Yes, the gloomy weather is still here, but spring is around the corner and this means better weather, patio cocktails and shared backyard meals with friends. And there is so much produce here and on its way to help you plan your epic meals!
Soon we can stop living off root veggies and start looking forward to the different types of food that will be out and ready to tantalize our taste buds. BC has an amazing array of different veggies and fruits that are set to come our way this spring.
If you are like me, and like staying with the local theme, then you already know that farmers’ markets offer a variety of fresh foods from up and down our lovely coast. Also, it’s a great day to spend outdoors. We are still in winter market season, but soon enough there will be tons more markets popping up, making it more convenient for everyone to get their fresh produce party on.
You will be happy to know that some new exciting produce is making its way out of hibernation these next couple of months. Here is what’s already here and what's coming up.
Apples
Slice them, dice them, bake them, consume. Fact: Apples have cancer-fighting agents that specifically fight lung cancer. Interesting? I think so!
Pears
The combination of apples/pears showed the most consistent ability to lower risk of Type 2 diabetes. Pears are high in dietary fibre, vitamin C, E and antioxidants. My favorite way to eat pears lately is on a pizza with balsamic reduction and Gorgonzola cheese. Pear on a pizza? YES! Pear on a pizza. Do it.
Rosemary
Not only awesome with chicken and basically any other food, but it also stimulates blood flow to the brain helping you stay alert and with memory. I was obsessed with having rosemary tea while studying for exams. Whether it was placebo or the actual herb, my grades were pretty rad.
Sage
Want to have better brain function and fight inflammation? Get some sage in you! It’s great with chicken or roasted veggies. Make sure to add near the end of cooking times to preserve its delicate flavour.
Asparagus
Yes, it makes your pee and semen smell weird, but it has been considered a delicacy since ancient times, and to my surprise is super high in B vitamins! No kidding? So I guess next time you’re stressed, steam up or bake some asparagus and chill out.
Rhubarb
Help support the healthy growth of bones by eating this delicious vitamin K packed awesomeness. It’s also packed with vitamin C to help your immune system keep on fighting!
Spinach
Iron anyone? Good raw or cooked you can enjoy this nutrient and mineral rich green for pleasure or for health!
Fiddleheads
Get out for a hike and forage for these beauties (be mindful it is forbidden to forage in some areas). Fiddleheads are an awesome source of protein, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese. That's right, all that packed in a fun-sized weird looking green edible thing. Just make sure to cook them first!
Radish
This lovely pink, peppery-tasting root veggie gives you a crunch with every bite and is full of vitamin C. Not just good for fighting disease and boosting your immune system, it also helpsto rebuild tissues and blood vessels.
Pear and spinach salad
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh spinach (washed and dried)
3 thinly sliced radishes
2 tbsp raw pecans
1 Bosc pear, sliced and cored
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
2 sage leaves, sliced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Gorgonzola cheese (optional)
Directions:
1. Mix all veggies, sage and pear together.
2. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over salad and toss together.
3. Serve right away with optional gorgonzola cheese.
