Super Spring Produce
Asparagus
This popular veggie is best from February through June. The slender stalks are more tender and tasty. Look for apple green stalks with purplish tips. Use right away, or store in the refrigerator for about three days. Wash before cooking and either cut off the tough ends or peel them before cooking.
Find fantastic asparagus recipes at Gourmandia and our sister site, Gourmet Recipe.
Artichokes
Although many grocery stores offer artichokes year round, they are at their peak in the spring and fall. Look for artichokes with leaves that cling tight to the thistle (artichokes aren’t really a vegetable), have a deep green hue, and are heavy. Rounder artichokes tend to have a bigger and more tender heart. Use right away, or refrigerate for up to three days.
Before cooking, wash. Clip off the thorny leaf tips. Cut off the top and remove small leaves at the base of the thistle. If not cooking artichokes whole, cut in half, lengthwise, and with a spoon, remove the fuzzy center.
Look for great artichoke recipes at Gourmandia and Gourmet Recipe.
Blueberries
Depending upon the variety, blueberries are in season throughout the spring and early summer. Select berries that are firm and deep blue. Use right away, or store in a lidded container in a single layer. Placing a paper towel beneath helps, too. Or freeze by placing in a single layer on a baking tray and freezing until hard. Transfer to a freezer container.
Check out the amazing blueberry recipes at Gourmet Recipe.
Carrots
Carrots are generally in season in the spring and fall. Choose carrots with the greens still attached; they are fresher and the greens can be used in place of parsley. Look for smooth, firm, slim carrots without cracks.
Remove the green tops once you arrive home. Store carrots in the refrigerator, away from apples. Store the greens in the refrigerator for up to three days, or chop the greens and freeze them for later use.
Discover great carrot recipes at Gourmet Recipe.
Rhubarb
This vegetable should be bright in color, with blemish-free leaves. Use right away, or store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before using, wash and remove the leaves.
Check out the rhubarb recipes at Gourmandia and Gourmet Recipe.
Strawberries
Strawberries can be in season from spring through September, depending upon the variety. Select berries that are bright in hue and with their green hats still in place. Use right away, or store in a single layer in the refrigerator for up to three days. Place a paper towel under the berries for best results. Before eating, wash the berries under cool, running water, cutting off their green tops.
See the great strawberry recipes at Gourmandia and Gourmet Recipe.
Peas
Peas are in season in early spring and fall. Select peas with bright green pods. The fresher they are, the more sweet they’ll be. Refrigerate for no more than three days and shell just before using.
Find fantastic pea recipes at Gourmet Recipe.
