SPring produce

Your guide to buying produce this spring.

Spring has sprung

Eating fruits and vegetables in season are not only fresher and tastier than out-of-season produce, but also healthier, more affordable, and better for the planet.

Produce bought out-of-season, is picked before it has had the chance to ripen fully due to the demands of long shipping times. Harvesting fruits and vegetables before they are ready can negatively impact nutrient density and also result in a loss of flavor. These off-peak foods also have a larger carbon footprint than their local, seasonal alternatives.

However, when you buy seasonal fruits and vegetables year-round, you ensure that you are eating a nutritionally diverse, delicious, and sustainable menu.

We’ve compiled this spring produce guide to help you pick the best seasonal fruits and vegetables and make the most of this bountiful season!

Check out our Eat the Rainbow article for a great colorful salad prep.

Fruits

Avocado

PEAK SEASON: APRIL - JULY

Yes. Avocado is technically a fruit, and finding that perfectly ripe avocado going to be a little bit easier in spring when this fruits goes in season. To know if an avocado is ready to eat, lightly squeeze it in your hand. The skin should be dark and firm, and the fruit should slightly give under gentle pressure. When you’re sure it’s ready, enjoy it spread on some toast, mashed into guacamole, or by itself with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Strawberries

PEAK SEASON: APRIL - JUNE

There’s nothing more mouth-watering than a perfectly-ripe spring strawberry! Strawberries are high in vitamin C and can be eaten on their own as a healthy snack, chopped on top of a bowl of cereal, or blended into a refreshing smoothie. What a better place to live in than the capital of strawberries.

LIMES

PEAK SEASON: MAY - OCTOBER

More excellent sources of Vitamin C, lemons, and limes are a staple to any spring seasonal shopper. Enjoy the refreshing taste of citrus sliced into a glass of water, zested over pasta, or squeezed into juice.

pineapple

PEAK SEASON: APRIL - MAY

Although often considered a summer fruit for its tropical vibe, the peak season for pineapples actually begins as early as March! Enjoy this spring fruit on its own, in smoothies, or even atop a classic pizza.

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Check your local grocers

There are so many fruits available to choose from in the spring! Other fruits you can find seasonally at this time of year include bananas, kiwifruit, sweet cherries, grapefruit, kumquats, and mangos. While advancements in shipping and technology allow many of these items are available year round in our grocery stores, you will find them to be extra flavorful and delicious.

Vegetables

Greens

PEAK SEASON: APRIL - May

Collard greens, kale, and spinach all belong to a family of super-foods that ripen just in time for the warm weather. These greens are high in vitamins A, C, and K, and also provide a good source of calcium and fiber. Replace your regular iceberg lettuce with these green giants, and watch as you pack in the nutrients! Enjoy in a salad or blended into a healthy and delicious green smoothie with some seasonal fruits.

PEAS

PEAK SEASON: FEb - April

Whether you prefer garden, snow, or snap — peas are a great spring vegetable to add some crunch to your meal. Throw them whole into a salad or stir fry for some flavor and texture diversity. As a bonus, you can also enjoy pea greens in the spring as a farm-fresh garnish for pasta, sandwiches, and soups.

ONIONS

PEAK SEASON: May - July

Many varieties of onions begin becoming seasonally available in March, including the aptly-named spring onion. Similar to scallions, spring onions make the perfect chopped addition to nearly any dish.

ARTICHOKES

PEAK SEASON: March - May

Although many think of artichokes as a fall veggie, they enjoy two crop harvests: including one in the spring! Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never cooked with artichoke before. Despite their thorns, artichokes have a soft heart and a deliciously nutty flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

Carrots

PEAK SEASON: May - September

What doesn’t go with carrots? This sweet spring vegetable mixes perfectly into a salad, stir fry, juice, smoothie, soup, or even raw as a snack with a hummus or ranch dip.

MUSHROOMS

PEAK SEASON: Fall - spring

While technically not a vegetable, these edible fungi deserve an honorable mention when it comes to seasonal spring produce. Mushrooms are a great source of many vitamins and nutrients that aren’t normally available in vegetables, like Vitamin D and selenium (which is important for immune health). Mushrooms can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes such as soups, stir-fries, pasta, or even as a creative meat substitute. Note these are soon to go out of season this Spring.