Spring Foods and Recipes for Health

Spring is here, and summer is on the horizon. With the warm, restorative weather comes a cornucopia of fresh fruits and vegetables. Bringing seasonal, spring foods into your meals is a wonderful way to enjoy new recipes while getting an abundance of necessary nutrients. Read below for spring recipes that are both flavorful and good for your health.

Top 10 Spring Foods and Recipe Ideas

Artichokes.

Artichokes have an incredible amount of nutrients including fiber, folic acid and antioxidants. Some studies have even shown improved liver health when artichokes are added into one’s diet. If you want a fresh, creative spring meal that includes artichokes, you’ll want to try this Artichoke with Lemon Za’atar Dipping Sauce.

Asparagus.

Asparagus is incredibly rich in nutrients while just a half cup of the vegetable is only 20 calories. It provides more than half your daily recommendation of vitamin K which is essential to blood clotting and good bone health. Research has also shown that asparagus can help lower blood pressure, adding more reasons to incorporate it in your spring meals. One fresh meal idea with asparagus and other fresh vegetables is Grilled Vegetables in Foil.

Avocados.

Avocados have risen in popularity over the past few years, and there’s a reason. This fruit is high in healthy fats as well as vitamin K and folate. They also contain more potassium than a banana which may support healthy blood pressure. This 2-Minute Creamy Avocado Dip is a delicious, quick snack in between meals or for a visit with friends.

Beets.

These root vegetables help to fight inflammation which impacts other health issues such as heart disease, liver disease and cancer. As an incredible source of fiber, beets are also an important part of digestive health. The best part about beets is that they are incredibly easy to add into your meals. You can juice them, add them to a smoothie, or incorporate them in a quick salad like this Roasted Baby Beets and Blood Orange Salad with Blue Cheese.

Carrots.

Carrots are a rich source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A and biotin. They also offer other compounds that contribute to healthy hair, skin and nails. Honey-Glazed Carrots are a sweet and delicious way to add this spring food into your seasonal diet.

Mango.

This tropical fruit offers many different benefits including a boosted immune system, lower cholesterol, and better skin and gut health. Because they’re so flavorful, it’s incredibly easy to incorporate mangos into simple meals like Tropical Overnight Oats.

Mint.

You may not think of mint as a typical spring food, but this herb has a multitude of healing properties. Not only does it contain menthol, a natural decongestant, but it also provides rosmarinic acid which helps with seasonal allergy relief. Mint is something that can be added easily to many meals including this Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Mint Pesto dish.

Peas.

As popular as peas are, many people don’t know that this vegetable has an incredible nutrient profile. Just a half cup provides fiber, protein, thiamine, folate, manganese and vitamins A, K and C. Because they provide more protein than other vegetables, they’re also quite filling. A spring recipe such as this Spring Green Risotto is a flavorful way of adding peas into your meals.

Spinach.

Spinach is a superfood and therefore important to sprinkle into your diet daily. While it has many nutrients, it’s particularly high in vitamin K which is necessary for good bone health. This Greek take on a grilled cheese sandwich is one of the many ways you can incorporate spinach in your food.

Strawberries.

Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits and are in season through June. Because they’re high in vitamin C and antioxidants, they’re great for boosting your immune system. Many of us love to eat fresh strawberries as they are, but if you want a new experience with this seasonal berry, try this Strawberry Chia Jam on toast, peanut butter sandwiches and more.

Find a Delicious Spring Dining Experience at Monroe Village

We believe that dining should be more than a meal at Monroe Village in Monroe Township, NJ. Our culinary team ensures that each meal becomes an experience filled with healthy ingredients and flavor. With a rotating menu, there is always something new to enjoy. Contact our team today to learn more about life at Monroe Village. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.