Branches are still bare, but our weeks are interspersed with balmy, mid-50 days. Hurry, spring! Springtime—one of my favorite seasons—is synonymous with vitality, color, and new life. It’s a season of rebirth. When it comes to our grocery baskets, it’s time to give (a few) winter staples the boot. As spring fruits and veggies come into season, we can take advantage of diversifying our plates. Moving into March, focus on the vibrant bounty available to you. In other words: seasonal eating. Today, we’re diving into March seasonal produce (a list quite similar to February’s!). Consider this your spring produce cheat sheet. Plus, the best spring cookbooks.
Seasonal eating, According to Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine. Originating in India more than 3,000 years ago, Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus, Ayurveda translates to knowledge of life. To this day, Ayurvedic medicine is widely used for its focus on whole-body healing. This ancient science teaches us that eating fresh, seasonal, and locally-grown foods has a profound impact on our mind and body. Holistically speaking, eating with the seasons has many benefits: for your local farmers, your longevity, and the planet at large. Not to mention, food in season tastes better.
For the time being, here’s your winter Ayurveda guide!
spring: the kapha time of year
According to Ayurveda, spring is the kapha time of year. The earth and water elements are taking over. Enter: mud season. As temperature shifts, you might begin to feel some shifts in your body, too—a desire for outdoor exercise and time in nature, as well as a craving for lighter meals. Now’s the time to replace heavy, oily, sour, and sweet foods with foods that are pungent, bitter, astringent, dry, and light. Start with foraging at local farmers markets or joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). At the grocery store, look for what’s on sale in the produce section—if you see pyramids of a particular fruit or vegetable, it’s likely in season. As the weeks progress, you’ll find March seasonal produce in abundance.
how to lighten up your diet in the spring
It’s simple! First, layer on herbs: dill, cilantro, parsley, basil, and chives are wonderful additions to salads, marinades, dips, sauces, and entrees. They’re packed with flavor and antioxidants. Second, add tang and freshness with lemon zest. Third, when choosing grains, opt for lighter grains—like like millet, quinoa, and basmati rice. Fourth, get creative with spices. Think: black pepper, turmeric, ginger, garlic, cumin, and mustard seeds. Fifth, try new greens. Your plate should represent spring’s bright green landscape. Lastly, roast your veggies—even radishes! Roasting them neutralizes their sharp bite.
March fruits and vegetables
In the spirit of keeping up with early-spring’s most delicious produce, here are the ingredients to focus on in March:
- Artichokes
- Avocado
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Clementines
- Grapefruit
- Kale
- Kiwis
- Leeks
- Lemons
- Lettuce
- Mushrooms
- Oranges
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Spring onion
- Parsnips
- Pineapples
- Tangelos
- Tangerines
HEALTHY spring Meal ideas
Spring is such a wonderful time of year, especially when it comes to cooking. It truly is a celebration—treat it as such. Spring reminds us that life continually renews itself, that each day is a beginning, and that beautiful things take time to grow. When it comes to cooking healthy meals in the spring, focus on adding herbs, citrus, and greens to your favorite entrees. If you need ideas for cooking with March seasonal produce, look here. I have a few meal prep ideas for you! They’re healthy recipes for busy weeks. Additionally, take a look at this Lemony Asparagus Risotto, French Potato Salad, Spring Salmon en Papillote, Cucumber Avocado Spring Rolls, Shrimp Salad with Asparagus, and Coconut Chia Seed Pudding with Blood Orange.
The 7 Best seasonal eating cookbooks
If you need more inspiration, these are the best seasonal eating cookbooks!
Magnolia Table
the Lost Kitchen
Six Seasons: a new way with vegetables
Molly on the range
dining in
Nothing Fancy
Love & Lemons every daY
Images courtesy of Unsplash. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting Wellness with Edie!
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