Fruits and vegetables have the fullest flavor when they're at their peak. With the knowledge of knowing what's in season, you'll know what to expect at farmers markets and other local sources, as well as what fruits and vegetables at more conventional markets might be locally grown.
Check out what fruit and vegetable superfoods are in season for spring and their health benefits according to their colors:
Pink and Red
- In Season In Spring: strawberries, lychee, rhubarb, Swiss chard
- Health benefits: Pink and red food helps lower blood pressure, supports joint tissue, helps fight harmful free-radicals, lowers cholesterol, helps keep the heart healthy, and fights and reduces the risk of certain cancers.
Yellow and Orange
- In Season In Spring: apricots, corn, pineapple, mango, oranges, Swiss chard
- Health benefits: Yellow and Orange food helps keep the heart healthy, maintains healthy eye sight, promotes collagen formation and healthy joints, fights harmful free radicals, builds healthy bones, lowers blood pressure, encourages alkaline balance, and works with magnesium and calcium to build healthy bones.
All Shades Green
- In Season In Spring: artichokes, asparagus, butter lettuce, broccoli, Chayote squash, cherimoya, chives, collared greens, English fennel, fiddlehead Ferns, fava bean, mustard greens, honeydew, limes, pea pods, ramps, snow peas, sugar snap peas, spinach, spring baby lettuce, sorrel, Swiss chard, watercress
- Health benefits: Green food helps normalize digestion time, maintains eye health, fights harmful free-radicals, boosts immune system, supports artery health, provides beneficial effects on cholesterol and blood pressure, fights harmful free-radicals, and aids in cancer prevention.
Blue and Purple
- In Season In Spring: Although there are no blue or purple foods available this season, you can enjoy the taste of any fruit or vegetable year-round by choosing frozen, canned, or dried.
- Health benefits: Blue and purple food helps support digestion, reduces stroke and cancer, fights inflammation, promotes brain and heart health, supports artery health, improves memory, supports retinal health, lowers cholesterol, boosts the immune system, improves calcium and other mineral absorption, reduces tumor growth, and limits the activity of cancer cells.
White and Off White
- In Season In Spring: Belgian endive, Morel mushrooms, Vidalia Onions
- Health benefits: White and off white food helps boost immune system, balances hormones, maintains healthy bones, promotes good circulation, supports the arteries, and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Savor the rainbow!
Please do not self-diagnose or self-medicate—even if with a food or herb. Trust your medical professional first and foremost in this department.
Reference: Fruits and Veggies More Matters (.org)
by Local Green Circle, March, 2010