Spring is in the air! March 19
th marked the Vernal Equinox ‚ the official start of the new season. And along with warmer weather, nature walks and blossoming tulips comes a bounty of vibrant seasonal fruits and veggies.
You probably know by now that our team at Vibrant Health is a fan of
eating whole, in-season foods. That‚s why today on the blog we‚re sharing some of our favorite spring produce items to ‚eat the rainbow‚ this season!
- Snap Peas
Why We Love it: These little guys start to pop up in early spring, providing just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Bright green in color, they provide an excellent source of Vitamin C, K and antioxidants. Oh snap!
Try it Yourself: Our favorite way to enjoy snap peas are straight up ‚ dipped in your favorite hummus or tzatziki dip.
- Asparagus
Why We Love it: In the same family as onions, garlic, and chives, these bright green spears are a spring favorite over here! Packed with antioxidants and vitamins K and C, they‚ll add a nutritional boost to your springtime meals.
Try it Yourself: Roast them up with a little olive oil, lemon and garlic, or get creative with this
Vegan Lemon Asparagus Risotto.
- Strawberries
Why We Love it: This bright, red, juicy berry is a favorite among kiddos and adults alike! Like all berries, these gems are loaded with antioxidants and are proven to be an essential part of a
heart-healthy diet.
Try it Yourself: Snack ‚òem right out of the carton, add them into your spring salads or blend up this
Very Berry Smoothie Bowl ‚ made with frozen berries and a scoop of our Vanilla
Maximum Vibrance.
- Fresh Herbs
Why We Love it: Your garden‚s about to look a whole lot more lively this season with fresh herbs like parsley, mint and basil popping up. Not only do herbs add a delightful flavor punch to your meals, but they offer up some fascinating health benefits to boot. (Think: using peppermint oil as a natural remedy to
help treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome or parsley to
help aid digestion.)
Try it Yourself: We love adding fresh herbs like basil or mint to flavor our water, and they make for great add-ins for salads, soups and smoothies. For maximum freshness, store softer herbs like parsley and basil in a mason jar with about an inch of water!
- Greens
Why We Love it: You know we‚re a fan of eating your greens over at Vibrant Health, so we‚re ecstatic they‚re now in season! We love that they‚re packed with energizing phytonutrients and chlorophyll, and also super versatile. Plus studies show that
consumption of green leafy vegetables, including cruciferous veggies, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Try it Yourself: This spring, load up on salad greens as well as leafy greens like spinach, arugula and chard. Whip up this
Bright Spring Green Salad ‚ packed with seasonal goodness. We‚re pretty sure salads will be your best friend this season!
- Artichokes
Why We Love it: We‚ve got a whole lot of love in our hearts for artichoke hearts ‚ the delicious, edible part of this veggie (which is technically a flower)! Bursting with antioxidants, it‚s no surprise they were listed on the
USDA‚s Top 20 Antioxidant Food List.
Try it Yourself: Top your salads with marinated artichokes or lighten up your pizza night with this
Spinach & Artichoke Pizza.
- Green Onions
Why We Love it: Green onions, also known as scallions, are a great way to add an extra pop of flavor to your cooking, especially popular in Thai cuisine. Plus, they contain Vitamins A, C and K!
Try it Yourself: Skip takeout and opt for this
Rainbow Vegetarian Pad Thai topped with fresh herbs and green onions!
Happy cooking! Note: These suggestions are meant to act as a guide. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider when implementing any drastic changes to your diet or healthcare routine.
