If you’re joining us from the Northern Hemisphere, spring is in the air.

The days are longer, the sun shines brighter and warmer, and nature is starting to reawaken. Animals are coming out of hibernation, fresh seeds for produce are planted, and there’s energy in the air.

Spring is often considered the season of rebirth and rejuvenation, and as we come out of what felt like a long winter hibernation where we nourished ourselves with soups, stews, and comfort food, the rising temperatures of spring have our bodies craving lighter fare.

It’s an opportunity to clean out the fridge and stock up with the bountiful seasonal produce. Seasonal food is food purchased and consumed near the time it was harvested. Eating seasonally reminds us of weekend trips to the farmers’ market, where we purchase our favorite treats, chat with local food vendors who have become our community, and discover what’s in season before eating a meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Shopping for and eating food this way has many benefits:

• Environmentally friendly
• Improved taste
• Less expensive
• More nutrient-dense
• Supports local businesses

Before you head out to the farmers’ market or grocery store, here are a few seasonal spring items to add to your grocery list. And keep reading for spring recipes that will put them to use!

• Asparagus
• Bean sprouts
• Garlic
• Kale
• Leafy greens
• Mushrooms
• Peas
• Radishes
• Rhubarb

See more of what’s in season in your area here.

Five Spring Recipes to Try

Farmers’ Market Potato and Asparagus Pizza

Recipe

Who doesn’t love pizza? This one is topped with fresh herbs and sharp Gruyere or cheddar cheese, but you can make substitutions to suit your taste.

Spring Vegetable Stew

Recipe

Perfect for days that are still a bit chilly, this nourishing stew is filled with seasonal veggies.

Pea Pesto Pasta

Recipe

This vegan pesto pasta is the ideal quick meal for spring. Not only is it loaded with taste, it’s also packed with protein.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumbles

Recipe

Amplify your sweet treats with amazing flavor! Strawberry and rhubarb are the perfect combo in this light and fresh dessert.

Ramp Fritters

Recipe

Next time you get those little curly things in your community-supported agriculture (CSA) box and have no idea what to do with them, look no further than this recipe!

What are your favorite seasonal recipes? Tag us on Instagram @nutritionschool.