Eating with the Seasons: Spring Foods

Spring is a season of renewal and growth. Eating with the seasons allows us to enjoy food that is fresh, flavorful, and nourishing, while also helping us slow down and appreciate the rhythms built into creation. Spring produce is often light and bright, making it perfect for simple, satisfying meals.

What Foods Are in Season in Spring?

If you aren't a farmer or a gardener, it can be difficult to know which foods are in season. A few simple clues can help. Foods are often in season when prices are lower than usual, they are abundant at local farmers' markets, or they are commonly associated with a specific time of year, like pumpkin in autumn.

Here are some common spring foods:

Vegetables:

• Asparagus

• Peas

• Radishes

• Spinach

• Lettuce

• Carrots

• Green onions

Herbs:

• Dandelion

• Lavendar

• Parsley

• Cilantro

Fruits:

• Strawberries

• Blueberries

• Apricots (late spring)

• Cherries (late spring)

• Rhubarb

Spring produce often includes tender greens and garden vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures. Many of these plants even have a second growing season in early fall when the weather cools again.

Simple Ways to Enjoy Spring Produce

Eating well does not have to be complicated, time-consuming, or expensive. Seasonal eating naturally simplifies meals because the ingredients are already fresh and flavorful.

Here are a few easy ways to incorporate spring foods into your routine:

Fresh Spring Salads

• Spinach or lettuce

• Strawberries

• Nuts

• Simple olive oil and vinegar dressing

Sheet Pan Spring Dinner

Roast together:

• Chicken

• Asparagus

• Baby potatoes

• Carrots

• Lemon and herbs

Spring Vegetable Stir Fry

Quick sauté with:

• Asparagus

• Snap peas

• Carrots

• Garlic

• Serve over rice or quinoa

Simple Breakfast Ideas

• Omelet with spinach, mushrooms, and green onions

• Yogurt with strawberries and honey

  
  

Seasonal Eating Matters

Seasonal foods are often fresher, more flavorful, and more affordable. They also help us stay connected to the natural rhythms of the earth. When foods are grown in their ideal conditions, they may offer greater nutritional value.

Seasonal eating also brings variety to your diet. Instead of eating the same foods year-round, you naturally rotate ingredients, which supports a broader range of nutrients over time.

Throughout Scripture, we see references to planting, harvest, and the rhythms of the land. Paying attention to what grows in each season can serve as a reminder of God’s provision and design in creation.

For more on biblical eating, see A Bible-Based Diet: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science.

Try Something New

Ready to get started? Try one new spring vegetable this week. Add fresh herbs to a familiar recipe. Visit a local farmers’ market if one is available.

Seasonal eating does not need to be complicated. It simply means enjoying the foods that naturally grow during this time of year.

More Resources

Spring Herbs to Grow for Wellness and Joy + Garden Tips

Seasonal Produce Guide | SNAP-Ed