Nutrition tidbits #8: seasonal spring grocery staples
While I’m sad it’s no longer soup season, we are embarking on the magical time in which it’s “not too hot, not too cold. all you need is a light jacket.” A.K.A spring. It’s when seasonal depression lifts, the flowers bloom in Central Park, and I get the motivation to visit the farmer’s market.
an early spring morning in central park
The farmer’s markets in spring feel so much more alive than in the depth of winter, and I love seeing all of the fresh green things like arugula, spinach, and pea shoots. It reinvigorates my meal planning and desire to try new and different things. Here are some of my favorite spring produce and grocery staples of late, and a couple recipes I’ve been making or want to make with them.
Arugula - so peppery and delicious. What gives arugula it’s slightly bitter taste are glucosinolates, a phytochemical found in cruciferous vegetables, which may be protective against some cancers
Local honey - I got some at the farmer’s market recently, and it’s perfect added to my ice matcha lattes
Bread Alone whole wheat sourdough - another farmer’s market buy, but they also sell them online and in some stores. I love some good toast on the weekends when I have more time for breakfast
Pea shoots and microgreens - these are great on top of omelets, or stuffed into sandwiches, wraps or pitas
Asparagus - asparagus season feels very fleeting, but I love it simply roasted with olive oil, sea salt and pepper
Spinach - I add spinach to everything, like pizza, omelets and egg dishes, smoothies, sandwiches, etc.
Strawberries - it’s not quite strawberry season yet, but by June they will be sweet and delicious, and I can’t wait
I usually prep my lunches for the week on the weekends, and made this Moroccan-spiced Greek yogurt chicken salad . It’s super flavorful and fresh, and perfect stuffed into a pita with some of my arugula and pea shoots from the farmer’s market. I also made this Greek turkey meatball with lemon orzo and creamy feta yogurt sauce recently and it was amazing (can you tell I’m into Ambitious Kitchen right now?). I’ve never made a frittata before, but am inspired to try one like the simple recipe Meghan Markle made on her Netflix show. That feels very “spring-like” to me (note: I can’t find the actual recipe anywhere!).
That’s all from me today. Take good care,
Kelly