5 Vibrant Foods to Celebrate the Start of Spring

Spring is here! That means our gardens, and most especially our vegetable gardens, are going to start overflowing with vibrant foods. It’s the time of year when many of us come out of our winter hibernation of stews, casseroles and lots of hot chocolate and begin to get excited about cooking with more colour.
We’ve selected five fruits and vegetables which sprout in spring, giving you some inspiration of how to cook with these fresh foods and get your meals packed with vitamins and goodness

What Are the Best Meals to Eat In Spring?

We’ve chosen five spring foods with a range of rainbow colours, so kick start your energy levels after a long winter. Five vibrant, spring recipes that are versatile, easy to cook and, of course, utterly yummy.

Asparagus

Getting as much green vegetables in at springtime is going to help rejuvenate your liver and get much needed nutrients and minerals into your body. Asparagus is a gorgeous little vegetable that can be used in many ways. Asparagus can be steamed, fried, grilled or baked and pairs well with meat, chicken and fish. Or simply chop it up raw and serve in a fresh green salad.

Carrots

Even though carrots are available in winter too, they tend to flourish as the warmer weather starts in spring. Tasty and bright orange - carrots are a wonderfully versatile vegetable that accompany many different kinds of meat and fish dishes. It is also a great vegetable to serve raw with a delicious hummus dip or even a fresh tzatziki at your first spring braai.

Strawberries

These bright red berries shout springtime. Strawberries are also incredibly versatile and can be used in fresh, spring salads or even in your morning smoothie along with bananas and yoghurt. Strawberries can be turned into a myriad of divine desserts, of course, and pair even better when simply served fresh with cream or ice cream and a sprig of mint.

Lemons & Limes

Zesty citrus fruits like lemons and limes begin to ripen in South Africa in winter, lasting all the way through until spring too. These citrus beauties are an excellent source of vitamin C and help the body break down fats that may have been stored up for winter. Start your day with a glass of warm water and lemon to really kick start your metabolism, use a mixture of honey and lemon as a great alternative for salad dressing, roast lemons with chicken or fish, or dress your power packed fruit salad in lemon too.

Rhubarb

Did you know that rhubarb is a vegetable and not a fruit? Although it’s often used in sweeter dishes, this little purple and green veggie is packed with vitamin B, folate, antioxidants and a wonderful flavonol called catechin which has been linked to improving your heart health. Steam rhubarb and blitz as a tart sauce to serve with a steak or equally as deliciously with ice cream.

What are the Best Meals to Eat In Spring?

How To Prepare Vibrant Meals?

When preparing meals for you and your family, don’t be afraid to use seasonal fruits and vegetables that you perhaps wouldn’t normally try. For spring dishes and colourful food recipes, try What’s For Dinner for inspiration using the most delicious seasonal ingredients possible.