Spring is here and it’s exciting to see the markets full of seasonal gems – my favorite vegetables and fruits at this time. I love walking through a farmer’s market and browsing at fresh produce. Here are some of my great finds this season…….
Persian Cucumbers![]()
This short, crunchy, slightly sweet, and almost seedless variety are perfect for snacking, salads and pickling. Because of its thin skin, you don’t have to peel it. What I love about this low-calorie vegetable is it’s rich in fiber, antioxidants, flavonoids and tannins which can reduce the risks of chronic diseases. On top of it all, it contains a lot of water which is good for hydration. How about adding it to a crudite platter or a cheeseboard?
Radish![seasonal gems - radish]()
Rich in vitamin C, this crunchy, peppery root vegetable has a pungent flavor perfect for salads, snack, appetizer, tacos and sandwiches. Try it on a bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese.
I love asparagus in any form – steamed, sautéed, roasted, grilled, in soup or salads. Not only is it delicious, this spring vegetable is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Try my quick recipe for sautéed asparagus here.
Chives![]()
A perennial herb that belongs to the garlic family with a mild flavor. I often use it as a topping for soup, salads, baked potatoes, eggs, and seafood. The light pink unopened flowerbuds can be added to salads or as a garnish. Try my recipe for lobster meunière with chives here.
Strawberries![]()
One of my favorite berries, I can’t count the many ways I eat strawberries. Delicious as a snack, in shakes, salads, pie, ice cream, cake etc. This refreshing fruit is rich in flavonoids, fiber, potassium, vitamin C and folic acid. Enjoy my recipe for sweet berry crepes with mascarpone cream here.
If you want to grow your own strawberry patch, try vertical gardening as shown here.