Spring is a season of fresh, vibrant flavors, making it the perfect time to enjoy and preserve seasonal produce at its peak. From crisp greens to juicy berries, these fruits and vegetables are not only delicious but also ideal for canning, freezing, or fermenting to enjoy later in the year.
In this article, we highlight the 17 best seasonal produce to enjoy and preserve this spring. Whether you’re making homemade jams, pickled veggies, or frozen fruit for smoothies, these springtime favorites will help you savor the flavors of the season long after it ends. If you love fresh, homegrown food, these must-have picks are perfect for your table and pantry!
Asparagus
Tender asparagus spears are a hallmark of spring, offering a fresh, grassy flavor. Quick to cook, they pair well with everything from pasta to grilled meats. For preservation, consider pickling. This method not only extends their shelf life but also adds a delightful tanginess. A simple olive oil drizzle can elevate this vegetable into a gourmet side dish. Roast them to bring out a nuttier taste or steam for a lighter option. By incorporating asparagus into your meals, you’re embracing one of the season’s most beloved vegetables.
Strawberries
Strawberries embody the sweetness of spring with their juicy, red allure. Perfect for snacking, these berries are also excellent in desserts, salads, and smoothies. To preserve, try making a classic strawberry jam, capturing their essence in a jar. Freezing is an alternative, keeping them ready for future culinary creations. Whether eaten fresh or preserved, strawberries bring joy to any table. Their versatility makes them a staple in kitchens, promising bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Peas
Sweet peas offer a taste of springtime freshness, perfect for salads, soups, and side dishes. Their bright, sweet flavor is best enjoyed shortly after picking, but freezing them can lock in their essence for months. Mix them with mint for a classic pairing that heightens their natural sweetness. Whether tossed into a stir-fry or pureed into a soup, peas are a versatile addition to any meal. Their vibrant color and flavor embody the spirit of spring, inviting creativity in the kitchen.
Radishes
Radishes bring a peppery crunch to springtime salads and snacks. Their bright red skin and crisp interior make them visually appealing. Consider pickling as a preservation method to enhance their zesty flavor. Thinly sliced, they add texture to tacos and sandwiches. Roasting can mellow their spice, offering a unique side dish. By incorporating radishes into your culinary repertoire, you introduce a bold, spicy element that enhances various dishes, reflecting the lively energy of spring.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb’s tart flavor is synonymous with spring desserts, especially when paired with strawberries. While often used in pies and crumbles, its tangy taste also lends itself to savory dishes. Consider turning rhubarb into a chutney or sauce, ideal for complementing meats. For preservation, make rhubarb jam or compote, capturing its distinct taste for later enjoyment. Its unique taste profile adds intrigue to meals, making rhubarb a cherished spring ingredient.
Spinach
Rich in nutrients, spinach offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor, ideal for salads, smoothies, and sautés. Its tender leaves can be easily frozen, retaining their nutritional value for future use. Spinach pairs beautifully with eggs, cheeses, and nuts. Incorporate it into lasagna or a quiche for a nutrient-packed meal. By embracing spinach, you’re choosing a versatile, health-boosting option that enriches your cooking repertoire, celebrating the freshness of spring.
Artichokes
Artichokes stand out with their unique appearance and savory flavor. Steaming is a popular cooking method, enhancing their natural taste. Dipping the petals in butter or aioli adds a rich, creamy contrast. Preserve artichokes by marinating them in oil and herbs. This not only prolongs their shelf life but also intensifies their flavor. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, artichokes offer a distinctive culinary experience. Their complex taste and texture invite exploration in the kitchen, embodying spring’s spirit of renewal.
Fava Beans
Fava beans bring a buttery texture and nutty flavor to spring dishes. Shelling and peeling reveal their vibrant green seeds, ready for soups and salads. Preserve by blanching and freezing, maintaining their distinct flavor. Pair with herbs like mint or parsley to lift their natural taste. Fava beans can be mashed into spreads or added to pasta, offering a protein-rich option. Their versatility in dishes makes them a favorite among spring vegetables, promising a delightful culinary journey.
Carrots
Carrots offer a sweet, earthy flavor, perfect for raw snacking or cooking. Spring varieties tend to be more tender, enhancing their sweetness. Pickling carrots provides a tangy snack, while roasting brings out a caramelized depth. Puree into soups or blend into smoothies for added nutrition. By choosing carrots, you’re embracing a versatile root vegetable that adds color and flavor to any dish. Their adaptability in cooking ensures they remain a key ingredient throughout spring.
Lettuce
Lettuce brings crispness and variety to spring salads, offering a range of flavors from sweet to slightly bitter. Its tender leaves are ideal for wraps and sandwiches. Preservation isn’t common, but washing and storing in a damp cloth can extend freshness. Mix different types to create unique flavor profiles. With so many varieties available, lettuce provides endless possibilities for creating refreshing, nutritious meals. Its adaptability and ease of preparation make it a springtime staple.
Cherries
Juicy cherries are a springtime delight, perfect for snacking or baking into desserts. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness add depth to pies and tarts. To preserve, consider making cherry preserves or drying them for later use. Their vibrant color and rich flavor also complement savory dishes, like duck or pork. Whether enjoyed fresh or preserved, cherries bring a burst of flavor to any dish, making them a cherished choice for spring.
Kale
Kale’s robust flavor and nutritional profile make it a beloved spring green. Perfect for salads, soups, and smoothies, it offers a hearty texture. Blanching and freezing maintain its value beyond the season. Pair with garlic and lemon for a flavorful sauté. Kale chips provide a healthy snack alternative. Embracing kale means enjoying a versatile green that contributes both flavor and health benefits, reinforcing its status as a springtime favorite.
Spring Onions
Spring onions add a mild, oniony flavor to dishes, perfect for garnishes and salads. Their tender greens and small bulbs can be used entirely, reducing waste. Consider pickling to add a tangy crunch to dishes. Sautéing enhances sweetness, making them a versatile ingredient for various cuisines. As a fresh addition to your meals, spring onions bring a burst of flavor and color, embodying the renewal theme of spring.
Beets
Beets offer a sweet, earthy flavor, rich in color and nutrients. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness, while pickling provides a tangy preservation method. Grate raw into salads for added texture. Their vibrant hue adds a visual appeal to dishes. By including beets in your cooking, you embrace a versatile vegetable that offers both aesthetic and nutritional benefits, perfect for enjoying throughout the spring season.
Apricots
Apricots, with their delicate sweetness and slight tartness, are a spring favorite. Ideal for fresh eating, baking, or transforming into jams. Drying apricots preserves their flavor, making them a perfect snack year-round. Their vibrant color and juicy texture add a refreshing element to dishes. By choosing apricots, you’re indulging in a fruit that embodies the sweetness of spring, offering both taste and versatility in culinary creations.
Cabbage
Cabbage offers a delightful crunch and a slightly peppery flavor. Perfect for slaws, salads, and fermented dishes like sauerkraut. Storing cabbage in a cool place extends its freshness. Shredded and added to soups or stews, it enriches meals with texture and nutrients. Embracing cabbage means enjoying a versatile vegetable that enhances springtime dishes, promising both taste and health benefits.
Mint
Mint brings a refreshing aroma and taste to spring dishes. Perfect for teas, desserts, and savory meals, it adds a burst of flavor. Preserve by drying or freezing, ensuring a year-round supply. As a garnish or main ingredient, mint pairs well with fruits, vegetables, and meats. Its invigorating quality makes it a versatile addition to any meal. Choosing mint introduces a lively element to your cooking, celebrating the vibrant essence of spring.