Spring Spring Spring!

 

Spring is here at last, though if you live in a sunny state like I do, it may have never really left! With springtime comes blossoming flowers, green leaves, and warm air; all making spring the most perfect season for taking a visit to your local farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets are a great way to get involved in your local community and economy, as well as better get to know exactly where your food comes from. In addition, many markets offer live music and kids’ activities, giving the potential for a fun family weekend outing. Most importantly of all, the farmer’s market is where you will find some of the best fruits, vegetables, and other food products around. Everything is more fresh, and because most of the items come from local farms and businesses, the transportation is much more ecologically friendly – just remember to bring some reusable grocery bags along to carry all of the great stuff you’re sure to find.

Depending on where you are in the country, different crops are in season at different times. Spring is a fun season because the temperature everywhere starts to rise, and there’s more variety across the country. Find your region below to see what may be available at your local market between March-May.

Northwest

Asparagus

Huckleberries

Mushrooms

New Potatoes

Northeast

Herbs

Mushrooms

Parsnips

Asparagus

Midwest

Asparagus

Mushrooms

Rhubarb

Parsnips

South

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Asparagus

Greens and Herbs

Southwest

Asparagus

Greens, lettuce, and cabbage

Snap Peas

Strawberries

Some regions may have more or less than what is listed here, but you’re sure to find something good regardless of where you live. If you’re trying to improve your diet to include more fruits and vegetables, visiting a farmer’s market is a great way to find something new and unusual that you might not find in your regular grocery store. For example, I visited my local farmer’s market this weekend and found orange cauliflower and romanesco broccoli – both strange vegetables, but also fun and colorful! Many vendors at farmer’s markets also offer other specialty food items like healthy bakery items, nut butters, honey, jams and jellies, and even seeds for planting in your own garden.

For more information on eating locally, and to find a farmer’s market near you, visit http://www.localharvest.org.

On a day-in-the-life-of-Emily note, I haven't updated in a while because I've been given the awesome opportunity to write for the blog at PHresh Kitchen through my school. PHresh Kitchen is a health-food focused fast food franchise in Florida (say that five times fast) with some great, delicious-looking ideas and registered dietitians behind their menu. 

Check it out at http://www.phreshkitchen.com, and if you're in Florida any time soon, stop by and let me know how it was!