Seasonal Spring Vegetables

There’s no better time of year to enjoy fresh vegetables than in Spring. The fresh, tender vegetables of spring are more fragile than those of other seasons. It’s a great time to find delicious, local vegetables at your nearest farmers market.

Here are a few vegetables to look for during your next trip to the market:

Artichokes

An Artichoke can look intimidating on the outside, but inside lies a delicious nutty, lightly tannic reward. Most artichokes are grown here in California so you should have no problem finding them fresh. Look for artichokes with closed heads. The leaves should form tight, compact layers. The whole artichoke should be firm and feel heavy for its size.

Radishes
Radishes are a great addition to a salad. They provide a touch of heat, spiciness and crunch. Look for radishes that have medium-sized firm and crisp roots. Smaller is better when it comes to choosing radishes. Check the leaves. If you buy a bunch of radishes with their leaves intact, the leaves should look crisp and be of a good green color.

Beets
Beets are a vegetable that add sweetness and earthiness to all kinds of dishes, such as roasted beet salads or chilled beet soup. Spring beets are known for their delicious greens still attached. When choosing beets, look for ones that are small and firm with a deep maroon color. The leaves should be bright green with no sign of wilting. Small beets tend to be sweeter and more tender. Avoid larger beets with hairy taproots that usually indicates aging.

Asparagus

Asparagus have been considered a delicacy since ancient times. This vegetable arrives during Spring with its fleshy green spears that are both succulent and tender. This highly prized vegetable arrives with the coming of spring, when its shoots break through the soil and reach their 6-8 inch harvest length. When choosing asparagus look for ones that have stalks that are firm, straight, and smooth with tightly closed tips. Ridges in the stems and a dull green color are an indication of old age. The stalks of asparagus should not be limp or dry.

What are some of your favorite vegetables to cook with in Spring?