Spring Fruits and Vegetables: A Guide to Seasonal Produce
As you think about the health and wellbeing of both yourself and your family, what you eat is a big part of that. If you’re planning your menu—either for regular weeknight dinners or for a special event you’re hosting—incorporating seasonal produce is a win for everyone. Here’s a guide to seasonal produce in Maryland, as well as an overview of what you should know about the benefits of eating seasonally—
Why Buy Seasonal Produce?
Buying seasonal produce is good for you, your local economy, and even the environment. Some of the top benefits of buying seasonal produce include:
- More nutrients. Did you know that eating produce that’s in season provides more nutritional value than does eating produce that’s out of season? When fruit and vegetables are picked before they are ripe, they lose nutrients every day from when they’re picked to when they’re ready to eat. Seasonal produce, on the other hand, is picked when it’s freshest and after reaching ripeness due to optimal growing conditions rather than artificial conditions or even additives, which means there’s a higher level of antioxidants and less nutrient loss. Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables may also be less inflammatory than eating produce that’s out of season, too. And of course, all those extra nutrients means that eating seasonally is tastier as well!
- Supporting local businesses. One of the top benefits of eating seasonal produce is that when you eat what’s grown in your community, you’re supporting local farmers and suppliers. By supporting local businesses, you’re helping to reduce consolidation in the food industry and give your local economy a boon—a win-win for everyone.
- Environmental benefits. In some cases, eating what’s grown near you and what’s in season may have benefits for the earth, too. When you eat locally, food doesn’t have to be shipped as far, which results in emissions reductions. The food may also have been grown in a way that’s more sustainable and minimizes the use of chemical fertilizers and weed control inputs, which helps to protect the soil and the ecosystem (and may be better for you, too!).
- Opportunity to try something new. Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables also allows you the opportunity to mix up your menu and get out of the routine of eating the same old thing every night. More diversity in your diet is good for you and allows you the opportunity to get new nutrients that you may be missing, and is also fun! If you’ve been looking at a few new recipes but don’t know where to start, picking a few seasonal items to feature is a great option!
What’s in Season in the Spring in Maryland?
Early-season vegetables in Maryland include leafy greens, like spinach, lettuce, and arugula; herbs like mint, parsley, and thyme; asparagus; peas and pea greens; rhubarb; parsnips; and sometimes even some early-season strawberries (although strawberries are most likely in late spring/early summer). You can find a full list of what’s in season and when on this handy chart provided by the state of Maryland.
And don’t worry—if you miss out on getting some spring produce, there’s a lot to come during the summertime. Maryland produces apples, pears, cherries, cantaloupes, melons, mushrooms, tomatoes, squash, onions, watermelon, raspberries, peaches, collard greens, eggplants, and much, much more. Eating locally is easy and delicious!
Get the Freshest Produce at Nick’s of Clinton
Not only is eating seasonally good for you, tasty, good for your local economy, and good for the planet—it’s also easy, too! When you shop at Nick’s of Clinton, you’ll find the freshest produce straight from local suppliers. Nick’s of Clinton is proud to offer fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables that are always high-quality. And not only will you find the in-season produce you’re looking for, but all of the other pairings and fixings you need for the perfect meal, too. We carry high-quality meats and seafood, pre-made foods, popular brands of packaged items, and wine, beer, and liquor too. Shopping at Nick’s is convenient and makes planning for all of your springtime meals easy and enjoyable.
Stop By Nick’s of Clinton Today
If you’re looking for something specific or have a question about our fruits, vegetables, or other products, please stop on in or give us a call directly. Serving the Maryland community since the early 1970s, we’re passionate about providing great products and great customer service. Get help finding everything you need today. We look forward to seeing you!
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!