you want to try something new, you can make carrot chips by baking peeled carrots in salt and olive oil.
Pineapple
Pineapple is a tart seasonal fruit that will turn your living room into a beach-front oasis. Thanks to its antioxidants and enzymes, pineapple can defend against inflammation and other diseases. This tropical fruit is perfect for smoothies, adding a touch of tang to the usually sweet drink. Just like mango, this fruit adds a more complex flavor to salsa and guacamole, balancing the savoriness of the dip and saltiness of the tortilla chip.
There are so many versatile and delightful foods that are in season right now; you just have to know where to look. Mango, cherries, pineapple, kale, carrots, and strawberries are especially delicious during spring. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, a quick snack, or a complex one, these seasonal treats are sure to satisfy your cravings. From smoothies to trail mixes, your between-meal snack time is about to get way tastier.
BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.
