by Dani Higgins, senior Nutrition & Health Sciences major and Dining Services intern
Eating with the seasons can be important because it can have an impact on your eating habits. Eating foods when they are in season and ripened can also help you save money, as foods are generally cheaper when they are bought during their ripening time. Not only are you able to save a little bit of money when you eat with the seasons, but you can also purchase produce that is perfectly fresh with flavors that can make your mouth water.
Some of the best foods to eat during the spring include asparagus, carrots, chives, peas, lettuce, rhubarb, and green onion.
Although most foods have a preferred ripe season, many fruits and vegetables overlap into other seasons and still taste great even if they aren’t eaten during their peak ripening time. The above list of produce is just a simple guide to follow if you are trying to eat foods that are in season to save a little money and ensure that you have a delicious dish.
RECIPES
You might be asking yourself what dishes you can make with food items that ripen in the spring. There are many options if you search online, but the recipes below are a few of my favorites.
• Roasted Radishes with Radish Greens
• Lemony Roasted Asparagus
• Artichoke Soup
FARMER'S MARKETS
Understanding how to eat with the seasons is one thing, but now you may be wondering, where should I buy ingredients to make these delicious dishes? Well, there are actually multiple local farmer’s markets in the area that offer locally grown produce, meat, cheeses, and other food items.
• Sunday Farmers’ Market at College View
48th St. & Prescott Ave., Lincoln, NE
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, starting April 24.
• Haymarket Farmers’ Market
Haymarket District, Lincoln, NE
8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays, starting May 7
• East Campus Discovery Days & Farmer's Market
UNL East Campus
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 11, July 9, and August 13, 2022.
Enjoy your spring cooking adventure!